For years, elektrotechnik has carved a reputation as being the central point of contact for finding out about innovations taking the various sectors of the electrical industry forward to greater things. In 2025 once again, the exhibitors and the varied programme line-up will offer valuable inspiration and exciting solutions for the future. From smart buildings technology and artificial intelligence to sustainable energy solutions – everything that drives the industry will again be on show in Dortmund from 12 to 14 February. Big-name exhibitors will be presenting their latest solutions and technologies, and the latest knowledge will be conveyed in specialist forums, live demonstrations and other true-to-life programme items. Highlights include the BusinessTreff AI Congress and the 'Touchpoint AI' speciality zone (Hall 5.B16), the IMPULSE architecture conference, the Dortmund Lighting Day, the Energy Consultants' Day and the Entrepreneurs' Day 2025. There will also be plenty on offer for young professionals at the show, with programme items such as Werk-Stadt, Karriere-Camp and occupational safety seminars providing apprentices and young operatives with real-life practical skills training.

Dortmund, 12 February 2025 – Sustainable energy concepts, networked buildings automation and digital industrial processes are shaping the future of the electrical industry. Accordingly, these and other topics of interest will be the focus of the upcoming elektrotechnik show at Messe Dortmund between 12 and 14 February. Specialists from the electrical and wholesale trades and from industrial users are set to join people from the architectural, planning and the energy sectors to familiarise themselves with innovative technologies and trends. Around 400 exhibitors from 15 countries, including European markets such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Spain and France, will be presenting their latest developments and engaging in direct dialogue with trade visitors. Inolope Expo, taking place at the same time, provides even more variety and offers an in-depth insight into the latest trends and technologies in the field of building envelopes.

Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, gave an outlook on the upcoming show, saying: “Once again this year, elektrotechnik is showcasing all facets of the electrical engineering industry. At a time when innovation cycles are becoming ever shorter and demands on professionals are constantly increasing, we're delighted that this show will once again be a place where professionals, businesses and experts can discuss current and upcoming challenges and opportunities. This year's show offers even more opportunities to do so, as the programme includes new items and exciting events that will enrich our dialogue and offer a glimpse of future developments.”

“Trade visitors can once again look forward to a sophisticated and attractive supporting programme put together by us as the show's technical sponsor,” said Martin Böhm, President of the North Rhine Westphalia Electrical & Information Technology Trade Association (FEH.NRW). “With its large exhibition floorspace, attractive specialist forums and special exhibition features, elektrotechnik is the perfect platform for obtaining comprehensive information, discussing individual issues with the experts at the venue, engaging with colleagues and association representatives and also gaining valuable inspiration for practical operations.”

Big-name exhibitors from all sectors – innovations, débuts and pioneering new products

elektrotechnik 2025 not only presents leading businesses in the fields of buildings technology, energy technology and industrial technology, but is also the venue for numerous product débuts and innovative solutions being unveiled in Dortmund for the very first time.

• Buildings technology: Busch-Jaeger, Kaiser Elektro, Gira, Mennekes, OBO Bettermann, Doepke, Hager, Hensel, Schneider Electric, RZB, Abus, Maico and TEL, as well as lighting technology exhibitors: TRILUX, Brumberg Leuchten, Ledvance, BEGA Gantenbrink-Leuchten, RZB, SG Leuchten, Signify, Glamox, RIDI Leuchten and Zumtobel Lighting.
• Energy technology: Jean Müller, Siemens, Janitza, Koopmann, Bosch Thermotechnik, Fritz Driescher, R&S, Rittal, Ormazabal, Ritter Starkstromtechnik, Gritec and Horstmann.
• Industrial technology: SIBA, F.H. Papenmeier, Sicatron, Phoenix PHD, Metrel, Chauvin Arnoux, Siemens, Druseidt, Riello UPS and Manfred Vogel.

Alongside tried-and-trusted technologies, the show will also put débuts and new product generations centre stage. Numerous businesses are using elektrotechnik 2025 to present their latest developments to a trade audience for the first time (see also 'Exhibitor News' press release in the press kit). From smart buildings technology solutions and networked energy infrastructures to AI-supported control and automation systems – the exhibition is set to showcase the entire spectrum of innovations. With a unique combination of expert knowledge, pioneering technologies and real-life solutions, this year's show is once again a central forum for the future of the industry. Trade visitors will have the opportunity to discover the latest trends and innovations, make valuable business contacts and update their expertise.

Innovative solutions using artificial intelligence

Touchpoint AI (5.B16) puts the role of artificial intelligence into focus as a driver of innovation and efficiency, with businesses in a variety of sectors presenting pioneering solutions for automated control systems, smart sensor networks and data-driven process optimisation.

Buildings technology – trends and digitalisation

One example of this technical depth is the Buildings Technology Forum (Hall 3 – 3.E30) where experts will present the latest solutions and trends related to the planning, refurbishment and construction of buildings. Three mornings will be dedicated to the Technologies & Trends forum, while the afternoons will focus on digitalisation and buildings information modelling (BIM) (Wed.), 'Architects in vogue' (Thurs.) and 'Planners in vogue' (Fri.). Visitors will gain real-life insights into issues including innovative façade concepts, smart buildings technology and circular construction methods. Also in the programme line-up:

• 'IMPULSE' architecture conference (12 February, 09:00 to 14:00 hrs, London/Bruges Room, North Entrance complex), where architects, planners and industry experts will meet to discuss the future of smart buildings and sustainable construction methods. Expert keynotes and best-practice examples will further also add to the conference.
• Smart Living in the E-House (Hall 4 – 4.B52): In the newly designed E-House, experts will demonstrate in practical ways how grid-based control, variable tariffs and artificial intelligence can assist the green energy transition.

Light – driving innovation

Within the buildings technology discipline, lighting technology will again be a focal topic at this year's show, with leading companies presenting their latest developments in Halls 4 and 7. Visitors will be given a comprehensive overview of intelligent lighting control, energy-efficient solutions and sustainable lighting concepts. The 11^th edition of the established Dortmund Lighting Day on 13 February (10:00 to 13:00 hrs, North Entrance complex) will provide new expertise in 'Light & Lighting Technology'. At the specialist event organised by the Ruhr Lighting Equipment Society (LTGR) and the FEH.NRW, experts will share their knowledge of current standards, the phasing out of certain lamp types, lighting control automation and the DALI-2 standard. Knowledgeable speakers from leading businesses will also provide information on topics of practical relevance, offering useful insights for architects, planners and specialists in the electrical trade.

Energy technology – efficiency and security of supply

The Energy Technology Forum (Hall 4 – 4.A32) is the platform for the foremost topics related to energy provision and security of supply. The mornings are concerned with Green Solutions (Wed.), the Municipal Utilities Forum (Thurs.) and the latest developments in Control & Switch Cabinet Construction (Fri.). The afternoons will focus on Safety in Energy Systems. Also in the programme line-up:

·                   Energy Consultants' Day (14 February, 10:00-13:00 hrs, North Entrance complex), the central meeting point for professionals involved in sustainable energy supply and efficiency measures.

Industrial technology – AI as a game changer

Hall 5 is all about automation and digitalisation. At the Industrial Technology Forum (5.D32), experts will shed light on the topics of Digital Innovation, Maintenance and Automation Technology in the mornings, while Artificial Intelligence will take centre stage in the afternoons – for example at the BusinessTreff event 'AI Set to Be a Game Changer' (Thursday, 14:00 hrs, plus a tour of the show) where experts from science and industry will discuss how AI is revolutionising production and maintenance processes in industry. Medium-sized businesses will gain valuable insights into how they can make profitable use of AI technologies.

The Measuring & Testing forum (Hall 5 – 5.D16, each day between 10:00 and 14:30 hrs) with content aimed specifically at electricians has been expanded to include a stage of its own. From the latest standards and test procedures for electrical devices, systems, machines, solar power systems to DC charging stations – this is where specialists will discover everything about measuring and testing. At the joint stand of regional marketing network In|Die RegionWestfalen (5.D16), on the other hand, topics such as innovative electromobility solutions from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, decarbonisation approaches from the Fraunhofer IWS institute and the EKD's digital file will be covered. A number of leading companies will also be presenting their latest solutions at the venue.

Practical training for the next generation

As well as the specialist forums, the show will feature numerous training programmes designed specially for apprentices and young operatives:

• Werk-Stadt – interactive practical workstations for Year 2 and 3 apprentices, where they can try out new technologies and work processes under expert guidance.
• Occupational safety seminars organised by BG ETEM – safety training courses specially designed for trainees in the electrical professions.

Information on the full supporting programme can be found in the Visitor Guide, the webapp.messe-elektrotechnik.de and on the show's website at www.messe-elektrotechnik.com.