INTERFORST 2026 attracts 42,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors to Munich

INTERFORST 2026 brought together 400 companies from 28 countries and around 42,000 visitors from 75 countries at Messe München on October 15–18. New demonstration areas, a record share of international exhibitors and discussions on the future of European forestry were among the highlights of the four-day event.

Under the theme “Shape the forest together. Utilize diversity. Secure the future.”, INTERFORST focused on four key topics: a healthy forest for the future, people in focus, forestry technology on new paths, and the digitalisation of forestry and wood.

With European regulations on deforestation and nature restoration, climate change and economic pressures presenting major challenges, the fair brought together representatives from politics, business and research to discuss the sector’s future.

The attendance of Germany’s Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer, Bavaria’s Minister of Forestry Michaela Kaniber and Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger underlined the event’s political significance.

Following the first edition held on the new autumn dates, Messe München Managing Director Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer welcomed the outcome.

“INTERFORST has impressively demonstrated the central role it plays in shaping change in the forestry sector. As a leading international trade fair, it brings together politics, business, and research; promotes dialogue on sustainable political framework conditions; and provides important inspiration for the entire industry.”

Pfeiffer added that Messe München would continue developing the event together with the industry to meet European market needs for 2030.

International exhibitors account for a record 40 percent

The number of exhibitors increased by 14 percent compared with 2022. International exhibitors accounted for a record 40 percent of the total. Alongside Germany, the leading exhibitor countries were Austria, Italy, Sweden, France, Finland, China, Switzerland, Latvia and Slovenia.

Ralf Dreeke, Chairman of the Advisory Board, reported a positive mood among exhibiting companies.

“The increase in visitors from Finland, Austria, Croatia, and northern Germany is particularly encouraging. The new action areas for demonstrating solutions are a hit with visitors. That was a great start toward better meeting visitors’ needs in the future.”

Deputy Chairman Gert Unterreiner also praised the quality and number of visitors, the organisation of the exhibition grounds and the implementation of the action and demonstration areas.

Exhibition Director Petra Hess highlighted the exhibitors’ contribution to developing the event.

“Our exhibitors have been actively involved in the trade fair concept from the very beginning, contributing ideas and, in particular, bringing the new hands-on formats to life. The fact that these offerings have been so well received confirms that our collaborative approach is a key component of our success.”

Finnish exhibitor AGCO Power welcomes customer discussions

Among the international exhibitors was Finland’s AGCO Power. Account Manager Heikki Hihnala described the event as a success.

“We are very satisfied with INTERFORST 2026. It provided an excellent opportunity to meet customers and key decision-makers, strengthen relationships, and engage in valuable discussions about the future of forestry.

“The German-speaking markets are of great importance to AGCO Power, and INTERFORST is undoubtedly one of the most important events for us in this region.”

The international reach was also evident among visitors. After Germany, the leading visitor countries were Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Finland and Romania.

In a visitor survey conducted by the Gelszus market research institute, 96 percent of respondents rated the fair as good to excellent, while 93 percent confirmed its leading role within the industry.

Live demonstrations bring machinery closer to visitors

New demonstration and action areas were among the main additions to INTERFORST 2026. A total of 44 companies made use of additional exhibition space to demonstrate vehicles and machinery.

For the first time, demonstration areas were located directly at exhibitors’ stands, giving companies greater flexibility in scheduling demonstrations and responding to visitors’ requests.

“The new demonstration areas were very well received by the trade fair audience, and we found it much easier to set them up. By integrating them into our stand, we had more flexibility with the demonstration times and were better able to accommodate visitors’ requests. We are completely satisfied,” said Markus Eichinger, Co-Founder of Reil & Eichinger.

Yvonne Oehler, Managing Director of Oehler Maschinen, also welcomed the concept, noting that visitors appreciated the increased opportunities to see machinery working live.

Three new action areas demonstrated workflows in timber transport, networking in highly mechanised timber harvesting, and the firewood value chain.

One of these areas was designed by PALFINGER EPSILON. Regional Marketing Manager Sophia Austrup highlighted the opportunity to demonstrate products in practical use.

“The trade fair provided the ideal platform to showcase our products live and in real use, and to demonstrate their performance to a wide audience. In particular, our personal interactions with local and international customers and partners underscored the high level of interest in our solutions.”

Supporting programme combines knowledge, technology and safety

More than 30 presentations and panel discussions at the conference and forums explored the event’s key themes. The special exhibition “Shaping forests together” addressed questions concerning the future of forests, while the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture (SVLFG) focused on safety, health and responsible working practices.

The Bavarian State Forests’ vocational skills competition and STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® added further practical elements to the programme.

The new “SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS FORESTRY by DLG” area in Hall B6 presented digital solutions, including vehicle electronics, sensor technology and AI-based applications. According to the organisers, the area was well received, and the partnership will continue.

Beyond its professional audience, the event also sought to raise public awareness of forestry. Bernhard Breitsameter, President of the Bavarian Forest Owners’ Association, highlighted its contribution to bringing forest conservation, forest conversion and forest management into wider public discussion.

The next INTERFORST will take place at the Munich exhibition grounds on October 17–20, 2030.