As technology increasingly permeates every industry, marketing managers are increasingly under pressure to find the best shows to stay close to prospects. While events like GMSA Mobile World Congress remain on top, interesting alternatives are popping up.
In 2021, we’re excited to see the return of many of the best European tech exhibitions that were either canceled or moved online in 2020. As many companies focus on planning post-COVID, marketing managers are beginning to set their sights on which tech shows are most important to attend over the next couple of years.
Below are the top 10 European tech exhibitions so that you can start planning your presence at these events.
1) MWC Barcelona
Location: Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain
Number of exhibitors: 2,400
Number of visitors: 109,500
MWC Barcelona is the biggest worldwide event that presents the latest insights and technologies in mobile connectivity. In 2021, you can expect to hear keynote speeches from CEOs of some of the world’s biggest organisations like IBM, Nokia, Starling Bank, Verizon, and Qualcomm. Covering all of the latest themes like connectivity, 5G, AI, future society, startup innovation, and more, anyone in the mobile connectivity field should look into attending this top industry event. Additionally, for the first time ever, 4FYN, the most influential startup event in the world, will be held inside MWC Barcelona and included in the admission price.
2) IBC
Location: RAI in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Number of exhibitors: 1,773
Number of visitors: 55,884
Exhibitors focused on media, entertainment, and technology industries exhibit during IBC. Officially making its return in September of 2021, visitors will get unique insight into the most current industry trends and spend their days exploring new strategies and future technological progress that point to the future. Although the IBC2021 Conference Programme has not been released yet, their website assures us that we can look forward to hearing from the most prominent thought-leaders and innovators in their fields to lead us into what this industry will become in the future.
3) IFA
Location: Messegelande Exhibition Center, Berlin, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 1,930
Number of visitors: 238,700
IFA 2021 will showcase an impressive combination of future technologies, products, and experiences from the future of AI and robotics to smart cities. As one of the most significant global tech exhibitions, IFA connects leaders, innovators, and buyers in the consumer and home electronics industry. When you attend, you’ll get to be there when cutting-edge innovations from the digital world are presented for the first time. Visit exhibitions from the world’s leading brands like LG, Lenovo, Samsung, Panasonic to explore and learn about the emerging trends and technologies in the consumer electronics and home appliances space.
4) Electronica
Location: Messe Munchen in Munich, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 3,124
Number of visitors: 81,471
Electronica calls itself the world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics. With a stronger emphasis on AI, smart grids, and smart energy, attendees are the first to access crucial developments in the industry. There will be over 3,100 exhibitors from over 50 countries presenting a range of the latest products, technologies, and solutions. Because this top trade fair for electronic components, systems, applications, and solutions runs every two years, it will not return until November of 2022.
5) ANGA COM
Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 500
Number of visitors: 21,700
ANGA COM is the top exhibition for broadband, television, and online. As Europe’s leading business platform for broadband operators and content providers, you’ll gain insights on topics such as gambit networks, the internet of things, streaming, smart cities, cloud TV, 5G, and big data. Though the official 2022 conference agenda won’t be posted until March 2022, past shows have had impressive continental European turnout, and events presented by notable leaders in their fields.
6. Unleash
Location: ExCel, London, UK
Number of exhibitors: 250
Number of visitors: 2,500
For two days in London, attendees experience showcases in innovative HR technology and business transformation insights led by global executives from the world’s most prominent organizations. Digital transformation, more innovative ways of working, advances in AI, people migration, and more will be discussed and reimagined during this event. Network with leaders, decision-makers, and technology buyers and be a part of the fastest-growing HR community.
7. Embedded World
Location: Nuremberg Messe, Nuremberg, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 1,117
Number of visitors: 30,895
With products like Peleton in-home fitness bikes taking off, embedded electronics have exploded. The most prominent players in the embedded systems community will be here. An exhibition and conference providing the opportunity to get in front of thousands of invaluable contacts, Embedded World is the place to go to learn about the newest products, developments, hardware, software and systems, safety and security, human-machine interaction, and more. It features top speakers, lecture programmes, and keynotes by industry leaders and executives.
8. GamesCom
Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 370
Number of visitors: 2 million the first night, but 300 million views on social media
In 2021, GamesCom will be a hybrid show with those attending digitally from all over the world and those on-site in Cologne, Germany, enjoying the full experience. It is the world's largest event for computer and video games and is Europe's leading trade fair for digital games culture. GamesCom brings together game enthusiasts from around the world into one event. Though official speakers haven’t been announced, speakers will be highlighting the diverse social, economic and cultural potential of games as part of the Gamescom congress.
9. Twenty2X Kickstart
Location: Hannover Messe, Hannover, Germany
Number of exhibitors: New!
Number of visitors: New!
Twenty2X Kickstart focuses on business management, security solutions, new tech and start-ups, new work, public administration, and sourcing services. There will be an extensive program of presentations such as speaker forums, discussions, and best-practice sessions, along with exhibition booths and product presentations. From security solutions and topics like IT-security, GDPR and legal frameworks, and blockchain to new tech AR/VR and AI, you’ll have access to the latest technologies and developments from around the globe. Attendees will also have access to unique events like speed dating rounds that allow providers to find new customers and get to know them right away.
10. ITSA
Location: Nuremberg Messe, Nuremberg, Germany
Number of exhibitors: 750
Number of visitors: 11,000
For IT security companies, this is the tech show to attend. Visitors will be looking to learn from leading IT security experts on the latest technologies, products, and services on the market today and in the future. With specialties in things like cloud security, encryption, mobile security, IT compliance, and more, this event allows security organizations to get in front of their target audience.
As the world starts to attempt its return to normal with live events, ensuring that you’re attending the right tech shows to get in front of your target audience is key to successfully launching your organization into the post-COVID world.
