More than a year before LIGNA 2027, the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing industries reports strong advance bookings. Over eighty percent of the exhibition space has already been allocated, with all leading companies in the sector registering their participation across all exhibition areas. This demonstrates the woodworking community’s commitment to the flagship fair despite the challenging global economic climate.
“The clear and overall commitment from the companies shows that LIGNA remains the premier platform for international market players,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG. “Fifteen months ahead of LIGNA 2027, more than eighty percent of the exhibition space relative to the final total of LIGNA 2025 is already booked. Two thirds of exhibitors have already registered for the trade fair.” The previous edition featured over 113,000 square meters of net exhibition space and 1,425 exhibitors.
Major industry players confirm participation
Among the industry leaders registering for the event are global manufacturers such as Homag, Weinig, Biesse, SCM, Leitz, Leuco, Dieffenbacher, Siempelkamp, Sennebogen, Liebherr, Barberan, Cefla, Robert Bürkle, Ledinek, Linck, Microtec, Festool, Mafell, Hundegger, and Felder. “These companies represent the entire Woodworking Community, which strengthens Germany as a trade fair location and collectively formulates the ambition to fulfill and further develop the label ‘Global Industry Gathering’,” Wagner notes. “LIGNA’s strong booking status shows that exhibitors use the fair as an international platform to demonstrate expertise, strength, innovation and global visibility – particularly in a challenging environment.”
Industry focus on innovation and market shift
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, sees the opportunities arising from a rapidly changing global economy. “Global uncertainty and changes in the world economy present opportunities for our industry. Production sites are being shifted more frequently than in the past. The investment pressure driven by societal trends is steadily increasing, and many planned investments have already been postponed for some time. Significant progress is also becoming evident in areas such as recycling technologies or measurement technology. In May 2027, LIGNA will serve as the central marketplace of the industry, providing orientation.”
The 2027 edition will feature a new date without a national public holiday, allowing the fair to fully live up to its role as an innovation platform. LIGNA’s focus areas include LIGNA.CONNECTIVITY, which explores digital networking across the value chain, LIGNA.SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, highlighting resource-efficient and environmentally friendly methods, and LIGNA.ENGINEERED WOOD, showcasing innovations for sustainable construction. “Modern woodworking thrives on innovation, much of which emerges at LIGNA simply because it is most visible here,” Dirr adds. “Exhibitors are eager to make use of this effect.”
LIGNA 2027 will be held from 10 to 14 May at Hanover Exhibition Center in Germany.
