Trade Fair Year 2026: People, Markets and New Perspectives

International encounters, exciting industry developments and valuable connections: Grünewald Consulting looks back on a year filled with travel and new experiences. From Paris and Helsinki to Berlin, we attended numerous national and international events throughout 2026.  

What matters to our clients? Which developments are shaping their industries? What kind of people and personalities will companies need in the future? 

For us, successful executive search begins with staying close to people and markets. That is why trade fairs and industry events play such an important role in our work.

They provide valuable opportunities to strengthen personal relationships, build new networks and gain first-hand insights into emerging trends and developments.

JEC World Paris International Partnerships as a

Key to Growth

JEC World in Paris offered fascinating insights into the world of composite materials and international business opportunities. In particular, discussions surrounding German-Turkish business relations highlighted the growing importance of international networks for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as family-owned businesses. 

One thing is clear to us: international growth requires people who understand markets, build trust and develop long-term partnerships. 

Handelsblatt Annual Conference of Chemicals Shaping the Future of the German Chemical Industry

At the Handelsblatt Annual Conference on Chemicals in Berlin, discussions focused on key challenges facing Germany as a business location: competitiveness, energy costs, geopolitical uncertainties and transformation. 

One important takeaway: especially in challenging times, companies need strong leaders who are willing to take responsibility, provide direction and actively drive change.

Pulp & Beyond Helsinki Substainibility and Innovation

At Pulp & Beyond in Helsinki, the future of the paper and packaging industries, the bioeconomy and the circular economy were at the centre of attention. The developments highlighted just how significantly entire industries are changing. At the same time, expectations are growing for leaders who can drive innovation and guide companies through transformation processes. 

Further Encounters and Industry Insights

In addition to these three events, several other important dates were on our agenda, each offering different perspectives on the industries we serve.

At the International Hardware Fair in Cologne, we gained insights into developments in tools, industrial supplies and technological innovation. in-cosmetics Global in Paris provided fascinating perspectives on the cosmetics industry, highlighting the importance of new ingredients, product development and innovation. Another key event was interpack in Düsseldorf, where the focus was on the packaging and mechanical engineering industries as well as modern technologies. At Zukunft Personal in Cologne, the spotlight was on HR, leadership and the future of work.

Lubricant Expo Europe in Düsseldorf also provided valuable insights into the lubricants industry and its technological developments. The trade fair year concluded with the SEPAWA Congress in Berlin, a major meeting point for the detergents, cleaning products, cosmetics and fragrance industries.

What Have We Taken Away from the 2026 Trade Fair Year?

Whether international business development, technological innovation, sustainability or the future of work, one key insight emerged across all events: markets are changing, business models are evolving, and the demands placed on companies and their leadership teams are increasing accordingly.

For us, trade fairs and industry events are therefore much more than networking opportunities. They allow us to gain a deeper understanding of our clients' challenges, identify emerging developments at an early stage and engage with the people shaping their industries.

After all, successful executive search does not begin with identifying a suitable candidate profile. It starts with a deep understanding of companies, their markets and the challenges they will face in the future.

Next Up: Our plans for 2027

We will continue to focus on personal exchange and new encounters in the coming year. The following events are already on our agenda::

BAU – Munich

in-cosmetics Global – Barcelona

ECS – Nuremberg

Chemspec – Basel

Handelsblatt Jahrestagung Chemie – Berlin

LubExpo – Düsseldorf

SEPAWA Congress – Berlin

We look forward to another year filled with inspiring conversations, new connections and shared perspectives.

Because, ultimately, our business is all about people.

And that is exactly what makes our business what it is.