SHK+E ESSEN is preparing for the next edition with a strong final result from this year's edition. From March 17 to 20, 2026, the trade fair will kick off the trade fair year for professionals from the trades, installation, planning and consulting sectors. Most recently, SHK+E ESSEN recorded an increase in visitors of around 20 percent. The most important change compared to the previous edition is that the sanitation industry will be presented in Halls 6, 7 and 8, giving it two additional halls for sanitation objects. In line with this decision, there are currently signs of a slight recovery in the sanitation industry according to the SHK economic barometer from VdZ and VDS. The supporting program is also well taken care of: at the Drinking Water Meeting Point, visitors can experience high-quality products and practical presentations on the supply of drinking water.
“We are looking forward to the upcoming trade fair with great confidence and are particularly looking forward to the return of suppliers of sanitation objects. The rebooking during the event has already been well received by the exhibitors - despite the tense market situation,” explains Torben Brinkmann, Project Manager of SHK+E ESSEN. Frank Hehl, Managing Director of the SHK NRW trade association, emphasizes: “SHK+E ESSEN is firmly anchored in the specialist trade. It is the best meeting place for our guild specialist companies to find out about new products and system solutions, get an overview of the market and gain inspiration for their day-to-day business.”
Innovation and information in Hall 2
As in the past, Hall 2 of the trade fair will be all about innovation and information. The planned specialist forums and special shows include the Trainee Lounge, the “SHK Education, Learning + IT Campus” and a heating forum. After a successful premiere this year, the Content Lab is entering its second round with live talks and hands-on examples. In this hybrid format, visitors will be shown in a vivid way how trade and social media can be combined. Suppliers of tools, business equipment and mobility will also be presenting themselves in Hall 2 and the adjacent Galeria.
Stronger focus on ventilation and air conditioning technology
As usual, Halls 1 and 3 will be home to the exhibition areas of heating technology, ventilation and air-conditioning technology and renewable energy systems. There will be a particular focus on products and services relating to ventilation and air conditioning. These include, for example, supply and exhaust air systems, fans and components, systems with heat recovery and products for air treatment.
The electrical sector, which got off to a successful start in 2024 with exhibitors such as Fronius and Huawei, will be presented together in the northern part of Hall 3. In this way, Messe Essen wants to take account of the cross-sectoral convergence of HVAC and electrical engineering in the context of building technology. The focus here is on cross-sector solutions for the efficient integration of heat, electricity and mobility. In addition to the heat pump as a starting point, this includes complementary products such as battery storage, energy management systems, photovoltaics, wall boxes and inverters.
Approval for new opening hours
In addition to the South and West Entrances, the East Entrance with its representative glass foyer will also be available again at the upcoming SHK+E ESSEN. The last run of the trade fair also took place with new opening hours, which will be retained following the positive feedback from the industry: From Tuesday to Thursday, SHK+E ESSEN will once again open from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Interested exhibitors can find the registration documents and further information at www.shke-essen.de.
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
