From edge to AI: What visitors can expect at electronica

From November 10 to 13, 2026, electronica will once again bring together the international electronics industry. Caroline Pannier, Exhibition Director of electronica, reveals what visitors to the world-leading trade fair can expect this year, which highlights are a must, and how to keep track of everything at the major event.

​Ms. Pannier, what can visitors expect at electronica 2026?

​Around 3,500 exhibitors in 18 halls, including SEMICON Europe, the entire electronics spectrum, and hence the combined innovative power of the industry. We have made the hall layout even more coherent and added an entire hall to the semiconductor area. We have redesigned Halls C5 and C6 in particular based on feedback from exhibitors and visitors. Large joint stands have been removed, and major semiconductor companies and distributors deliberately spread across all the halls in that area to create a balanced mix of exhibitors. Companies represented in C5 and C6 now also include ams Osram, Digi-Key, Kyocera AVX, NXP, Renesas, and Rutronik.

Another new feature in C5 is edge lab LIVE!, a special area showcasing edge technologies in practical applications. In C6, two forums will address current topics such as power electronics, embedded technologies, chiplets, and cybersecurity. And let’s not forget our diverse supporting program, which leaves plenty of room to share expertise and ideas, and network.

​What are the highlights in this supporting program?

​Definitely our special areas, where we selectively bundle topics. They include the previously mentioned edge lab LIVE!, the new Sensor Pavilion, and the “Young Innovators” joint stand sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). At the West Entrance, the LOPEC Innovation Showcase will present examples of printed electronics applications, such as the BMW iX3 Flow concept car from the new Spider Man movie, which uses e-ink technology to display animations on its exterior. And to mark the anniversary of the electronica Fast Forward platform, we are delighted to have double the number of startups that we had last time.

​With our extensive forum program, it’s hard to single out specific highlights. The key topics focus on artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and energy efficiency. Depending on what people are mainly interested in, we recommend simply taking a look at the daily presentation program or spontaneously visiting the stages in the halls that match their interests. Experts will provide practical knowledge there on almost all fields of application in electronics.

​What’s your tip for keeping track of everything with 18 halls and the wealth of exhibitors and offerings?  

​It’s definitely worth being well-prepared for your visit to the trade fair—for example, with the electronica app. It provides you with a digital hall plan with compass feature to also help you swiftly get your bearings once you arrive. What’s more, with the app, you always have the latest version of the presentation program at your fingertips and can quickly find your way around our wide selection of catering facilities. And one last tip: Wear comfortable shoes. After all, this year’s exhibition space is the size of almost 27 soccer pitches.