Press Release, October 2025 – An Interview with Stefan Dittrich, Director for HOLZ-HANDWERK

From 24 to 27 March 2026, sawdust will be flying again at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre when HOLZ-HANDWERK opens its doors. The woodworking and wood processing trade has been meeting every two years for over 30 years. This trade fair for machine technology, equipment, and supplies, co-located with FENSTERBAU FRONTALE, is now popular with joiners, carpenters, and cabinetmakers from all over Europe.

In an interview, Stefan Dittrich, Director for HOLZ-HANDWERK, answers a few questions about moving industry topics, how HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 will address them and how preparations are progressing.

Mr Dittrich, the countdown is on – HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 starts in just over six months. How are the preparations going, and what is the current registration status?

“Preparations for HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 are in full swing. We are in the process of expanding proven formats, but of course also incorporating new ideas and concepts. We are very satisfied with the number of registrations so far. Despite the current economic challenges, the industry is looking to the future. Many exhibitors from previous years are remaining loyal to us, including WEINIG/ HOLZ-HER, Leitz, Hettich, Blum, Pytha, Häfele, Grass, Shaper and Stürmer. Returning exhibitors include Altendorf, Otto Martin, Geronne, Festool and Mafell. The list of exhibitors on our website is growing and will be updated regularly. Anyone who has not yet secured stand space should register as soon as possible. The first hall plans are online now.”

The woodworking trade is currently facing rising production and energy costs, more difficult material procurement and changing customer demands, among other things. What opportunities and what space does HOLZ-HANDWERK, as a trade fair, offer for exhibitors and visitors to deal with problems like these?

“HOLZ-HANDWERK offers exhibitors and visitors numerous opportunities to deal with the current challenges facing the woodworking trade and to actively shape its future. Our survey from 2024 already shows that HOLZ-HANDWERK is perceived positively, due to the following aspects:

•  Networking: Many participants appreciate the opportunity to make new contacts and exchange ideas with experts. This helps the community to discuss challenges and develop solutions. This is where people talk openly about rising costs, material bottlenecks, and new customer requirements.
• High visitor numbers and quality: The trade fair attracts a large and competent audience, which enables exhibitors to reach their target groups effectively and attract new interested parties from various sectors.
• Diversity of exhibitors: The presence of versatile exhibitors offers visitors the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about new products and trends and to pick up ideas from the supporting programme.

 

These aspects emphasise the role of HOLZ-HANDWERK as a platform that gives the industry a voice, offers participants support in difficult times and shows new perspectives. In 2026, this will again be reinforced by numerous impulses from the supporting programme. These include the new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena and the Material and Product Show, the HOLZ-HANDWERK Campus for further training and career opportunities, as well as the Young Innovators Stand for start-ups, which will be shared with FENSTERBAU FRONTALE.”

The motto of HOLZ-HANDWERK is “Discover. Experience. Do.” How is this motto being lived on site? And what is your personal impression of it?

“At HOLZ-HANDWERK, both exhibitors and visitors can fully immerse themselves in the industry. What counts is proximity to the customer, and this can be best experienced through personal contact and dialogue. The trade fair is a place where manufacturers and users communicate at eye level.
Machines, tools and materials are used live on site and can often be tested for yourself. It’s not just a place for talking, but for sewing, milling, and sanding. The craft is shown in all its dynamics. Sawdust sometimes flies through the hall. This makes a visit to the trade fair a unique experience.
I’m always delighted when the first visitors stream into the halls, when I see familiar faces again and, above all, when there are lots of interesting conversations. I’m particularly excited about the new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena this time because it strengthens the experiential character of our trade fair. As a multifunctional area, it offers the opportunity to experience products, best practices and trends up close, as well as providing a framework for dialogue and networking.”

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Mark your Calendar

HOLZ-HANDWERK
24 to 27 March 2026
Exhibition Centre Nuremberg

Organised by: VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association and NürnbergMesse GmbH

More information at www.holz-handwerk.de/en