The global ornamental plant and greenhouse sector turns to Essen in late January to review plant assortments and the machinery that supports production. IPM 2026 takes place from 27 to 30 January 2026 at Messe Essen and brings together companies focused on plants and horticultural technology.
Dates and venue for IPM 2026 in Essen
IPM 2026 runs from 27 to 30 January 2026 at Messe Essen. Opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Thursday and until 16:00 on Friday. The venue provides standard transport and parking services for trade visitors.
Key figures for IPM 2026
The 2026 edition lists 1,476 exhibitors from 41 countries and nearly 40,000 trade visitors. Those figures illustrate the event’s international scale and trade density across the halls.
Sectors and exhibitors at IPM 2026
Exhibitors present offerings in plants, floristry, cultivation technology and equipment. The mix includes ornamental plants, cultivation systems and technical solutions aimed at production efficiency and retail presentation.
Program and highlighted areas at IPM 2026
IPM 2026 includes thematic areas and formats for professionals such as the Innovationscenter Gartenbautechnik, IPM Discovery Center, IPM Flower Stage and the Gehölz-Arena. Initiatives like Young Innovators and the IPM Concept Store add focused stages for product launches and technical exchange.
How to prepare B2B prospecting for IPM 2026
Effective prospecting requires a tight plan and actionable materials. Practical steps:
Pre-fair segmentation
Use the exhibitor list to flag potential suppliers and buyers by product category and country. Prioritize by technical fit and logistical capability.
Tailored commercial message
Craft a short value statement that identifies the counterpart’s challenge and your solution. Bring technical datasheets in a digital format and a business card with a direct link to a product sample online.
Schedule and on-site tactics
Book meetings during opening hours and allow time for walk-in demos. Locate clusters where horticultural technology and handling equipment are displayed to optimize visits.
Immediate follow-up
Record contacts and send a targeted follow-up with a concrete proposal within 48 hours. Include technical documentation or certifications to move the conversation forward.
Closing note and official link
IPM 2026 frames plant assortment, technical innovation and sustainability issues relevant to horticulture. For exhibitor lists, timetable and visitor services consult the official website at https://www.ipm-essen.de/weltleitmesse
