From March 17 to 20, 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the central stage for the SHK industry: Around 350 exhibitors from 16 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 is also receiving special attention this year against the backdrop of the German government's political agreement on the main features of the new Building Modernization Act (GMG). In a phase of regulatory readjustment and high media attention, SHK+E ESSEN offers guidance, classification, and concrete solutions from first-hand sources. As the first major industry platform following the political agreement, it brings exhibitors and visitors together to discuss the implications of the new guidelines for the heating market.
Extensive technical portfolio for building services engineering
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, improved its networking capabilities, and added an extensive supporting program with a high density of information. 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 the trade 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 sector is fully represented at the trade fair. In addition, there are air conditioning technologies, 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 are also showcasing biomass-based heating systems, such as pellets.
Cross-sector solutions are integrated directly into the heating exhibition and demonstrate in a practical way how electricity, heat, and mobility can interact. The German Heating Industry Association (BDH) is once again represented as a strong partner with its own booth in Hall 2, Booth 2E05, and a lecture forum.
Own hub for sanitary innovations
Sanitary manufacturers are also showcasing their 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 with daily changing topics, expert discussions, and panel discussions on current developments in sanitary and building technology. The format promotes exchange within the industry and provides practical inspiration for tradespeople, planners, and operators. The program is supplemented by, among other things, the Care Bathroom Theme Day at the Drinking Water Meeting Point, which is organized in collaboration with figawa. New program items such as the Hospitality Focus Day are aimed specifically at hotel operators, planners, and architects and address the hotel industry's current requirements for modern sanitary and building concepts.
High-caliber supporting program: knowledge, exchange, young talent
An important focus of the trade fair is the extensive supporting program, which once again offers a significantly broader and deeper range of information. Specialist forums, special areas, theme days, and practical presentations address current challenges facing the industry and promote the intensive transfer of knowledge between trade, industry, and planning. The program is supplemented by special offers for young professionals in the industry, including program items from the SHK NRW trade association, which are specifically aimed at young professionals and highlight career prospects and qualification opportunities in the SHK sector.
The main items on the agenda include:
· The Future Building Technology Forum (Hall 2, Booth D05) with presentations on current developments in energy transition and heating technology
· the SHK Education, Learning + IT campus (Hall 2); the Drinking Water Meeting Point (Hall 6) and the Startup@SHK+E ESSEN joint stand (Hall 1)
· the Content Lab (Hall 2), the SHK+E Expert Stage (Hall 1), and other presentation formats with practical ideas and new solutions for the trade
· Themed program days such as the Care Bathing Day on March 17 at the Trinkwasser meeting point, Benelux Day on March 18, and Hospitality Focus Day on March 19.
· Guided tours of the exhibition “by professionals for professionals” on topics such as assembly optimization and new technologies
· Offers for young professionals in the industry, such as the Trainee Lounge (Hall 2, Booth 2B02) and the Trainee Rally across the exhibition grounds
· The Technician Day on March 18, a two-hour training event for practitioners with updates on heat pumps, drinking water hygiene, and more.
Note: With the exception of the Benelux Day on March 18, the presentations in the specialist forums and in the program will be held exclusively in German.
Secure your tickets online
SHK+E ESSEN is open:
· Tuesday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Admission fees:
· Day ticket online: 23 euros
· Reduced online (trainees, pupils, students): 12.50 euros
Tickets and further information about the program and specialist forums are available at: www.shke-essen.de
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
