Europe’s Five Essential Trade Shows for the Forestry and Woodworking Industry

Despite the onslaught of innovative materials being introduced and applied every day, there’s still a high demand for wood. Questions then arise as to how to meet these demands in the most efficient way possible while juggling responsibilities connected to forest growth and protection. With risks associated with overharvesting and the effects of climate change already in action, now more than ever sustainability becomes the driver of the industry. In the list below, we feature the five shows that have defined the forestry and woodworking industry in Europe.

We open the list with a well-respected trade show held in Germany – LIGNA Hannover. Every two years, LIGNA inspires professionals in the wood and forestry industry by delivering a wide assortment of technologies and ideas from highly regarded experts in their field. From sawmills to solid wood processing and furniture manufacturing, LIGNA touches upon all relevant sectors in wood harvesting and processing.

Perhaps most valuable is the supporting program, which encourages the transfer of knowledge and delivers important information on climate change, market trends and green material processing. There is a host of events made available to visitors including the Wood Industry Summit and the DIPA symposium on digital printing. That’s not all as there’s also a daily lecture program to fill in any spare time you may have on your hands.

Up in Sweden there’s Elmia Wood, which is held every four years outside Jönköping. The trade show is mostly practice-oriented. What this means is that you will see machines and equipment in action in a real environment. The live demonstrations are the bread and butter and the main drive for innovation and closing business deals. The product assortment encompasses all major types of forestry machines from chippers to mulchers and tree saws.

Elmia Wood gives visitors a glimpse into the Scandinavian market and promises you unparalleled opportunities to network. There’s quite a lot going on at the trade show. One of the most popular outdoor events is the woodworking area, where you can put your muscles into sawing woods. Or you can explore all the applications of drones at the Drone Zone.

Another major trade show organised on a four-year basis is INTERFORST. The Munich-based event strides the line between harvesting and preservation as the focus shifts more towards forest regeneration and forest management, forest protection. Equipment, machinery and vehicles are on full display and available for visitors to interact with. Given the emphasis on how to protect forests and help them regrow, sustainability is one of the biggest discussion topics at INTERFORST and a lot of forest service schools, universities, colleges, professional associations and organizations make it a point to attend.

INTERFORST also hosts a variety of special shows and live demonstrations alongside supporting, educational events such as The Green Couch discussions and a variety of forums on occupational safety, forestry technology, entrepreneurship and forest owners.

Over in Ghent, Belgium, there’s Prowood, which is held every three and has an exclusive focus on wood processing. If you’re interested in reaching a lot of buyers, this is where you need to head as the chief objective here is to connect with as many buyers, experts and decision-makers as possible. Discover new trends and survey the entire value chain under one roof. Woodworking machines, fastening systems, building hardware, ink systems, varnishes, paints and furniture hardware are showcased in great numbers.

Our last stop takes us back to Germany, this time in Nuremberg – the home of Holz-Handwerk. Its impressive audience of 110,000 trade visitors is what defines this trade show as one of the most important events for the woodworking sector in Europe. If you’re a carpenter or a joiner, then this is the only trade show you ever need to attend. You have a full overview of cutting-edge sawing and grinding machines to woodworking machines or extraction systems.

Holz-Handwerk will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and promises an incredible edition for all. New talent can get their foot in the door and hone their skills at the HOLZ-HANDWERK Campus. There are also subject-specific shows that tackle a variety of subjects like holistic design concepts.