Six months before its doors open, LIGNA 2025 has already secured a strong foothold, booking over 105,000 square meters of exhibition space with commitments from 1,100 exhibitors. This milestone comes as the global woodworking and wood processing industry navigates challenging economic conditions, echoing the fair’s origins in 1975 when it launched during the oil crisis.
Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe, highlighted the significance of these commitments, emphasizing the high level of trust exhibitors place in the trade fair: “Participating in a trade fair is a significant investment. That our customers are willing to make this investment despite the current economic situation underscores the high significance LIGNA enjoys.”
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery, expressed optimism about the industry’s recovery aligning with the fair’s timing: “The anticipated recovery is still delayed, but our surveys show that most companies expect a clear upturn from the second quarter of 2025—perfectly timed for LIGNA.”
Focus Topics and New Formats
LIGNA 2025 will spotlight three central themes: CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD, addressing industry-wide transformation. The event will feature international exhibitors showcasing advancements in digital networking, eco-friendly production methods, and intelligent wood products.
The event will also debut two new formats: LIGNA.TruckStop and LIGNA.Circular. LIGNA.TruckStop, located in the open-air exhibition area, targets craftsmanship with a dynamic display of power tools, fittings, and technology from suppliers like Festool and Hettich. Meanwhile, LIGNA.Circular in Hall 12 will serve as a hub for the circular economy, promoting cross-sector collaboration to advance sustainable practices.
Expanded Exhibition Program
The ten-hall layout will host a diverse range of exhibitors and demonstrations. Highlights include:
- Custom and Mass Production in Halls 11-15 and 27, showcasing tools and machinery.
- Sawmill Technology, Wood-Based Panel Production, and Energy from Wood in Halls 25 and 26.
- Surface Technology in Halls 16 and 17.
- Forestry and Roundwood Machinery at the open-air site.
Complementary formats such as LIGNA.FutureSquare, LIGNA.Recruiting, and LIGNA.Campus will return, offering innovation showcases, networking opportunities, and career-building platforms.
With strong early participation and innovative new formats, LIGNA 2025 aims to cement its role as a critical hub for technology, collaboration, and education in the woodworking industry.
