More than 140,000 woodworking professionals will gather in Germany in May for the industry’s two largest trade shows: interzum and LIGNA. Running back-to-back, interzum takes place May 20-23 in Cologne and LIGNA will be held May 26-30 in Hannover.

A single ticket will once again allow visitors access to both shows. Tickets can be purchased online at either shows’ website, interzum.com or ligna.de.

LIGNA: Connectivity, sustainability
The world's largest woodworking event celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and is on track to exceed 2023 figures. LIGNA 2025 will play host to more than 1,300 exhibitors, with displays spread across more than 1.21 million net square feet (112,772 square meters) of exhibition space (current as of March 7). More than 80,000 visitors from throughout the world are expected to attend the biennial event, which is also co-organized by Deutsche Mess and VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association.

Although there is still uncertainty in the world, show organizers are very optimistic, said Dr. Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” he added. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”

“The 50th anniversary of LIGNA certainly makes this edition special, but the exceptionally high level of exhibitor interest is truly overwhelming. Together with The VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, we as organizers are thrilled for the industry, which stands united and sends a clear signal of commitment to LIGNA. We are confident that the product innovations and the strong motivation of all exhibitors will help drive the industry's turnaround at LIGNA while also positively influencing visitors’ willingness to invest,” said Stephanie Wagner, head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe.

Exhibits this year will also highlight solutions on the focus topics of connectivity, sustainable production and engineered wood, Köckler said.  LIGNA.Connectivity includes digitalization, artificial intelligence, and solutions for seamless digital networking; LIGNA.Sustainable Production highlights economically viable approaches for protecting the environment, preserving resources, and improving working conditions; and LIGNA.Engineered Wood delves into the development of intelligently designed wood products for diverse applications.

New technology and products will be displayed in 10 exhibit halls plus outdoor sites. Halls 11 to 15 and 27 will feature tools and machinery for custom and mass production. Halls 16 and 17 will also feature state-of-the-art surface technology, with machine components and automation technology, including control systems for CNC machines and high-performance robotics also located in Hall 16. Halls 25 and 26 will focus on sawmill technology, wood-based panel production, and energy from wood. The open-air site and pavilions will be dedicated to machinery for forestry, roundwood and sawn timber production.  A highlight of the outdoor exhibition area will be the new format LIGNA.TruckStop, which will serve as a central hub for skilled trades, with power tools and fastening technology displayed from roadshow trucks, vans and transporters.

Another new format is LIGNA.Circular, "Thinking in Circles," in Hall 12. 
According to show management, "This special format aims to enhance collaboration with relevant cross-sector and service industries, fostering interdisciplinary networking to drive practical solutions and advance the circular transformation effectively."

These two fomats 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.

For more information on the LIGNA Fair, visit ligna.de. 

Innovations at interzum
Sponsored by Koelnmesse, interzum is projected to surpass 2023 numbers, with more than 1,600 exhibitors and 62,000-plus visitors from all segments of the industry expected to attend, including manufacturers, architects, and designers.

“This time, the main theme of interzum 2025 is ‘Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions.’ Sustainability is a key focus, with exhibitors presenting innovative eco-friendly materials, products, and processes,” said Maik Fischer, event director.

Transitioning to a circular economy means keeping materials and products in the economic cycle for as long as possible through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. By contrast, biobased solutions use materials produced from regrowing sources, making them environmentally friendly. Both approaches aim to minimize a product’s ecological footprint and promote sustainability.

“Our aim is to illustrate how circular economy principles work with biobased material innovations. We are certain that interzum 2025 will further drive the sustainable transformation of the furniture and interior design industries,” Fischer added.

The interzum Awards, speakers and forums will also focus on this theme. In the show’s three main exhibit areas, Function & Components will present technologies that focus on energy efficiency, comfort and convenience; Materials & Nature will showcase sustainable materials, including woods, composite panels, veneers, decorative overlays, and other edge and surface treatments; and Textile & Machinery, which includes machinery for upholstery and mattress production, fabrics, leathers and adhesives. A new West entrance will be open for additional access to the event.

Although some regions and markets are still facing challenges, improvement is expected in the latter part of the year, Fischer noted. “Exhibitors and visitors remain highly committed to interzum, recognizing that strong market presence is vital for future growth.”

For information visit interzum.com.

One ticket, two shows interzum and LIGNA are offering visitors the opportunity to visit both shows with one ticket. The leading trade fair for woodworking materials, supplies, surfaces and substrates, interzum takes place May 20-23 in Cologne, a short distance from Hannover where LIGNA, the world's largest woodworking event, takes place May 26-30. Visit LIGNA.de or interzum.com for more information.