The first day of the trade fair is organized by VDMA Sanitary Engineering and Design and focuses on essential future topics in sanitary engineering. The focus is on smart installation solutions, drinking water quality, hygiene, efficiency, and current normative requirements. The program is aimed in particular at specialist tradespeople, planners, and decision-makers in the sanitary industry.

Morning, 10.30 - 12.00

The morning will be all about innovative technologies and systems that simplify everyday installation work while also ensuring greater safety. Leading manufacturers will present practical solutions for efficient and future-proof implementation.

• Geberit will present smart trade fair innovations relating to floor-level shower solutions and show how modern systems simplify and speed up installation.
• SYR – Hans Sasserath will present SYRLock, a new tool-free connection technology that ensures fast, safe, and error-free installation.
• Hansgrohe will explain the advantages of the iBox universal 2 and show how it enables greater flexibility, planning reliability, and compliance with standards during installation.

Afternoon, 13.30 - 15.30

The afternoon will be devoted to the central topic of drinking water. In five compact 20-minute presentations, visitors will receive an up-to-date update on challenges, technical solutions, and normative developments relating to drinking water installation and hygiene.

• Grohe will open the session with an overview of future challenges facing the sanitary industry and sustainable solutions for dealing with drinking water.
• Gebr. Kemper will show why climate change is a previously underestimated risk factor for drinking water hygiene and what implications this has for planning, operation, and maintenance.
• Viega provides insights into current developments and issues in drinking water installation as well as new technical requirements.
• TECE explains how drinking water hygiene can be reliably ensured in accordance with standards using automated systems.

The second day of SHK+E ESSEN will focus on international networking and professional exchange. With the Royal Dutch Association for Refrigeration (KNVvK), the trade fair welcomes a new partner that will contribute its expertise in sustainable and economical refrigeration technology in buildings. Technical presentations, a panel discussion, and best practice examples from the Benelux countries will highlight current challenges and solutions across national borders.

During the networking lunch that follows, participants will have the opportunity to engage in personal conversations, deepen contacts, and establish new collaborations.

This lecture program will focus on modern urban development and resource-efficient building technology. Practical concepts such as sponge city approaches, roof and facade greening, and water reuse will be presented in cooperation with figawa e.V., showing how cities can be made more sustainable and resilient.

The third day of the trade fair will see the premiere of Hospitality Focus Day. Together with the Hotel Real Estate Working Group, SHK+E ESSEN is launching a new format that specifically targets hotel operators, investors, architects, and building services engineers. The program offers the latest insights into trends, technical solutions, and best practices for the hotel industry.

A compact lecture program will present current trends, industry-specific challenges, and innovative technical solutions for hotels. Experts will then discuss key industry topics in a panel discussion and provide practical insights for hotel planning and management. A curated tour of the trade fair will take participants to exhibitors and products that are particularly relevant to the hospitality sector.

The focus day will be rounded off by a networking get-together, which will provide an opportunity to deepen contacts, initiate collaborations, and forge new partnerships between industry and the hotel sector.