Seven highlights to watch at wire & Tube 2026. Ryfisch: “In difficult times, fairs matter”
Despite geopolitical tensions, high energy costs and increasing pressure on global supply chains, wire & Tube Düsseldorf 2026 are set to reinforce their role as the world’s leading meeting point for the wire, cable, tube and pipe industries. This was the clear message delivered by Daniel Ryfisch, Director wire, Tube & Flow Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, at the Italian press conference held in Milan on February 3.
“We are faced with a lot of challenges across the market and the industry. Despite that, we are proud to say that both shows are more or less sold out,” Ryfisch stated.
With around 2,500 exhibitors already on board and a strong focus on live machinery and process technologies, the 2026 edition confirms the resilience and long-term vision of the entire value chain.
Beyond exhibitor numbers: a platform built around machinery and technology
wire Düsseldorf 2024 marked the largest edition in the show’s history, and expectations for 2026 point even higher.
“2024 was the largest wire show ever. In 2026, we expect it to be even bigger,” Ryfisch said.
While some exhibitors have slightly reduced their stand sizes, overall participation remains stable.
“Some companies have reduced their space, but practically all of them are on board,” Ryfisch said.
What truly sets wire & Tube apart, however, is their positioning:
“wire & Tube Düsseldorf are unique. There is no other platform worldwide that brings together so many machines, technologies and decision-makers at this level.”
A defining feature remains the strong machinery-driven profile, with most exhibitors operating on the technology and equipment side.
Evolving visitor profiles: from C-level to the shop floor
Today, around 70% of visitors come from top management, but Messe Düsseldorf is deliberately broadening its target audience.
“Exhibitors are not only focused on CEOs, but increasingly on end users. Their hands-on experience makes them key influencers in purchasing decisions,” Ryfisch explained.
This shift has led to adjustments in marketing strategies and content formats, with the aim of engaging more engineers, technicians and production specialists, without losing the show’s strategic decision-making core.
Key industry drivers shaping wire 2026
The 2026 edition will be strongly aligned with the main growth drivers across the wire and cable segments, including:
• renewable energy
• high- and low-voltage cables
• wind and solar power
• e-mobility
• telecommunications and data centers
• digitalization and artificial intelligence
“AI data centers need a huge amount of cables,” Ryfisch noted.
These topics will be addressed both on the exhibition floor and within the dedicated conference and forum areas, which are designed to encourage knowledge exchange and real networking across the industry—an increasingly important factor in the current market environment.
Tube-specific challenges, shared synergies
While parts of the wire industry are benefiting from momentum in segments such as non-ferrous materials and cable-related applications, the tube sector is currently facing particular pressure from geopolitical instability, energy costs and international trade barriers.
Nevertheless, the 2026 target remains aligned with the 2024 figures, which closed with around 1,200 exhibitors and 52,000 square meters.
Key Tube focus areas include:
• construction
• automotive
• oil & gas
• hydrogen
• chemical industry
At the same time, long-standing synergies between wire and tube remain a defining feature of the fairs, as numerous companies operate across both sectors.
What’s new – and what becomes more prominent
Although some elements are evolutions rather than first-time launches, the 2026 edition introduces several strategic enhancements valid for both wire and Tube.
1. Expanded and integrated conference program
Following its positive reception, the conference format is being further extended:
• Hall 13 for wire
• Hall 1 for Tube
The forums are increasingly seen as a core component of the events, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-industry dialogue.
2. World of Cables: a dedicated platform for cable manufacturers
For the first time, cable producers – including major global players – are given a dedicated space and identity within wire Düsseldorf.
“We wanted to give cable players a new home, a new platform,” Ryfisch said.
The new World of Cables completes the value chain and reflects the growing strategic importance of finished cable products.
3. Stainless steel: the world’s largest community
wire & Tube Düsseldorf also represent what Ryfisch described as the world’s largest stainless steel community, bringing together more than 400 exhibitors active across materials, machinery and end-use applications.
4. Springs, fasteners and mesh welding in the spotlight
These segments are not new, but in 2026 they are given greater visibility and structural importance:
• Hall 16: springs and fastener technologies, with a strong focus on high-performance applications across automotive, energy, electronics and industrial manufacturing.
• Hall 17: mesh welding machinery, where manufacturers will present automated, Industry 4.0-ready solutions for the production of welded meshes used in construction, infrastructure and industrial applications.
“To make live demonstrations possible in Hall 17, we regularly install a dedicated energy infrastructure, so visitors can see these large mesh welding machines running live exactly as they operate in real production environments,” Ryfisch noted.
5. Plastic pipes return to the portfolio
The Plastic Tubes & Pipes Area in Hall 1 once again brings plastic tube and pipe solutions into focus at Tube Düsseldorf, highlighting their growing relevance in infrastructure, utilities and industrial applications, where lightweight design, corrosion resistance and cost efficiency offer clear advantages in specific use cases.
6. Skilled labor and High Potential Day
To address the ongoing shortage of qualified workers, wire/Tube Düsseldorf will once again host the High Potential Day, a dedicated initiative aimed at connecting young professionals, students and early-career specialists with companies operating in the wire, cable, tube and pipe industries. In 2026, the High Potential Day will take place on Thursday, April 16, and will be anchored around a High Potential Area in the Foyer North entrance of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. Registration is free of charge for both exhibitors and visitors.
7. ecoMetals: making sustainability visible
Launched in 2022, the ecoMetals initiative highlights pioneers of sustainable production in the wire and tube industries, focusing on energy-efficient processes, low-emission technologies and circular material flows. Through curated on-site visibility and digital tools, ecoMetals helps visitors identify practical solutions for reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency across the value chain.
A clear message for 2026
“In difficult times, trade fairs like wire and Tube become even more important as places to meet, exchange views and understand where the industry is heading,” Ryfisch said.
In April 2026, wire & Tube Düsseldorf will offer more than a showcase of technologies: they will provide a moment to observe, discuss and interpret the current state of the wire, cable and tube industries, at a time when global connections remain essential but increasingly under pressure.
You might also be interested in reading:
◘ wire Düsseldorf exhibitors’ list: the Expometals All-Stars
- Our special wire 2026 issue: top exhibitor countries, key figures for previous edition, and Expometals advertisers at the leading wire and cable industry show.
- ◘ Tube Düsseldorf exhibitors' list: the Expometals Hall of Fame
Our hub article about Tube 2026 listing the main data, and our selection of news stories dedicated to the leading tube and pipe fair.
◘ wire & Cable Forum premieres at wire 2026 - ◘ New cable hall debuts at wire 2026
