Final report FORST live 2026
FORST live 2026 sets new standards – growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers and a successful congress debut
Offenburg, 29 March 2026
• Growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers
• An international meeting place for the industry
• Successful debut of the FORST live Congress
“Whatever the weather, the industry is at home out in the forest.” And this was also evident in the positive response to FORST live 2026: neither cold, snow nor rain could deter exhibitors and visitors. The atmosphere on the site was sunny throughout – in the truest sense of the word.
Growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers
FORST live 2026 impressively consolidated its position as the largest annual demonstration show for forestry technology, renewable energies and hunting, as well as an international meeting place for the forestry sector. With a significant increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers, the trade fair underlines its growing international importance for the sector. A total of 362 exhibitors from 15 countries presented their innovations and solutions to 31,528 trade visitors.
The high calibre of the trade visitors was particularly highlighted by many. Exhibitors were very satisfied with the discussions held, the concrete demand and the business contacts made. FORST live thus once again demonstrated its strength as a key platform for face-to-face interaction.
An international hub for the industry
“FORST live has established itself as a key platform for the forestry sector. The international participation of exhibitors from Europe, as well as from overseas, not only underlines the event’s high market relevance but also its role as a central hub for innovation transfer and international business development,” says Frank Thieme, Managing Director of Messe Offenburg-Ortenau GmbH, thereby emphasising the growing international significance of FORST live.
In addition to the numerous innovations from the timber, forestry and agricultural sectors, the extensive supporting programme was also very well received. For example, the “Climate-Positive Forestry” working group provided valuable impetus for the second time with its three-day “Forest-Dialogue-Future” programme.
The specialist programme was complemented by numerous other formats such as guided excursions, the State City Hunters’ Day, the Forest Forum and the daily lecture programme on the hunting stage, which delighted visitors with, among other things, the crowning of the 2026 Forest Queen. There was no shortage of action either – for example, with the crowd-puller, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Show, or “Speedcarving powered by Aspen” featuring chainsaw artists.
Successful debut of the FORST live Congress
The debut of the FORST live Congress was particularly successful right from the first day of the trade fair. The inaugural scientific congress complemented the trade fair perfectly and provided fresh impetus in terms of content.
Tanja Hartmann, Head of Trade Fairs at Messe Offenburg-Ortenau GmbH, draws a thoroughly positive conclusion:
“The premiere of the FORST live Congress is a great success and demonstrates the potential that lies in combining practice and science. We have thus taken an important step in the further development of FORST live.”
Alexander Fritz, Project Manager of FORST live, also sums up the event enthusiastically: “The fantastic atmosphere on the site, the innovations, people’s enthusiasm for this industry and the many exciting encounters, presentations and live demonstrations make this event something truly special. The fact that the trade fair even closed with record results is a source of great delight for the whole team.”
With renewed growth, strong international participation and innovative content formats, FORST live is heading into the future stronger and full of dynamism.
The next FORST live will take place from 23 to 25 April 2027 in Offenburg.
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Press contact
Silke Wälde +49 (0) 781 9226-239 presse [at] messe-offenburg.de