Event and trade programme at Spoga+Gafa 2026

From 22 to 24 June 2026, the German city of Cologne will once again become the international meeting place for the garden lifestyle industry. With new special areas, stages and interactive formats, Spoga+Gafa 2026 is expanding its event and trade programme. The focus is on current developments in digitalisation, AI, outdoor living, city gardening and BBQ. Here is an overview of what’s on offer.

The special zone “Grow Anywhere – How City Gardening Transforms Every Living Space” demonstrates how even small outdoor areas can be transformed into green oases of well-being. Four distinctively staged balcony and terrace concepts present creative solutions for urban living spaces and provide concrete inspiration for product range design and point-of-sale presentation. The focus is on topics such as biodiversity, self-sufficiency and sustainable outdoor living. The area is complemented by balcony talks and discussion panels on modern city gardening.

Another new feature is the “Outdoor Adventure” experience area, which emotionally showcases outdoor lifestyles and leisure activities. The centrepiece of the area is a converted campervan under the motto “Road to Outdoor Adventure”.

The Digital Garden Stage focuses on topics such as AI applications, digital sales channels, marketplaces, ads, conversion and best practices.

The Pitmaster Stage brings BBQ creators and barbecue professionals to the stage. Visitors can look forward to barbecue shows and discussions with the BBQ community.

In the outdoor area between Halls 7 and 8, “Pit & Pitch – Eat. Play. Stay.” is a new activity area centred on BBQ, sport and outdoor lifestyle. Inspired by the US tailgating concept, the area combines communal barbecuing with hands-on sporting activities and a community atmosphere.

On Tuesday, the “APAC/EU Outdoor Living Forum”, organised by H&L Solutions GmbH, will bring together representatives from industry, trade and institutions in China and Europe to discuss current industry trends, exchange new perspectives and explore future business potential in the outdoor living sector. The forum begins at 10 am in Congress-Centrum Nord, Room A. The number of participants is strictly limited.