IPM ESSEN 2026: Shaping a green future for Global Horticultural Industry

Stanley Ihedigbo

From 27 to 30 January 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the global meeting point for the international green sector. As the world-leading trade fair for horticulture, IPM ESSEN 2026 will cover the entire value chain – from plants, technology and floristry to equipment and garden features.

This year, the spotlight shines not only on product innovations but also on the strategic transformation of an industry confronting climate change, digitalisation and workforce challenges.

“IPM ESSEN is the place where the green sector collectively tackles global challenges – in a practical, international and inspiring way,” says CEO of Messe Essen, Oliver P. Kuhrt.

“Our visitors experience not only trends but also viable solutions – from climate-resilient plants and new training concepts to sustainable technology.”

With around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 nations, the 2026 edition promises an exceptional level of internationality. Renowned companies including Florensis, Scheurich, Soendgen Keramik and Koopman International will return, while numerous country pavilions—from Belgium and Costa Rica to China, Spain and the USA—underline the fair’s global relevance. Additional joint stands organised by Turkey, France, Denmark, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal and Israel further reinforce IPM ESSEN’s international profile.

The plant section will showcase the full range of horticultural diversity: nursery stock, perennials, herbs, bedding and balcony plants, cut flowers and young plants. A key theme will be plants suitable for increasingly extreme weather conditions—heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, robust and adaptable.

Hall 2 will once again host the Gardener Forum, where experts will address current challenges in production, technology and young plant marketing.

A new highlight for 2026 is the Wood Arena in Hall 7, dedicated to future-proof tree assortments for cities, forests and private gardens. Additional topics include tree maintenance and biodiversity-enhancing hedges.

Urban greening enthusiasts can look forward to the Green Cities Europe Award, hosted at Messe Essen for the second time, showcasing innovative municipal planting projects across Europe.

Returning to Hall 1A, the Landgard Order Days | Spring Edition will offer a focused ordering and inspiration platform following its successful premiere in 2025.

Resource-efficient and future-oriented production methods take centre stage in the technology segment. The Horticultural Technology Innovation Center in Hall 4 will present cutting-edge solutions for energy optimisation, water management and logistics.

A scientific highlight will be Cannabis.NET, where the University of Hohenheim will share the latest research insights on cannabis cultivation.

Also located in Hall 4 is the Horticultural Information Center, featuring a practical learning display on plant strengthening strategies—from peat-free substrates and nutrient management to biostimulants and innovative cultivation systems. This area will additionally host the IPM Novelties Showcase, with the top plant innovations of 2026 to be awarded on the opening day.

Creative excellence takes the stage in the Floristry + Lifestyle area. At the IPM Flower Stage, international floral designers will deliver daily live demonstrations, culminating in the much-anticipated “Aloha Show” headlined by Björn Kroner. The hall will also host the popular IPM bouquet competitions, spotlighting talented young florists.

The IPM Discovery Center, curated by trend expert Romeo Sommers, will provide inspiration for green retail: modern point-of-sale concepts, emotive plant presentations and novel approaches to consumer engagement.

Additionally, the Show Your Colours Award will honour outstanding marketing concepts built around a single plant.

From shopfitting and IT solutions to packaging, labelling, décor and merchandising, garden features will be integrated throughout all halls. This ensures that professionals can discover the equipment and services that complement and support their core horticultural operations.

IPM ESSEN 2026 is also committed to strengthening the industry’s future workforce. The Training Day and the Careers + Future Forum will address the needs and interests of young professionals.

New in 2026, the Young Entrepreneurs Day will offer young leaders a platform for networking and personal exchange. The keynote address will be delivered by Joey Kelly—musician, entrepreneur and extreme athlete—bringing inspiration from beyond the horticultural realm.

The Congress Center Essen will host several high-level side events to complement the trade fair:

The BdB seminar will explore urban greening strategies under the theme “Between asphalt and climate change: which trees and shrubs survive?”

The GaLaBau Outlook congress will examine future trends in landscape architecture and open-space planning.

With a comprehensive programme, global exhibitor presence and strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation and talent development, IPM ESSEN 2026 solidifies its role as the leading platform where the green industry not only discusses its future—but actively shapes it.