In this interview, Stefan Dittrich, Director for HOLZ-HANDWERK, answers a few questions in advance about moving industry topics, how HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 will address them and, of course, how preparations are progressing.
- Networking: Many participants appreciate the opportunity to make new contacts and exchange ideas with experts. This helps the community to discuss challenges and develop solutions. This is where people talk openly about rising costs, material bottlenecks, and new customer requirements.
- High visitor numbers and quality: The trade fair attracts a large and competent audience, which enables exhibitors to reach their target groups effectively and attract new interested parties from various sectors.
- Diversity of exhibitors: The presence of versatile exhibitors offers visitors the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about new products and trends and to pick up ideas from the supporting programme.
These aspects emphasise the role of HOLZ-HANDWERK as a platform that gives the industry a voice, offers participants support in difficult times and shows new perspectives. In 2026, this will again be reinforced by numerous impulses from the supporting programme. These include the new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena and the Material and Product Show, the HOLZ-HANDWERK Campus for further training and career opportunities as well as the Young Innovators Stand for start-ups, which will be shared with FENSTERBAU FRONTALE."
The motto of HOLZ-HANDWERK is "Discover. Experience. Do." How is this motto being lived on site? And what is your personal impression of it?
"At HOLZ-HANDWERK, both exhibitors and visitors can fully immerse themselves in the industry. What counts is proximity to the customer, and this can be best experienced through personal contact and dialogue. The trade fair is a place where manufacturers and users communicate at eye level.
Machines, tools and materials are used live on site and can often be tested for yourself. It's not just a place for talking, but for sewing, milling, and sanding. The craft is shown in all its dynamics. Sawdust sometimes flies through the hall. This makes a visit to the trade fair a unique experience.
I'm always delighted when the first visitors stream into the halls, when I see familiar faces again and, above all, when there are lots of interesting conversations. I'm particularly excited about the new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena this time, because it strengthens the experiential character of our trade fair. As a multifunctional area, it offers the opportunity to experience products, best practices and trends up close, as well as providing a framework for dialogue and networking."
Thank you very much for the interview, Mr. Dittrich!
HOLZ-HANDWERK will take place from 24 to 27 March 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg parallel to FENSTERBAU FRONTALE and is organised by VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association and NürnbergMesse GmbH. The co-sponsor is the Bavarian Carpentry Association (FSH Bayern). More information can be found at www.holz-handwerk.de/en.
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