Seven halls full of plants

From January 27 to 30, 2026, Messe Essen will once again be transformed into the central ordering and communication platform for the international green industry. Around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 nations are expected to attend IPM. They will showcase their products and services from all areas of horticulture – complemented by a supporting program of expert forums, live presentations, and competitions. But the focus will also be on strategies for an industry in transition: How can sustainable business practices be achieved? What role does artificial intelligence play now and in the future? How can customers be inspired? And how can horticulture find skilled workers and young talent?

The IPM Discovery Center, once again curated by Romeo Sommers, will also be there. In Hall 5, the special area will offer an overview of trends in green retail: modern POS concepts, emotional plant displays, and new ways of addressing consumers.

The trade fair is also breaking new ground in addressing the next generation of industry professionals with the first-ever Young Entrepreneurs Day. The new offering is designed to connect young leaders and give them their own platform for personal exchange. The keynote speaker is musician, extreme athlete, and entrepreneur Joey Kelly.

IPM Essen will once again occupy the entire exhibition center in 2026. The halls are clearly structured by topic, offering trade visitors precise orientation. The only exception: equipment for horticultural businesses, from shopfitting to IT, from labels and packaging to decoration and marketing, is integrated into all exhibition halls – thematically matching the respective areas.

From nursery plants to perennials, herbs, bedding and balcony plants to cut flowers and young plants, the world of plants will be presented in all its diversity in Halls 1, 1A, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and the Galeria. The focus is on plants for the changing climate – heat- and drought-resistant, robust, and adaptable. In Hall 2, the Gardening Forum invites visitors to attend specialist lectures and discussions. Here, current issues relating to production, marketing, and technology in the cultivation of young plants are explored in depth.

New this year is the Tree Arena in Nursery Hall 7: The forum will address topics such as sustainable tree assortments for cities, forests, and private gardens and the associated professional care…