Light + Building 2026 ignites Frankfurt with over 2k global exhibitors
Light + Building 2026 kicks off in Frankfurt with about 2,000 exhibitors unveiling their latest innovations in lighting, electrical engineering, and smart building technologies.
Light + Building, the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building service technology, will be held in Frankfurt from 8 to 13 March 2026, and will brings together industry professionals from across the global construction and building technology ecosystem. Light + Building is firmly established in the international market, with 75% of exhibitors coming from outside Germany. Companies from China, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Austria, and the United Kingdom are the major delegations.
The exhibition grounds are divided into two sections: the eastern section is dedicated to lighting solutions, while the western section will host building technology, electrical installations, energy systems and home automation.
In Halls 3.0, 4.0, 4.1, 5.1, and the Forum, lighting innovations for public infrastructure, workplaces, educational institutions, and industrial facilities are on show. Halls 3.1 and 6 showcase design-oriented decorative lighting for residential and hospitality spaces, while Hall 4.0 presents urban lighting solutions for streets, squares, and public areas. In Hall 8, smart lighting technology components are on show.
Halls 9, 11, and 12 focus on electrical installations, energy management systems, and EV charging infrastructure in the building technology segment. In order to increase productivity, comfort, and safety, visitors can also investigate integrated security technologies, connected energy distribution systems, and building automation platforms.
Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt, commented that the event reflects the industry’s transformation as electrification and digitalisation reshape buildings and infrastructure. He further added, “Light + Building 2026 is a realistic reflection of the market, with all its challenges and technological strengths. The fact that around 2,000 exhibitors have made a conscious decision to exhibit in Frankfurt sends a strong signal. In a phase of profound transformation, orientation becomes a decisive added value.”
Themed, “Be Electrified – Electrifying Places. Illuminating Spaces”, this year’s Light + Building edition revolves aroundSustainable Transformation, Smart Connectivity, and Living Light as the top three focus areas.
“Sustainable Transformation” highlights electrification, decarbonisation, and energy-efficient retrofitting of buildings. “Smart Connectivity” emphasises the integration of systems, data, and building technologies to improve operational efficiency. “Living Light” focusses on the importance of light quality as a crucial element of urban areas, workplaces, and architecture.
Digitalisation and electrification are viewed by the industry as major forces behind building efficiency and the energy revolution.
Wolfgang Weber, CEO, German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI), highlighted that electrification and connected technologies offer major opportunities for the construction and building sector. “The energy and building transition can be a major engine for growth. Electrifying, digitalising, connecting and automating contain enormous efficiency potential for buildings,” he opined.
Opened on the first day of the expo, ZVEI Technology forum is one of the main platforms for industry discussion. Policymakers, engineers, planners, and business executives are expected to gather at the forum to talk about energy transition, digitisation, and infrastructure modernisation.
The ZVEH E-House, a walk-in model that showcases integrated building technology solutions, is another feature. The exhibit demonstrates how sophisticated building controls, heat pumps, and photovoltaic systems can collaborate to produce linked and effective structures.
Light + Building 2026 commemorates a world premiere with “The Living Light.” special exhibition in Hall 3.1. Under the guidance of Carla Wilkins, the Berlin-based lighting design firm Lichtvision Design created the concept, exploring how lighting shapes everyday environment. Light will be shown to promote orientation, enhance productivity, and create environment in four areas: Home, Education, Workplace, and Communication.
Design is all set to play a pivotal role at the fair. The Design Plaza in Hall 3.1 facilitates a carefully curated arena for lectures and discussions on subjects such as architecture, lighting, and building services technology. The Young Design program provides a window into the future of lighting design by showcasing up-and-coming designers who are showcasing creative luminaire concepts.
Thirteen firms in the lighting and building technology sectors received the Designplus Award on the exhibition’s opening day, which recognises exceptional innovation and forward-thinking product design.
Steffen Larbig, Director of Brand Management, Light + Building, said the strong international participation highlights the event’s importance as a global industry platform.
“The international presence and strong exhibitor participation despite challenging market conditions underline the relevance of the trade fair. Light + Building is where the industry’s key needs become visible—from energy-efficient technology and digital connectivity to solutions addressing construction costs, skills shortages and renovation pressures,” he added.
Light + Building 2026 provides architects, builders, and technology providers with a thorough understanding of the future of buildings and metropolitan areas through its emphasis on electrification, smart building systems, and sustainable infrastructure.