HANNOVER, Germany - LIGNA 2025 kicked off with high energy on Monday, May 26, drawing a massive influx of wood industry professionals to the fairgrounds in Hannover, Germany. The world's leading woodworking trade show, LIGNA runs through May 30. 

Spread across 1.2 million square feet (113,923 square meters), in 10 exhibition halls, two pavilions, and an open-air site, LIGNA boasts 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries, including the United States and Canada. Initial projections are for 80,000 visitors. Organized by Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, the show is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“The fact that LIGNA, in its anniversary year, has surpassed the previous edition’s exhibitor numbers and is approaching the same level in terms of exhibition space is by no means a given,” said Stephanie Wagner, head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG. “The woodworking and wood processing industry has been facing an economic downturn for months. The exhibitors’ strong commitment to their leading trade fair cannot be overstated,” she added. 

Exhibits highlight solutions on this year's focus themes of connectivity, sustainable production, and engineered wood. Digitalized and fully connected manufacturing processes, the application of artificial intelligence, and how high-tech machinery is revolutionizing both skilled trades and industrial production are among the hot topics.

“Every two years, the global woodworking industry gathers in Hanover for LIGNA. "It's all about the future of the wood industry and cutting-edge high technology," Wagner said. "With trade visitors from over 100 countries, LIGNA is one of the most international trade fairs in the sector. It brings together decision-makers, developers, distributors, and craft businesses from across the entire value chain – from forestry and mechanical engineering to skilled trades.

"For our exhibitors, LIGNA is far more than just a trade fair – it is the world’s leading industry event, combining innovation, market presence, and business success. It is the premier platform where they showcase their innovations, enter new markets, and establish direct customer contacts. Nowhere else is the wood industry so concentrated and internationally represented,” she continued. 

Optimism prevails
Despite the challenges facing the global wood industry these past several months, there is some optimism.

“The past year and the beginning of 2025 have been challenging, but there are many reasons for optimism,” said Bernhard Dirr, managing director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association. “Customers are willing to invest – they’re just waiting for the right moment. We hope that LIGNA will provide the spark the industry needs."

Dirr said he also sees the industry in a strategically advantageous position, as the sustainable material wood is gaining increasing attention amid discussions about climate change and decarbonization. If the construction industry, which is particularly energy- and resource-intensive, is to become more sustainable, greater use of wood is essential. As a result, timber construction is gaining market share in Europe and other parts of the world, with considerable growth expected in the medium term.

Special formats and awards
LIGNA will once again be accompanied by a wide range of special formats and a side program. LIGNA.Circular in Hall 12 will focus on the broad topic of the circular economy. At the LIGNA.TruckStop in the outdoor area, joiners, carpenters, and cabinetmakers will find the latest in power tools, wood-based materials and related items. These two new formats join the established presentations of LIGNA.Stage (Hall 12), LIGNA.FutureSquare (Hall 12) featuring innovations from suppliers and emerging companies in the VDMA Startup Machine network, LIGNA.Campus (Hall 11), a platform for technical colleges and universities to present their educational programs, and LIGNA.Recruiting (Hall 12), connecting young professionals and experienced specialists with employers.

LIGNA will also host a number of awards and competitions, including:

• The Forwarder Championships
• Die Gute Form
• The Hans-Jürgen Narjes Prize
• The German Timber Construction Award – supported by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building. The award ceremony will take place on LIGNA Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Hall 12 on the LIGNA.Stage.

For more information visit LIGNA.de.

Watch the LIGNA 2025 opening ceremony.