IPM Essen 2026 overview
From 27 to 30 January 2026, IPM Essen will become the central ordering and communication platform for the international green sector
Print3 December 2025
IPM Essen, the leading trade fair for horticulture and the key meeting place for the green sector, will take place from 27 to 30 January 2026.
Around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 nations are expected at the world leading trade fair. They will present innovative products and services from all areas of horticulture, complemented by a strong supporting programme of specialist forums, live demonstrations, and competitions.
“IPM Essen is the place where the green sector collectively tackles global challenges – in a practical, international and inspiring way,” Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, said.
He added: “our visitors experience not only trends but also viable solutions – from climate-resilient plants and new training concepts to sustainable technology.”
A new offering, Young Entrepreneurs Day, will provide a platform for networking among young leaders and personal exchange. Keynote speaker will be musician, extreme athlete and entrepreneur Joey Kelly.
IPM Essen 2026 will again occupy the entire exhibition grounds. The halls are clearly organised by theme, providing professional visitors with precise orientation.
Plants – Halls 1, 1A, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and the Galeria
From nursery stock to perennials, herbs, bedding and balcony plants, cut flowers and young plants, the plant sector will be presented in all its diversity. The focus will be on plants suitable for a changing climate – heat- and drought-resistant, robust and adaptable.
Hall 2 will host the Gardener Forum, offering expert lectures and discussions.
A new feature is the Wood Arena in Nursery Hall 7, which will address topics such as future-proof tree assortments for cities, forests and private gardens, along with proper maintenance and biodiversity promoting hedges.
Fresh ideas for urban greening projects will also be provided by the Green Cities Europe Award. For the second consecutive year, Messe Essen will host this cross-border industry award.
Technology – Halls 3, 4, and Galeria
Resource efficiency, automation, digitalisation – the technology section of IPM Essen provides solutions for the demands of modern production.
The Horticultural Technology Innovation Center in Hall 4 will showcase pioneering approaches to energy efficiency, water management and logistics.
Also in Hall 4, the Horticultural Information Center will offer a teaching display showing practical strategies for strengthening plants – from peat free substrate production and nutrient supply to bio stimulants and innovative cultivation methods. It will also serve as the exhibition space for the IPM Novelties Showcase, where the best plant innovations will be awarded on the first day of the trade fair.
Floristry and Retail – Hall 5
Hall 5 will be home to the floristry and lifestyle area. The IPM Flower Stage will offer daily live demonstrations and workshops from international floral stars, with the highlight being the “Aloha Show” by headliner Björn Kroner. The popular IPM bouquet competitions, where the best young florists showcase their skills, will also take place in this area.
At the same time, the IPM Discovery Center, curated by Romeo Sommers, will inspire visitors with trends for the green retail sector: modern POS concepts, emotive plant presentations and new approaches to engaging consumers.
The Show Your Colours Award will also highlight outstanding marketing concepts, recognising the best sales story centred on a single plant.
Garden features – in all Halls
From shop fitting to IT, from labelling and packaging to decoration and marketing, no horticultural business is complete without the right equipment. Accordingly, these solutions will be integrated into all exhibition halls, thematically aligned with each area.
Read more: GLAS 2025 in a nutshell
© 2025, Growtrade.ie by Patryk Goron
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