Chillventa has drawn to a close with a significant increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors, reaffirming its role as the leading platform for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, ventilation and heat pump sectors. A total of 1,170 exhibitors (2024: 1,010; +16%) from 50 countries presented their latest products and services to over 36,000 (2024: 33,076; +10%) experts who had travelled there from all over the world. The extensive supporting programme – including over 200 lectures at the Chillventa CONGRESS and across three specialist forums, two first-class special presentations offering practical expertise, and the new ‘Future Hub’ – provided the perfect opportunity to mingle, network and exchange professional insights. This year, the focus was on future-oriented topics such as sustainability – particularly the circular economy – cooling for data centres, digitalisation and AI. The Chillventa CONGRESS, held the day before the trade fair and attended by over 300 participants, also featured a series of high-calibre presentations by international speakers.
“This year, Chillventa once again impressively demonstrated that it is the most important platform in its sector. A total of 1,170 exhibitors from all over the world and more than 36,000 visitors gathered at the Messezentrum Nuremberg. There, they found out about the latest developments in their sector and discussed, both at the stands and as part of the specialist programme, a wide range of topics relating to the energy transition, digitalisation, heat pumps and refrigerants in the context of sustainability and the circular economy. The atmosphere was brilliant on all three days. Now that it is drawing to a close, I can say the event was an all-round success,” says Jasmin Rutka, Head of Brand Strategy for Chillventa at NürnbergMesse.
There was nothing but praise from within the industry as well. Kai Halter, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management at ebm-papst, and Chair of the Chillventa Trade Fair Advisory Board, says: “The halls were buzzing: There were always large crowds at the stands, engaged in in-depth discussions. Feedback from exhibitors regarding the calibre of visitors has been consistently positive. Speaking on behalf of the Chillventa Trade Fair Advisory Board, I can therefore say that Chillventa 2026 was a resounding success!” The consistently long queues at the rebooking stand for Chillventa 2028 confirmed this high level of exhibitor satisfaction. They will be back with a stand again in 2028.
Impressive visitor profile across the board
From tradespeople to plant operators, retailers, specialist planners and architects, right through to manufacturers, all the key target groups were gathered at the Messezentrum Nuremberg. Almost 60% of the more than 36,000 Chillventa visitors came from abroad.
Chillventa CONGRESS captured interest with its forward-looking topics
The Chillventa CONGRESS took place the day before the trade fair, attracting more than 300 participants. Dr Rainer Jakobs, coordinator of Chillventa CONGRESS, is very pleased: “All the presentations were very well attended and the choice of topics was right on the cutting edge. We were able to discuss many of the topics concerning the future of the industry, with the technical depth of the presentations receiving particular praise. Preparations for the next major industry event – the European Heat Pump Summit 2027 – are set to begin very soon.”
Industry newcomers showcased exciting new developments
The two joint stands – ‘START:HUB’ for international start-ups and ‘Young Innovators’ for German start-ups and young innovative companies – offered newcomers the chance to introduce themselves to the refrigeration, air-conditioning, ventilation and heat pump sectors, and to showcase their exciting product developments. The turnout at the stands and in the adjoining lounge was enormous, and the participants were very pleased with their experience at the trade fair.
Focus on future-oriented topics: the specialist programme dazzled the audience
A key feature of Chillventa was its extensive supporting programme. At the specialist forums on ‘Climate, Ventilation & Heat Pumps’, ‘Refrigeration Technology’ and ‘Applications, Training & Regulations’, visitors gained practical insights into the latest developments and technological trends. These very well-attended forums allowed them to have discussions, to share experiences and to network.
Missed any presentations?
All of the presentations from the specialist forums were recorded and will soon be available to watch on the Chillventa YouTube channel. The slides for the presentations will also be made available in the event planner on the Chillventa website.
The new ‘Future Hub’ was another highlight, providing its many visitors with concise and practical insights into digitalisation, artificial intelligence, social media and the recruitment of skilled workers.
The two special presentations were once again particularly popular with the trade fair visitors. At its ‘We are under tension – Testing the modern electrical equipment!’ exhibition area, the Bundesfachschule gave practical demonstrations on topics such as how to generate and measure harmonics.
In the ‘AIT Heat Pump Innovation Lounge’, visitors were able to experience drying and steam generation using industrial heat pumps at first hand.
The German Federal College of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology once again offered a thrilling competition. The best young talents in the profession of mechatronics technician specialising in refrigeration technology competed against one another, assembling, wiring, testing and commissioning refrigeration systems right in the middle of the trade fair.
Next industry event: European Heat Pump Summit 2027
The next highlight in the trade fair calendar for heat pump professionals is the European Heat Pump Summit on 26 and 27 October 2027 at the Messezentrum Nuremberg: www.hp-summit.de/en
Save the Date: Chillventa 2028
The next Chillventa will take place from 10 to 12 October 2028 at the Messezentrum Nuremberg. The day before, on 9 October 2028, the Chillventa CONGRESS will kick off the week-long event for the international refrigeration, AC, ventilation and heat pump community.