Image © Messe München GmbH
INTERFORST 2026 welcomed approximately 42,000 visitors to Messe München from 15–18th October, bringing together 400 companies from 28 countries to showcase developments in forestry and forestry technology.
Held under the theme “Shape the forest together. Utilize diversity. Secure the future,” the four-day event focused on four key areas: a healthy forest for the future, people in focus, new approaches to forestry technology, and the digitalisation of forestry and wood.
International participation reached a record level, with 40% of exhibitors coming from outside Germany. The event attracted visitors from 75 countries, while a survey conducted by the Gelszus market research institute found that 96% of visitors rated the fair good to excellent. A further 93% confirmed INTERFORST’s leading role within the industry.
Live demonstrations were a major feature of this year’s exhibition. For the first time, exhibitors could demonstrate machinery directly at their stands, with 44 companies benefiting from the additional outdoor exhibition space. Three dedicated action areas also showcased workflows in timber transport, highly mechanised timber harvesting and the firewood value chain.
The supporting programme included more than 30 presentations and panel discussions covering forestry and forestry technology. A new SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS FORESTRY by DLG area also presented digital solutions involving automotive electronics, sensor technology and artificial intelligence.
The event brought together representatives from politics, business and research to discuss the future of the forestry sector amid climate change, economic pressures and European regulations on deforestation and nature restoration.
Messe München managing director Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer said the exhibition had demonstrated its central role in supporting change across the forestry industry, adding that the organisers would work with industry partners to develop the event in line with European market needs for 2030.
The next INTERFORST will take place at the Munich exhibition grounds from 17–20 October 2030.
