The events at Light + Building address current developments in the industry and offer valuable inspiration, opportunities for exchange and space for discussion. Below is a first look at the event highlights for 2026.
Design Plaza
The Design Plaza is a central stage for presentations, offering a varied programme on lighting, architecture and design across all six days of the trade fair. In addition to inspiring keynotes and talks on topics such as sustainability, efficiency and digital developments, visitors can look forward to exciting trend presentations every day as well as the ceremonial presentation of prestigious design awards.
IALD Awards
The IALD International Lighting Design Awards are among the world’s most important accolades for architectural lighting concepts. Presented by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), they honour projects that impress with creative design, technical excellence and atmospheric lighting solutions. The 43rd award ceremony will take place in March 2026 in collaboration with the IALD as part of Light + Building.
Designplus Award Ceremony
The Designplus Award recognises products that combine innovation, design quality, functionality and sustainability in an exemplary way. Exhibiting companies can submit their pioneering solutions in several categories. The award is organised in cooperation with Stylepark – the award ceremony will take place on the Design Plaza.
Trend Talks
The trend agency bora.herke.palmisano. will present daily Trend Talks, exploring current movements and societal developments that will shape lighting design for the 2026/27 season.
ZVEH E-House
The E-House is a walk-in model that presents smart and energy-efficient building technologies – from home automation to photovoltaics and heat pumps. It demonstrates the innovative strength of the electrical trade. The project is run by ZVEH, the Central Association of the German Electrical and Information Technology Trades, representing over 48,000 companies and around 500,000 employees.
Exhibitor Stage
Launched at Light + Building 2024, the Exhibitor Stage has quickly established itself as a popular format. Expert talks, product presentations and practical solutions from exhibitors were met with great interest. At Light + Building 2026, exhibitors will once again provide fascinating insights into current developments, present innovative products and showcase practical solutions for lighting and building services technology.
ZVEI Technology Forum
The Technology Forum provides a platform for dialogue-driven knowledge exchange. Talks and discussions focus on electrification and digitalisation in the building sector. Experts from ZVEI member companies will present cross-manufacturer innovations and new standards – independent, insightful and practical. The forum is jointly organised by ZVEI – the German Electrical and Digital Industry Association – and Messe Frankfurt.