ORGATEC 2026 is progressing at full speed in its planning phase, with numerous leading companies in the workspace and contract solutions sectors already confirming their participation for the October event in Cologne. The strong early interest from the industry underscores the trade fair’s continued relevance as a central platform for market trends and business development in the office and commercial furniture sectors.
Strong exhibitor commitment across segments
Within the Workspace Solutions segment, numerous companies have already confirmed their participation, including members of the German Interior Business Association (IBA) such as Actiu, Bene, Buzzispace, Interstuhl, JAB Anstoetz, Kinnarps, Nowy Styl, Nurus, Palmberg, Pedrali, Preform, Sedus Stoll, Thonet, Topstar, Viasit and VS Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabriken. Market leaders including Brunner, Humanscale, Interface, Koleksiyon, LD Seating and Narbutas will also be presenting their solutions.
In the Contract Solutions segment, key players including Bielefelder Werkstätten, Blomus, Bretz, Cane line, Casala, Christine Kröncke, COR, Dedon, Ege Carpets, Framery, Freifrau, Gloster, Johanson, Kettal, Kettnaker, kvadrat, Lapalma, Muuto, Müller Möbelwerkstätten, Piure, PME 1910, Prostoria, Schönbuch, Softline, Viccarbe and Weishäupl have announced their participation. The international share of applications remains at a very high level, comparable with the 2024 edition, reflecting the global relevance of the fair.
New exhibition structure brings clarity to the marketplace
ORGATEC 2026 will introduce a clearer exhibition structure, dividing its offerings into two distinct segments. Workspace Solutions encompasses office and conference furniture, acoustic and lighting technology, modular work areas, room-in-room systems, and solutions for hybrid and mobile work arrangements. Contract Solutions focuses on interior design and furnishings for hotels, food service facilities, congress centres, public buildings and outdoor areas.
To support visitor navigation, Workspace Solutions will be located in the Northern Halls 6 to 9, while Contract Solutions will occupy Halls 4, 5 and 10 at Koelnmesse. This geographical separation provides a practical framework for orientation, though many exhibitors operate across both segments.
Comprehensive event programming takes shape
The fair’s content programming is expanding around the theme “From rooms to relationships: designing spaces in an ever-changing world.” ORGATEC Perspectives will feature two curated special exhibitions – one for Contract Solutions developed by Berlin-based Hanne Willmann studio and another for Workspace Solutions by London’s Pearson Lloyd design studio.
The Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival, which debuted successfully in 2024, returns to Halls 6 and 9 with three thematic focus areas: “Empowered Experience,” “Connected Cultures” and “Radical Impact.” The programme will explore new work environments, corporate culture, and the effects of sustainability, technology and artificial intelligence on the workplace. Confirmed speakers include Dr Guzmán de Yarza Blache, Dr Peggie Rothe and Eve Wilkinson Bell.
The Danish Design Makers will present their “Embracing Age” project, with around 20 international designers developing prototypes for furniture, objects and room concepts that address modern design solutions for older age groups. Additionally, approximately 20 companies from the design industry will participate in advancing the project’s market relevance.
Sustainability and social responsibility initiatives
ORGATEC 2026 is implementing sustainability measures in collaboration with TRASH GALORE and Tafel Köln e.V. Exhibitors can donate surplus stand construction materials to social, non-profit or creative projects following the fair, reducing waste and disposal costs. Leftover food from stand catering can be donated daily to the Tafel food bank, which assists people affected by poverty in Cologne and surrounding regions.
