INTERFORST 2026 is expanding and focusing on hands-on formats

From October 15 to 18, 2026, INTERFORST will bring together key players from business, science, and politics in Munich. Under the motto “Shape the forest together. Utilize diversity. Secure the future,” the four key themes—Healthy Forests of the Future, People in Focus, Forestry Technology on New Paths, and Digitalization of Forestry & Wood—take center stage.

Over the four days of the trade fair, 400 exhibitors will present their various solutions across the entire forestry value chain. Among the exhibitors are companies such as OCELL, Kaiser, LIECO, Husqvarna, ATMOS, Stefan Ebert und Kubota. The share of international exhibitors is 41 percent, which represents a seven-percent increase compared to the previous event in 2022, while the total number of exhibitors has grown by 14 percent.

Exhibition Director Petra Hess is optimistic about the upcoming trade fair: “The positive trend in exhibitor numbers and international participation shows that INTERFORST is coming at just the right time for the industry. The forestry industry and forestry technology face major challenges—which makes it all the more important to have a platform where solutions, innovations, and practical experience come together and provide a focus for shaping the future of the industry together.”

Innovations at INTERFORST 2026

The innovations on display at INTERFORST 2026 show where forestry technology is heading: The focus is on solutions that make day-to-day work easier, conserve resources, and streamline processes. These solutions include new drive and energy concepts, such as those from Balfor, as well as materials and products that can replace plastic-based applications in forestry—for example, those from Buck and Feldbacher.

Other examples range from AI-powered applications and digital platforms to optimized machine components and service solutions. Innovations in crane and harvesting technology from MESERA, ROTTNE, and Schmitter Hydraulik demonstrate that progress in the forestry industry often stems from practical advancements: Machines become more efficient, downtime is reduced, and work processes in the forest are better supported.

Premiere: demonstration and action areas along the value chain

Among the most important new features of INTERFORST 2026 are demonstration and action areas in the outdoor exhibition grounds. In the demonstration areas, exhibitors have the opportunity to present their vehicles and machines live at their stands. A total of 44 companies will be making use of the additional exhibition space, including Reil & Eichinger, Sennebogen, Haas Nutzfahrzeuge und Kesla.

The new action areas will showcase key forestry processes in a hands-on manner: EPSILON will demonstrate workflows in timber transport; Wahlers will showcase digital connectivity in highly mechanized timber harvesting; and Unterreiner Forstgeräte will present the firewood value chain—from timber forwarding to sawing and splitting, all the way to energy use.

INTERFORST supporting program: Knowledge, technology, exchange

The supporting program highlights INTERFORST’s four key themes through a variety of formats. At the congress, Joachim Hamberger, Director of the Bavarian Office for Forest Genetics, will be among the speakers on the first day of the trade fair, discussing solutions for climate-stable future forests (Thursday, October 15, 13:15–13:45, Hall B6).

Also on the first day, Veronika Rappai of the Austrian Federal Forest Service will discuss sustainable human resources management in the forestry sector (Thursday, October 15, 15:15–15:45, Hall B6).

On the second day of the trade fair, the focus will be on forestry technology and digitalization. Juha Inberg von Ponsse will present trends in the forestry industry (Friday, October 16, 10:15–10:45, Hall B6).

Ludwig Graf Douglas of TimberTom will explain the opportunities artificial intelligence has to offer in the forestry industry (Friday, October 16, 12:45–13:15, Hall B6)

In addition, the forum program (Friday afternoon through Sunday—Hall B6) will cover various topics such as “Carbon Footprint of Timber Supply,” “Forestry Skills—Chainsaw Work,” “AI in Forestry—A Revolution,” as well as “Between Trees and Tradition: Women in Forestry.”

Special exhibitions and skills competitions

Special exhibitions and competitions round out the program: The special exhibition “Shaping forests together” addresses key issues concerning the future of the forest, while the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture (SVLFG) focuses on safety, health, and responsible work practices in the outdoor exhibition area.
The Bavarian State Forests’ vocational skills competition and STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® showcase forestry technology in action.

Germany’s Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer and Bavaria’s Minister of Agriculture Michaela Kaniber to open INTERFORST

The leading international trade fair for forestry and forestry technology will be officially opened by Alois Rainer, Germany’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Affairs, and Michaela Kaniber, Bavarian Minister of State for Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism. They will then take part in a joint opening discussion with Bernhard Breitsameter, President of the Bavarian Forest Owners’ Association. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger will also be visiting INTERFORST 2026 on the first day of the trade fair.