Hannover, Germany. More than a year before LIGNA 2027, the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is reporting an excellent booking situation. More than 80 percent of the exhibition space has already been allocated, and all leading companies in the sector have registered their participation – across all exhibition areas of LIGNA. This confirms the woodworking community’s unwavering commitment to its flagship fair – despite the still highly strained global economic climate.

“The clear and overall commitment from the companies shows that LIGNA remains the premier platform for international market players,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG. “Fifteen months ahead of LIGNA 2027, more than 80 percent of the exhibition space relative to the final total of LIGNA 2025 is already booked. Two-thirds of exhibitors have already registered for the trade fair,” Wagner adds. (LIGNA 2025: 113,318 square meters net exhibition space and 1,425 exhibitors).

Among the industry leaders are major players such as Homag, Weinig, Biesse, SCM, Leitz, Leuco, Dieffenbacher, Siempelkamp, Sennebogen, Liebherr, Barberan, Cefla, Robert Bürkle, Ledinek, Linck, Microtec, Festool, Mafell, Hundegger, and Felder. Wagner: “These companies represent the entire Woodworking Community, which strengthens Germany as a trade fair location, brings the international woodworking industry to Hanover every two years, and collectively formulates the ambition to fulfill and further develop the label ‘Global Industry Gathering’. LIGNA’s strong booking status shows that exhibitors use the fair as an international platform to demonstrate expertise, strength, innovation and global visibility – particularly in a challenging environment. The impressive registration numbers also highlight how important LIGNA’s objectives currently are for the companies: whether technological advancements, new market requirements or the need for international exchange at decision-maker level – exhibitors view LIGNA as a stable anchor point at a time when numerous markets are under simultaneous pressure.”

Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association sees the opportunities arising from a rapidly changing global economy. “The global uncertainty and changes in the world economy – inconvenient as they often may be – also present opportunities for our industry. Production sites are being shifted more frequently than in the past. The investment pressure driven by societal trends is steadily increasing, and many planned investments have already been postponed for quite some time. Significant progress is also becoming evident in areas that may not come to mind immediately, such as recycling technologies or measurement technology. In May 2027, LIGNA will serve as the central marketplace of the industry, providing orientation. With its new date and without a national public holiday, it will fully live up to its outstanding role as an innovation fair. Modern woodworking thrives on innovation, much of which emerges at LIGNA – simply because it is most visible here. Exhibitors are eager to make use of this effect.”

About LIGNA

LIGNA is the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry and has been held every two years since 1975, in odd-numbered years, jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association at the exhibition grounds in Hanover. It showcases the complete range for both the primary and secondary industries: tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machinery and equipment for forestry technology.