MUNICH, Germany — For the last 60 years, IFAT Munich has built a strong reputation as a global meeting place where environmental technology innovation meets sustainability implementation.
The event has become the leading trade show for environmental technologies in the entire value chain — including waste, water, raw materials management and wastewater.
In 2024 alone, IFAT Munich attracted 142,000 visitors and 3,200 exhibitors representing around 170 and 60 countries respectively. These numbers are a culmination of steady growth over a decade, which has seen the event expand to around 3,229,173 square feet of exhibition space — a 30 percent increase.
Philipp Eisenmann, IFAT Munich’s Exhibition Director, says the secret to the show’s success is the fact that environmental technologies — particularly in the context of resource scarcity, climate adaptation and regulatory pressure — have become increasingly relevant around the world. In addition, the show’s formula has further aided its growth.
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“A key driver is the guiding principle ‘Circularity is a must,’ which resonates strongly across industries and regions,” Eisenmann said. “We have also further strengthened international partnerships, expanded country pavilions and sharpened our conference program to better connect political frameworks with technological solutions. This combination has helped maintain IFAT’s leading position and attractiveness.”
That attractiveness will be on full display during IFAT Munich 2026, which will take place on May 4–7 at Trade Fair Center Messe München.
To expand its focus on the circular economy, climate resilience and digitalization, the show will feature about 400 formats — including stages, live demonstrations and cross-industry sessions. In addition, there will be dialogue and exchange formats involving industry representatives and policymakers sharing ideas.
These formats have been designed to give all of the show’s stakeholders what they need most in today’s global business landscape.
“We are strengthening cross-sector formats that connect water, waste and energy systems more closely — because real-world solutions increasingly lie at these intersections,” Eisenmann explained. “These additions benefit exhibitors through more targeted audiences and visibility, while visitors gain clearer orientation and practical insights.”
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Marketing Strategy
To help ensure that more attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of the practical insights IFAT Munich has to offer, the show is leveraging national and international strategic partnerships.
On the global level, it intensified its international outreach and digital communication to focus on stronger content-driven marketing campaigns.
IFAT Munich has also expanded its relationships with industry associations that cater to industrial users and municipalities.
Closer to home, the event partnered with one of Germany’s biggest daily newspapers, Süddeutsche Zeitung, so the publication can create content from its own media hub on the show floor.
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Wherever attendees come from, IFAT Munich 2026 promises an experience that moves global sustainability forward.
“IFAT Munich is not just a trade fair; it’s a platform that helps translate global goals into real-world solutions,” Eisenmann said. “Without environmental technologies, there is no circular economy — and without platforms like IFAT, their global scaling would be much harder.”
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