The world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building-services technology is set to open its doors in Frankfurt am Main from March 8 to 13, 2026. Light + Building 2026 has already secured participation from approximately 2,000 companies from Germany and abroad, including numerous market leaders, specialist suppliers, and innovative newcomers spanning from global market leaders to creative start-ups setting new trends in lighting and building-services technology.
The lighting and building services sector currently faces significant transformation driven by energy efficiency demands, digitalization, and sustainability requirements. Companies are responding flexibly to market challenges including high construction and energy costs and international trade conflicts, positioning Light + Building as a vital platform for linking key issues and facilitating international exchange of ideas and information.
Strong International Participation Signals Market Confidence
The exhibition demonstrates robust industry confidence with international participation reaching approximately 70 percent. “Light + Building 2026 is rapidly gaining momentum. We are delighted to report a high level of participation by numerous market leaders and great interest being shown by the sector. In particular, an international level of participation of around 70 percent demonstrates that the fair is regarded as an indispensable meeting place for the whole world,” says Steffen Larbig, Director of Light + Building.
Technology Focus Centers on Three Key Themes
Operating under the motto “Be Electrified — Electrifying Places. Illuminating Spaces,” the event emphasizes dual strengths of intelligent energy infrastructure and sophisticated lighting solutions. The exhibition revolves around three central themes: Sustainable Transformation, Smart Connectivity, and Living Light. Sustainable Transformation addresses climate-friendly building approaches through renewable energies, intelligent energy management and resource-saving materials. Smart Connectivity highlights digital transformation processes with connected systems, data-based control and efficiency-enhancing interfaces. Living Light focuses on the emotional and creative dimensions of lighting as a defining element for human well-being and spatial experience.
Comprehensive Exhibition Layout Spans Multiple Technology Sectors
The lighting segment spans multiple halls with specialized focus areas. Technical lighting occupies Halls 3.0, 5.0, 5.1 and the Forum, while Hall 3.1 concentrates on design-oriented lighting solutions. Hall 4.0 is dedicated to urban outdoor lighting, with Hall 4.1 featuring emergency and safety lighting applications. Decorative luminaires for residential, hotel and restaurant applications are showcased in Hall 6, while Hall 8 provides a platform for components, control systems and smart interfaces. The Asia Selection expands across Halls 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3.
Confirmed lighting participants include AEC Illuminazione, Bega, Ledvance, Osram, Signify, Trilux, XAL and Zumtobel among others. Building-services technology demonstrates integration of energy, comfort and security systems across Halls 12.0, 12.1, 11.0, 11.1 and 9.0, with participation from ABB, Gira, Jung, Schneider Electric, Siemens and other industry leaders.
Expanded Program Features Design Awards and Professional Development
Beyond traditional exhibition activities, Light + Building 2026 will feature an extensive program of forums, stages and interactive formats. The Design Plaza in Hall 3.1 will host lectures, talks and curated formats for interior designers, architects and lighting planners, including the Designplus Awards powered by Light + Building ceremony. For the first time, the event will host the IALD International Lighting Design Awards recognizing outstanding lighting projects worldwide. The Workshop Street provides application-oriented live demonstrations for the electrical trade, while Power Creator Days connect social media content creators with industry participants. The ZVEI Technology Forum and ZVEH E-House will present practice-oriented smart home application scenarios.
