The sector is in a state of flux: energy efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability are shaping the agenda, while companies are simultaneously responding flexibly to market changes, such as high construction and energy costs and international trade conflicts. And this is precisely where Light + Building has a vital role to play by linking up key issues, providing orientation and creating a framework for the international exchange of ideas and information.
“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. This high degree of confidence fills us with optimism, showing that – even in challenging times – Light + Building is a firm anchor and source of inspiration for the future of the sector,” says Steffen Larbig, Director of Light + Building.
Technologies for tomorrow's built-up world
‘Be Electrified – Electrifying Places. Illuminating Spaces.’ is the motto of Light + Building 2026, underscoring the dual strengths of this international meeting place for the sector: intelligent energy infrastructure and sophisticated lighting solutions. While ‘Electrifying Places’ stands for connected buildings, smart control systems and energy efficiency, ‘Illuminating Spaces’ focuses on the creative power of light.
This is also linked to the three key themes of the trade fair – ‘Sustainable Transformation,’ ‘Smart Connectivity,’ and ‘Living Light’ – which reflect the main developments in the sector. ‘Sustainable Transformation’ shows ways to achieve a climate-friendly building sector, with renewable energies, intelligent energy management and resource-saving materials. ‘Smart Connectivity’ highlights the process of digital transformation, with connected systems, data-based control and interfaces that increase efficiency, safety, and comfort. ‘Living Light’ focuses on the emotional and creative dimension of light, as a defining element for human identity, well-being and spatial experience.
Visitors can discover the solutions offered by various exhibitors in the individual product segments. When it comes to lighting, the spectrum ranges from functional lighting for work, education, industry, as well as public spaces, to design-oriented luminaires that can be used to structure rooms and create the required atmosphere. Halls 3.0, 5.0, 5.1 and the Forum form the focal point for technical lighting, while Hall 3.1 focuses on design-oriented lighting. Hall 4.0 is dedicated to urban outdoor lighting, Hall 4.1 to emergency and safety lighting, and special luminaires. Decorative luminaires for private living areas, as well as hotels and restaurants, are to be found in Hall 6, while Hall 8 provides a platform for components, control systems and smart interfaces. This spectrum is complemented by the Asia Selection in Halls 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3.
Many key players have already confirmed they will be taking part. They include: AEC Illuminazione, Bega, Bender + Wirth, BJB, Carandini, Casambi, 3F Filippi / Targetti, Inotec, Kreon, Ledvance, LedsC4, Lichtwerk, Linea Light, Opple, Osram, Prolicht, Ridi, RZB, Schmitz Wila, Schuch, Signify, Simes, Trilux, XAL and Zumtobel.
At Light + Building, building-services technology demonstrates how energy, comfort and security can be combined to form a powerful overall system. Electrification and digitalization form the basis for tomorrow's built-up world by enabling the integration of renewable energies, increasing efficiency and opening up new possibilities for smart buildings. In Halls 12.0 and 12.1, the spotlight is on solutions for electrical installations, the charging infrastructure, energy management, decentralized supply, as well as switchgear, cables, and photovoltaic components. Halls 11.0 and 11.1 are dedicated to automation platforms, control systems and networked energy distribution. Finally, Hall 9.0 brings together electrical engineering, home and building automation and security technology.
Numerous leading companies have also confirmed their participation in this segment. They include: ABB, Busch-Jaeger, Doepke, Gira, Hager, Hensel, Jung, Kaiser, KNX, Legrand, Mennekes, Niedax, OBO Bettermann, Phoenix Contact, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Spelsberg, Theben and Wago.
The latest information about exhibitors and the hall plan can be found online at:
www.light-building.com
More than just a trade fair: where expertise meets inspiration
In addition to classic trade-fair activities, Light + Building 2026 will also feature a diverse programme of events focusing on current trends, technological developments and design impulses. Forums, stages and interactive formats throughout the Exhibition Centre will provide a host of opportunities for the exchange of expert ideas and information.
One of the main highlights will be the Design Plaza in Hall 3.1, dedicated to lighting design with lectures, talks and curated formats for interior designers, architects, designers and lighting planners. There, Messe Frankfurt and Stylepark will present the ‘Designplus Awards powered by Light + Building’ for products that unambiguously combine design quality, technological innovation and sustainability. The awards are presented in several categories at a special ceremony – the Designplus label stands for design and technical excellence with international visibility. The Design Plaza programme also includes lectures on lighting trends for 2025/2026, by the bora.herke.palmisano style agency. During the runup to Light + Building, the agency's designers identify the latest design trends that are set to shape the lighting industry in the coming season.
For the first time, Light + Building will also host the IALD International Lighting Design Awards, which are given for outstanding lighting projects from around the world. In addition, the Architects' Day will provide specialist inspiration by specifically addressing the perspectives and requirements of planners.
The Workshop Street is practice-oriented and dialogue-focused. There, the focus is on application-oriented live demonstrations for the electrical trade: comprehensible, solution-oriented and geared towards everyday professional requirements. The social-media community will once again have its own platform with another edition of the successful Power Creator Days giving content creators from the lighting and building technology industry the opportunity to connect with trade visitors and exhibitors.
The ZVEI Technology Forum and the ZVEH E-House, which presents practice-oriented application scenarios in the form of a walk-in smart home, are central platforms for the exchange of ideas and information relating to building-services technology. The programme is rounded off by two exhibitor stages, where exhibitors can present their solutions in a compact and practical manner. Further formats are already in the planning stage and include contributions from the BTGA, as well as the House of Energy Congress, the IEECB Congress in the Portalhaus and a session organised by REHVA.
Light + Building – the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building-services technology.
Light + Building 2026 will take place from 8 to 13 March.
www.light-building.com
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Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
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