The start of the year for tile makers and stove builders in Austria is concentrated into three days of hands-on demonstrations and professional competition in Wels. For suppliers and commercial teams it is a direct window onto installers, distributors and manufacturers across Central Europe.
What KOK Austria 2026 brings to Wels
KOK Austria 2026 takes place from 14 to 16 January 2026 at Messe Wels. The edition combines KOK Austria and Keramiko in a shared exhibition area and attracted around 2,700 trade visitors during the event. Activity is focused in Messehalle 20 and the venue provides practical facilities including free parking onsite.
Program and highlighted activities this edition
The schedule includes the 64th Technical Conference, which covers technical topics relevant to stove construction and tile installation. Concurrent elements include the Praxisbereich Fliese for live tiling techniques and competitions such as the Jung-Hafner contest for young craftsmen and the VEUKO European Championship in kachelofen construction, with winners celebrated at the exhibitors’ evening.
Social events are scheduled as well. On Wednesday a networking evening takes place at sGerstl Wels in the Gortana Passage from 18:30 and on Thursday the exhibitors’ evening is held in Messehalle 20 from 18:00. Entrance to these evenings is included in the three-day ticket.
Exhibitor mix and sector coverage
The trade fair brings together tile and ceramic manufacturers, stove and heating specialists, construction material suppliers and technical service providers such as software and occupational safety products. The exhibition covers end products—tiles, kachelofen, stoves and ovens—as well as building materials and technical solutions for trades and specialised retailers.
Key figures for the edition
- Dates 14 to 16 January 2026.
- Venue Messe Wels, primarily Messehalle 20.
- Approximately 2,700 professional visitors over the three days.
- Shared exhibition area with Keramiko.
These figures help assess contact volume and the event’s relevance for suppliers in ceramics and traditional heating solutions.
B2B prospecting and networking tactics for visitors and exhibitors
Plan meetings before arrival and bring clear technical documentation: product sheets with installation parameters, efficiency data for stoves and tactile tile samples. Prioritise appointments with installers and shop buyers and allocate time for demonstrations in the Praxisbereich Fliese.
During the show consider the following:
- Map key manufacturers and collect technical contacts as well as commercial ones.
- Attend the 64th Technical Conference to discuss standards and implementable solutions.
- Observe competitors and young talent in the VEUKO and practice area to spot practical trends in construction and combustion technology.
After the fair, segment leads by project type and purchase timeline and follow up with technical materials addressing questions raised onsite.
Final note for potential participants
KOK Austria 2026 is a technically oriented fair with a strong practical focus. Companies supplying tiles, heating solutions or installation materials should prioritize technical demonstrations and proof points in their commercial approach. Full details on program, exhibitors and tickets are available at the official site https://www.kok-austria.at where the exhibitor directory and hall plans can be downloaded.
