Light + Building Frankfurt, 8 – 13 March 2026

Light + Building, the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and intelligent building technologies, will return to Frankfurt in March 2026 – stronger, more international, and more innovative than ever. As of October 2025, around 2,000 national and international companies have already confirmed their participation. The exhibitor spectrum ranges from major global players to creative start-ups, all set to inject new momentum into the lighting and smart building technology sectors. The industry is undergoing a profound transformation: energy efficiency, digitalization and sustainability dominate the agenda, while companies are increasingly required to respond flexibly to market shifts such as rising construction and energy costs or international trade conflicts.

This is where Light + Building plays a decisive role, bringing together the sector’s key themes, offering guidance, and providing the ideal context for international exchange and dialogue. “Light + Building 2026,” says Steffen Larbig, Director of Light + Building, “is experiencing significant growth. The high level of international participation—around 70 percent—demonstrates that the fair is regarded as an unmissable global event.” The motto of Light + Building 2026, Be Electrified – Electrifying Places. Illuminating Spaces, highlights the dual strength of the event: intelligent energy infrastructures and high-quality lighting solutions. Electrifying Places stands for interconnected buildings, smart energy management and energy efficiency; Illuminating Spaces emphasises the creative power of light. These themes align with the fair’s three central topics: “Sustainable Transformation,” “Smart Connectivity”and “Living Light”, each reflecting the major developments within the industry.

“Sustainable Transformation” points the way towards climate-friendly construction—from the integration of renewable energy sources to intelligent energy management, low-resource product design and the use of sustainable materials. “Smart Connectivity” highlights the digital transformation: interconnected systems, data-driven control solutions and interfaces that enhance efficiency, safety and comfort. “Living Light” focuses on the emotional and creative dimension of light as a key element for well-being and experiential spatial perception.

The solutions presented by exhibitors on these topics will be showcased in clearly defined and thematically organized exhibition areas across the halls. In the lighting sector, the range spans from technical luminaires for workplaces, educational buildings, industrial applications and urban spaces to design-driven lighting fixtures that shape interiors and create atmosphere. Halls 3.0, 5.1 and the Forum will be dedicated to technical lighting, while Hall 3.1 will focus on decorative and design lighting. Urban lighting will be exhibited in Hall 4.0, with Hall 4.1 featuring the latest solutions for emergency and safety lighting, as well as specialist devices. Decorative lighting innovations for residential environments, as well as the hospitality and catering sectors, will be presented in Hall 6. Hall 8 will provide a platform for components, lighting control systems and smart interfaces.

The extensive selection showcased within the Asia Selection area, located in Halls 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, will further enrich the fair’s offering. Halls 12.0 and 12.1 will focus on electrical installation solutions, charging infrastructures, energy management, decentralized energy supply, and photovoltaic components, alongside switches and cables. Halls 11.0 and 11.1 will be dedicated to automation platforms, control systems and grid-connected energy distribution. Finally, Hall 9.0 will host electro-technology, building automation and home automation solutions, as well as security technologies and systems.

In addition to presenting cutting-edge innovations, Light + Building 2026 will offer a rich program of events addressing current trends, technological developments and creative impulses. Throughout the exhibition grounds, forums, discussions and interactive formats will facilitate professional networking and exchange. With conferences, panel discussions and special exhibitions focused on lighting design, the Design Plaza (Hall 3.1) will serve as a major attraction, especially for interior designers, architects, product designers and lighting professionals. Here, Messe Frankfurt, in collaboration with Stylepark, will present the Designplus Awards powered by Light + Building, honoring products that convincingly combine design excellence, technological innovation and sustainability. For the first time, Light + Building will also host the IALD International Lighting Design Awards, which recognize outstanding lighting projects worldwide. The Architects’ Daywill offer targeted insights, addressing the perspectives and needs of design and planning professionals.