From March 17 to 20, 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the central stage for the SHK industry: More than 300 exhibitors from ten countries will present their latest products and solutions for sanitation, heating, air conditioning, and electrics at SHK+E ESSEN. The first major industry event of the year is aimed at professionals from the trades, planning, consulting, retail, and service sectors, who can experience technologies and products for their customers here.
The trade fair focuses on forward-looking topics such as hybrid heating systems, heat pumps, biomass heating systems, smart sanitary solutions, and cross-sector concepts for greater energy efficiency and security of supply. Air conditioning and ventilation technologies, modern installation techniques, and digital tools for the trade also complement the trade fair offering.
“We have further developed the SHK+E ESSEN offering and improved its networking. At the same time, the sanitary sector is once again being given more space and visibility,” explains Torben Brinkmann, project manager of SHK+E ESSEN. Ulrich Grommes, State Guild Master of the SHK NRW trade association, adds: “SHK+E ESSEN is an indispensable platform for industry professionals to keep up to date with the latest developments. As the conceptual sponsor, we contribute current topics and help shape the supporting program – always with a view to providing the best possible trade fair experience for specialist companies in North Rhine-Westphalia.”
Electricity, heat, and mobility cleverly combined
The heating and ventilation sectors are fully represented at the trade fair. These are complemented by air conditioning technology, renewable energy systems, and building management systems. Additional space is also allocated to electric heating systems, heat pumps, and their combination with complementary technologies such as photovoltaics, battery storage, energy management systems, and wall boxes. Manufacturers will also be showcasing biomass-based heating systems such as pellets. For the first time, cross-sector solutions will be integrated directly into the heating exhibition in Hall 3 in order to demonstrate synergies between electricity, heat, and mobility in a practical way. The German Heating Industry Association (BDH) will once again be represented as a strong partner with its own stand and lecture forum.
Sanitary industry demonstrates its innovative strength and gets its own hub
The sanitary industry is also showcasing its innovative strength in Essen. One key topic is efficient installation techniques that counteract the shortage of skilled workers and speed up work processes in the trade. In addition to the comprehensive range of sanitary technology on display, visitors can expect to see several returnees in the sanitary objects sector, including Hansa Armaturen, Hansgrohe, and TOTO. New this year is the Sanitary Hub: an interactive area where visitors can explore different topics each day. SHK+E ESSEN also offers information on innovations and digitalization, as well as tools, operating equipment, and mobility solutions.
High-caliber supporting program: knowledge, exchange, young talent
An important focus of the trade fair is the extensive supporting program. Specialist forums, special areas, and action days are dedicated to current topics and specifically promote the exchange of knowledge within the industry. In addition to the new Sanitary Hub, these include:
· the SHK Education, Learning + IT campus; the Trinkwasser meeting point and the Startup@SHK+E ESSEN joint stand
· the Content Lab, the BDH lecture forum, and the SHK+E Expert Stage,
· Benelux Day, a focus day on hospitality and guided tours of the trade fair on topics such as assembly optimization
· the trainee lounge, including an information program and the trainee rally across the exhibition grounds
Secure your tickets online from the beginning of January
SHK+E ESSEN is open:
· Tuesday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission fees:
· Day ticket online: 23 euros
· Reduced online (trainees, pupils, students): €12.50
Tickets will be available online from the beginning of January at: www.shke-essen.de
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
