High-level visitors from the worlds of politics and industry are set to attend the leading trade fair for transport technology: For its anniversary edition from September 22–25, 2026, top international representatives from politics and business will gather for the opening ceremony and the InnoTrans Convention.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Mobility and Tourism, is expected to attend the opening event at the Palais on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, as is Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport. For DB CEO Evelyn Palla, InnoTrans marks the first major trade fair of her tenure, just as it does for ALSTOM’s new CEO, Martin Sion. Other prominent industry representatives, including Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, and Škoda CEO Petr Novotny, will discuss “Mobility on a global scale – Shaping projects and growth opportunities” at the opening.

“As the most important meeting place for the transport technology industry, InnoTrans stands out not only for its technical innovations and world premieres, but also for its intensive professional exchange,” says InnoTrans Director Kerstin Schulz: “We are proud to once again welcome countless high-profile speakers and panelists from all segments of the industry this year. The InnoTrans Convention and the entire supporting program send a strong signal about how important networking and professional exchange are.”

The Dialogue Forums serve as the central platform of the InnoTrans Convention for exchange between policymakers, industry, academia, and transportation companies. High-profile panels and expert discussions will address current challenges and future issues facing the mobility sector—ranging from digitalization and sustainable transportation to infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovative technologies. The goal is to foster international dialogue on strategies and solutions for the mobility of tomorrow. The forums are organized by, among others, the German Transport Forum (DVF), the Association of the German Railway Industry (VDB), the European railway association UNIFE, and the ZVEI as the representative of the electrical and digital industries.

An overview of the Dialogue Forums:

- Shaping Transformation: Subscription-Based Rail Technology (VDB, September 23, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

- Growth through Efficiency Gains – for an Economical, High-Performance, and Future-Proof Railway Sector (DVF, September 23, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

- Shaping the Future of ERTMS® – Success Stories and Future Outlook (UNIFE, September 24, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

- Resilience in Motion: Navigating the Challenges of Future Mobility (ZVEI, September 24, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

- Future-proof? Cybersecurity as a Transformation Factor – Challenges and Prospects for the Rail Industry (VDB, September 25, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

The Rail Leaders’ Summit brings together international decision-makers from the worlds of politics, rail companies, and infrastructure operators. The focus is on global strategies and the resilience of rail mobility. The summit is one of the most important international gatherings in the rail industry. The event is organized by DB AG, the Federal Ministry of Transport, and Messe Berlin.

- High-Performance Railways for the Future – Strong Infrastructure in Challenging Times” (September 22, 3:00–5:00 p.m.).

The Rail Leaders’ Summit is an invitation-only event.

The International Design Forum focuses on design, comfort, and the user experience in public transportation. Designers, manufacturers, and mobility providers discuss innovative interior concepts, accessibility, sustainable materials, and the combination of functionality and modern vehicle design. The International Design Forum is the thematic counterpart to the Interiors segment at InnoTrans. The Design Zentrum Berlin is the organizer of this panel.

- Holistic, Resilient, and User-Oriented - Cross-Industry Strategies for Successful Interior Solutions (IDZ, September 23, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Organized by STUVA, the International Tunnel Forum is dedicated to current developments in tunnel and infrastructure construction. The focus is on safety, sustainable construction methods, and digitalization and AI in tunnel construction.

- Tunnels – Key to Ecology and Quality of Life (STUVA, September 23, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

- Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Tunnel Construction and Operations (STUVA, September 24, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

At the Public Transport Forum, transit companies, cities, associations, and technology providers discuss current developments and future prospects for public transportation. Topics include digitalization and AI in public transit. The event is organized by ETC Solutions.

- Technology in Transition – Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Efficiency in Public Transport (ETC Solutions, September 24, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

The International Bus Forum, organized by the German Transport Forum, highlights current developments in bus transportation—from alternative drive systems to autonomous shuttle solutions. Manufacturers, operators, and technology providers will present innovative concepts for sustainable and efficient public transportation.

- Electric, connected, and autonomous in the future: How do we achieve rollout and scaling in public transportation? (DVF, September 24, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

Note for media representatives: Accreditation for InnoTrans 2026 opens on May 27. It is subject to Messe Berlin’s guidelines and is available exclusively online: Accreditation - InnoTrans. Accredited media representatives will have access to the press center on the Messe Berlin grounds and the opportunity to participate in the International Press Circle on September 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Accreditation is available until the start of InnoTrans on September 22.

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, held every two years in Berlin. The five segments of InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin. The 15th InnoTrans will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Messe Berlin is organising InnoTrans Asia specifically for the Asian market from 7 to 9 September 2027 at the Singapore EXPO grounds. For more information, visit www.innotrans.de and www.innotrans-asia.com and Linkedin.

Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.

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