Orgatec Cologne 2026

Petra Opgenoorth

Sales Operations Manager

Nadim Ledschbor

Sales Manager Germany

Julia Petrulat

Sales Operations Manager

Hannah Jesse

Campaign Manager

Koelnmesse Visitor Hotline

General Visitor Inquiries

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Prof. Miriam Meckel

Professor of Communication Management

New Work, Leadership, Future of Work

Dr. Peggie Rothe

Chief Insights & Research Officer @ Leesman

Workplace Experience, New Work

Dr. Guzmán de Yarza Blache

Global Design Strategy Lead @ JLL

Workplace Design Strategy

Eve Wilkinson-Bell

Workplace Regional Manager @ HERE Technologies

Workplace Management, New Work

Ole Scheeren

Architect & Expert for Collective Living and Urban Collaboration

Collective Living, Urban Collaboration

Carlo Ratti

Architect and Engineer

Future of Work Environments, Architecture

Ralf Schumacher

Formula One Legend, TV Expert & Multi-Entrepreneur

Leadership, Motivation

Cornelia Poletto

Chef & Entrepreneur

Leadership, Entrepreneurship

Dr. Caroline von Kretschmann

Managing Director @ Europäischer Hof Heidelberg

Leadership, Hospitality

Dr. Anne Latz

Physician and Entrepreneur

Health, New Work

Toan Nguyen

Designer

Design, Workspace

Peter Ippolito

Designer

Interior Design, Workspace

Philip Tidd

Workplace Strategist

Workplace Strategy

Julia Hobsbawm

Author and Entrepreneur

Future of Work, Social Health

Mattijs Kaak

Founder and Director @ Ditt Officemakers

Workplace Innovation

Birgit Gebhardt

Trend Expert and Futurologist

Future of Work, Trends

Dr. Ann Sophie Lauterbach

Researcher @ Dresden University of Technology

Workplace Research

Tracey Ingram

Moderator and Expert in spatial design & products

Spatial Design, Products

Volker Weßels

Sustainability Expert & Head of European Level Programm

Sustainability

Semih Aridogan

Partner @ Strive Studio

Design, Workspace

Wiebke Speckels

Strategic Marketing and Sustainability Manager @ BASF

Sustainability, Marketing

Wolfram Sauer

Co-Founder @ Leading Minds

New Work, Pioneering

Alina Selbach

Head of Furniture Business @ TÜV Rheinland

Furniture Industry, Certification

ÁL

Álvaro López Arroyo

Product Technical Director @ Grupo Forma 5

Product Development, Furniture

Eva von Traitteur

Senior Specialist Industrial Design @ BASF Creation Center

Industrial Design, Materials

Topic tracks

Empowered ExperienceConnected CulturesRadical Impact

Co-located events

idd cologne (interior design days cologne)

Separate ticket

Design Post Köln

Separate ticket

Awards

Innovation Award Architecture+ Office 2026

Biennial

The Innovation Award Architecture+ Office recognises outstanding products, concepts and solutions for the design of future-ready workspaces and contract interiors. Organised by ORGATEC in partnership with AIT, the award is presented for the 14th time as part of ORGATEC 2026.

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 61,000 visitors · 608 exhibitors

Figures are pre-event organiser/directory estimates; not yet confirmed post-show audited numbers.

Forecast — not final

Visitors

50,000

Exhibitors

729

Floor area (sqm)

140,000

Exhibitor countries

Visitor countries

126

Growth over time

Edition recap

ORGATEC 2024 ran from 22 to 25 October 2024 at Koelnmesse in Cologne. The edition drew 729 exhibitors from 40 countries (76% from abroad) across 140,000 square metres of exhibition space, alongside an estimated 50,000 trade visitors from 126 countries (56% international) — a significant increase over the 2022 edition.

The show introduced a restructured hall layout, topic-centred Focus Areas, and the new Work Culture Festival, which Koelnmesse and its partner association IBA credited with driving the visitor growth and reinforcing Cologne's position as a leading venue for interior design trade fairs. The next edition is scheduled for 27 to 30 October 2026.

New this edition

1
Redesigned hall layout
ORGATEC 2024 introduced a restructured hall layout intended to improve visitor navigation via themed routes and expand available exhibition space compared to prior editions.
Source
2
Focus Areas
Centrally positioned, topic-centred showcase zones devoted to specific themes formed the cornerstone of the individual halls at ORGATEC 2024, replacing the previous format's structure.
Source
3
Work Culture Festival
A new industry-spectacle format layered onto the core trade fair, credited by IBA President Helmut Link with helping transform ORGATEC 2024 into what he called a real industry spectacle.
Source

Testimonials

For us, ORGATEC remains the premier event in the office furniture sector, no other show compares. With its strong international brand recognition, it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Carsten Vestergren · Executive Director · BOS · 2024

The new focus areas at ORGATEC offer immersive showcase experiences to appreciate the latest developments and commitments to greater sustainability within the workplace environment.
Joanna Knight · Co-Founder, SDC the Sustainable Design Collective · Sustainable Design Collective · 2024

Next edition outlook

2026-10-27 – 2026-10-30

high

ORGATEC 2026 will take place in Cologne from 27 to 30 October 2026, introducing the event's first-ever central theme: "From Rooms to Relationships: Designing Spaces in an Ever-Changing World." The thematic focus addresses two global megatrends—the human-to-human experience in an increasingly digitalised world, and the need to navigate continual transition in workspace and contract environments. The 2026 edition will further evolve the successful trade fair concept introduced in 2024, with clearly defined hall segments: Workspace Solutions in Halls 6–9 and Contract Solutions in Halls 5 and 10, connected by the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival in Halls 6 and 9.

First-ever central theme "From Rooms to Relationships: Designing Spaces in an Ever-Changing World" Clearly defined hall segments: Workspace Solutions in northern Halls 6–9 and Contract Solutions in southern Halls 5 and 10 Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival continues as a connecting element in Halls 6 and 9 New "ORGATEC PERSPECTIVES" curated special showcases for workspace and contract design New "Mix & Match" cooperation format to help exhibitors find appropriate partners Continued evolution and refinement of the trade fair concept introduced in 2024

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

ORGATEC 2024 surpassed expectations with a new trade fair concept that significantly increased visitor numbers compared to the 2022 edition. The restructured hall layout, topic-centred Focus Areas, and the debut of the Work Culture Festival reinforced ORGATEC's position as the leading international trade fair for the modern working world. 729 exhibitors from 40 countries showcased innovations across 140,000 square metres, drawing approximately 50,000 trade visitors from 126 countries, with international visitors accounting for around 56 per cent of the audience. The event demonstrated the industry's resilience and its readiness to shape the future of work environments.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

ORGATEC 2024 attracted around 50,000 trade visitors from 126 countries, with international visitors accounting for approximately 56 per cent of the audience. The visitor profile included architects, HR professionals, interior designers, office managers, facility planners, procurement managers, and business leaders from the industry and services sectors. The high proportion of international attendees and decision-makers underscores the event's global relevance and its effectiveness as a platform for establishing valuable business relationships and generating qualified leads.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor feedback from ORGATEC 2024 was strongly positive. According to Koelnmesse data, more than 80% of visitors and 73% of exhibitors would recommend participation to a good business friend, indicating genuine ROI and successful business deals. The new trade fair concept, including Focus Areas and the Work Culture Festival, created a dynamic environment for exhibitors to showcase product innovations and engage with a highly qualified international audience. The significant increase in visitor numbers compared to 2022 further validated the event's commercial value for exhibiting companies.

Intelligence

Exhibitors

482

Exhibitors

Top exhibitor countries

Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.

China
107
Germany
97
Spain
40
Poland
23
Italy
21
Republic of
19
Taiwan
19
Netherlands
17
Turkey
16
Portugal
13

Category breakdown

482Exhibitors

1~474

estimate

2~3

estimate

3~2

estimate

National pavilions

China

~107 stands

estimate

Germany

~97 stands

estimate

Spain

~40 stands

estimate

Poland

~23 stands

estimate

Italy

~21 stands

estimate

Republic of

~19 stands

estimate

Taiwan

~19 stands

estimate

Netherlands

~17 stands

estimate

Turkey

~16 stands

estimate

Portugal

~13 stands

estimate

Sweden

~13 stands

estimate

Denmark

~10 stands

estimate

France

~8 stands

estimate

Czechia

~8 stands

estimate

Austria

~7 stands

estimate

Buyer targets

High priority

Buyers sourcing

Workplace & Office Suppliers (profile Pending)

Buyers sourcing

Other Workplace & Office Suppliers

Buyers sourcing

Workplace Acoustics & Sound Masking Suppliers

Buyers sourcing

Office Storage & Filing Suppliers

Buyers sourcing

Office Seating & Ergonomic Chair Suppliers

Medium priority

Buyers sourcing

Sit-Stand & Height-Adjustable Desk Suppliers

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Europe, with primary focus on Germany and the Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region as the host market for ORGATEC 2026. The event draws exhibitors and visitors from across Europe (Spain, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Finland) as well as from Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan) and the Middle East.

Why it matters

ORGATEC 2026 takes place at a pivotal moment for the global office furniture and workspace solutions industry. The European office furniture market is expected to grow from USD 14.50 billion in 2025 to USD 15.36 billion in 2026, with forecasts reaching USD 20.52 billion by 2031 at a 5.96% CAGR. However, the German market faces significant headwinds, with industry revenue declining 5.6% in the first half of 2026 and domestic sales down 8.5%. This divergence creates a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders to use ORGATEC as a platform for navigating market transformation. The event's first-ever central theme, 'From Rooms to Relationships,' directly addresses the two megatrends reshaping the industry: the human-to-human experience in an increasingly digitalised world and the need to embrace continual transition as the new normal. With 608 exhibitors expected and approximately 61,000 visitors forecast, ORGATEC 2026 serves as the definitive global meeting point for manufacturers, architects, designers, facility managers, and decision-makers to explore modular, ergonomic, and sustainable solutions. The event's expanded focus on contract solutions, smart building technology, acoustics, and hybrid work environments positions it as the essential platform for companies seeking to capitalise on the return-to-office trend and the circular economy transition. For exhibitors, ORGATEC offers direct access to a qualified international audience, with 76% of exhibitors at the 2024 edition coming from abroad and international visitors accounting for 56% of attendees. The integration of Design Post Cologne and the continued Work Culture Festival further reinforce the event's role as a business, innovation, and knowledge platform.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Human-to-Human Experience in Workspace Design

The workspace industry is shifting focus from purely functional office environments to spaces that foster genuine connection, creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Under ORGATEC 2026's first-ever central theme "From Rooms to Relationships: Designing Spaces in an Ever-Changing World," the event highlights how design and technology can work together to promote social interaction and facilitate collaboration in an increasingly digitalised world. The concept of human-to-human experience aims to bring the human aspect back into focus, recognising that physical workplaces must offer more than just desks and meeting rooms.

Hybrid Work and the Transformation of Office Space

Hybrid working models have fundamentally changed the role of the office. Video conferences and flexible attendance patterns make physical presence less of a given, prompting organisations to rethink which areas are actually needed and how they must be designed so employees will use them willingly and productively. Corporate shifts to flexible attendance models have lengthened daily seat-rotation patterns and reduced total fixed desks, while prolonging replacement cycles for modular furniture that accommodates more users per seat. Companies are introducing height-adjustable desks, mobile cabinets, and tool-free reconfiguration systems to align seating density with fluctuating occupancy. Collaborative zones now show 32% occupancy versus 26% for assigned workstations, steering investment toward multi-purpose furniture.

Circular Economy and Sustainability Mandates

Procurement departments across Europe now treat carbon reduction as a formal purchasing criterion, accelerating the push for remanufactured tables, chair refurbishments, and as-a-service subscriptions. Providers such as NORNORM report 50% yearly growth in leased square meters while claiming up to 70% lower CO2 impact compared with first-sale purchases. Circular offerings often include guaranteed take-back, refurbishment, and transparent end-of-life reporting, helping corporate clients meet scope-three emission targets. Manufacturers are integrating ocean-bound plastics and post-consumer PET felt into panelling and seating shells, prompting plastics to emerge as the fastest material segment by 2030. EU policy proposals would extend eco-design rules to furniture and force detailed life-cycle disclosure.

AI and Smart Workplace Technology Integration

Artificial intelligence is reshaping workplace design and collaboration. Gensler's 2026 Global Workplace Survey found that AI power users spend less time working alone, more time learning, and more time collaborating virtually and socialising. Hassell's 2026 Workplace Futures Survey found 55% of employees have used AI to work from a non-traditional location. Smart systems, digital platforms, sensors, and automation are transforming buildings into responsive environments capable of learning, adapting, and optimising performance. India's smart building and building automation market is valued at USD 12–15 billion, with technologies such as IoT sensors, energy management systems, and digital twins delivering 15–30% operational efficiency gains across commercial assets.

Acoustic Solutions and Flexible Privacy Pods

The global office pods market was valued at USD 0.56 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 0.61 billion in 2026 to USD 1.33 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.06%. Downstream demand is shifting from single-person soundproof office pods toward multi-scenario acoustic space systems. Basic single-person office pods typically generate gross margins of 30–45%, while mid- to high-end single pods, two-person pods, and small meeting pods may reach 40–55%. The evolution of workplace design and collaborative spaces has progressively shifted customer spending priorities, supporting the expansion of the seating and acoustic segment. Phone booths and acoustic pods have seen their market value increase more than fourfold over the past five years.

Modular, Adaptable, and Ergonomic Furniture Systems

Height-adjustable (sit-stand) desks now represent an estimated 30–35% of EU modern office desk sales by value in 2026, up from under 20% five years earlier, driven by corporate wellness initiatives. Motorised (electric) height-adjustable desks command premium pricing, with penetration rates among white-collar office workspaces expanding from an estimated 10–15% in 2019 to approximately 25–30% in 2026. Manufacturers are capturing recurring revenue through subscription models that allow clients to swap out pieces on demand, drastically reducing unused stock and landfill waste. Real-estate teams value the data captured by sensor-enabled desks and chairs that feed utilisation dashboards in real time, guiding proactive maintenance schedules that extend product lifespans.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

2026-08-31

German Office Furniture Industry Revenue Declines 5.6% in First Half of 2026

The German office furniture industry continued to face pressure in the first half of 2026, with total industry revenue at approximately EUR 718 million, a decline of 5.6% compared to the same period last year. The domestic market was particularly affected, declining 8.5%, while export business grew 5.0% with the export ratio rising to 23.9%. IBA Chairman Helmut Link commented: 'We are seeing isolated signs of a slight recovery. Whether this will become a sustainable trend cannot yet be said at this point.' Despite the difficult market situation, IBA member companies are maintaining their investment course in future-oriented topics, including digitalisation and sustainability. The industry is looking to ORGATEC 2026 as an important impetus.

2026-06-04

König + Neurath Completes Insolvency Restructuring with 130 Job Cuts

German office and contract furniture manufacturer König + Neurath announced the dismissal of 130 employees at its Karben site as part of its insolvency restructuring. The company had filed for insolvency in November 2025 and, in early June 2026, confirmed that the process and associated job reductions had been completed. The restructuring was driven by the need to establish a sustainable financial structure, streamline processes, and strengthen operational performance. The 130 job cuts were carried out through direct redundancies, while remaining employees are required to forgo special payments and salary increases. Following the conclusion of the insolvency proceedings, the company has resumed normal business operations with approximately 700 employees retained.

2026-06-11

Sedus Stoll Group Reports EUR 216 Million Revenue for 2025, Advances Strategic Growth Initiatives

The Sedus Stoll Group closed the 2025 financial year with revenue of approximately EUR 216 million, a slight decline amid difficult economic conditions in office furniture markets. Despite the market transformation, the company strengthened its market position and continued to develop high-potential product segments. The Group made further progress on climate goals, including a 16% reduction in Product Carbon Footprint. Sedus is among the confirmed exhibitors for ORGATEC 2026 in the Workspace Solutions area.

2025-12-10

HNI Corporation Completes USD 2.2 Billion Acquisition of Steelcase

HNI Corporation completed its acquisition of Steelcase, a global design and furniture manufacturing company, in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately USD 2.2 billion. The merger unites two major workplace furniture companies, aiming to capitalise on the return-to-office trend. The acquisition was first announced months earlier, and Steelcase now maintains its principal office in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of HNI. The deal significantly consolidates the global office furniture manufacturing landscape.

2026-05-28

ORGATEC 2026 Reports Broad International Participation and New Exhibition Formats

Around seven months before ORGATEC 2026 opens, organisers reported strong international participation and announced new exhibition formats. Confirmed exhibitors in the Workspace Solutions area include Bene, Brunner, Haworth, Humanscale, Interstuhl, Kinnarps, KOKUYO, PALMBERG, Sedus, Thonet, and Viasit. In the Contract Solutions area, Artemide, COR, Fermob, Framery, Kettal, Muuto, and Strähle Raum-Systeme are among confirmed companies. For 2026, the fair is adopting a more compact hall concept intended to more tightly cluster offering segments. New formats include ORGATEC PERSPECTIVES curated special showcases and a Mix & Match cooperation format. Design Post Cologne will be officially integrated as an additional exhibition venue.

2025-11-24

ORGATEC Announces First-Ever Central Theme: 'From Rooms to Relationships'

ORGATEC announced the first central theme in the event's history as it prepares for its 2026 edition. Under the title 'From Rooms to Relationships: Designing Spaces in an Ever-Changing World,' the event shifts the spotlight to humans, their relationships within work and contract spaces, and ways to navigate continual change. The thematic focus is tied to two global megatrends: human-to-human experience and transition. Maik Fischer, Director of ORGATEC, stated: 'The central theme of ORGATEC 2026 underscores the idea that future spaces will have to transcend mere functionality. They are increasingly turning into places where people come together and where design, technology and human experience intertwine.'

Global Workspace and Contract Furniture Trade Fair Circuit

The next 6–12 months (October 2026 – October 2027) offer a dense schedule of comparable events. Organisations planning a comprehensive trade fair strategy should consider attending ORGATEC Cologne (October 2026), ORGATEC India (November 2026), imm cologne (January 2027), Workspace Design Show London (February 2027), Salone del Mobile Milano (April 2027), Clerkenwell Design Week (May 2027), NeoCon Chicago (June 2027), and ORGATEC Tokyo (June 2027). Early planning is recommended for travel, accommodation, and booth space, particularly for the larger events.

The workspace and contract furniture industry is served by a network of major international trade fairs across Europe, North America, and Asia. ORGATEC Cologne stands as the world's leading biennial event for workplace and contract solutions, complemented by regional editions in India, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Key comparable events include Salone del Mobile in Milan (global design and furniture), NeoCon in Chicago (North America's commercial interior design event), imm cologne (consumer-oriented interior design), Clerkenwell Design Week in London (UK design festival), and Workspace Design Show in London (workplace interiors). These events collectively form a circuit that allows industry professionals to engage with different segments of the market throughout the year, with ORGATEC occupying the premier position in the European workplace solutions calendar.

13–15 Sep 2026

ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia 2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Part of ORGATEC's global expansion strategy into emerging Middle Eastern markets.

27–30 Oct 2026

ORGATEC 2026

Cologne, Germany

First-ever central theme: 'From Rooms to Relationships.' New compact hall concept with Workspace Solutions in Halls 6–9 and Contract Solutions in Halls 5 and 10. Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival returns. Design Post Cologne integrated as additional venue. Expected 608 exhibitors and 61,000 visitors.

19–21 Nov 2026

ORGATEC India 2026

Mumbai, India

India's office leasing expected to surpass 90 million sq. ft. in 2026. Over 1,850 Global Capability Centres in India, accounting for nearly 55% of the global GCC market.

19–22 Jan 2027

imm cologne 2027

Cologne, Germany

2026 edition (20–23 January) featured 330+ exhibitors from 25 countries under the theme 'World of Interiors.' Trends focused on flexibility, practical functionality, and transformable living solutions. Held at Koelnmesse, same venue as ORGATEC.

24–25 Feb 2027

Workspace Design Show 2027

London, United Kingdom

Held at the Business Design Centre, London. 2026 edition featured a powerful talks programme with influential voices in architecture, workplace design, and sustainability. Approximately 43,000 visitors attended Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, reflecting strong UK market engagement.

20–25 Apr 2027

Salone del Mobile.Milano 2027

Milan, Italy

2026 edition (21–26 April) drew major international participation. Milan Design Week includes extensive Fuorisalone events across the city. NII, a Japanese office furniture brand, chose Salone 2026 for its first presentation outside Japan. Kettal Workplace showcased new collections at the Triennale Milano.

18–20 May 2027

Clerkenwell Design Week 2027

London, United Kingdom

2026 edition (19–21 May) welcomed a record-breaking 43,162 visitors. Features exhibition venues across Clerkenwell, showroom events, installations, talks, and product launches. Strong focus on workplace and contract design alongside broader design disciplines.

2–4 Jun 2027

ORGATEC TOKYO 2027

Tokyo, Japan

Biennial event. Japan is home to major office furniture manufacturers including KOKUYO, which is a confirmed exhibitor at ORGATEC 2026 in Cologne. The Japanese market has a strong focus on ergonomic and technologically integrated workplace solutions.

14–16 Jun 2027

NeoCon 2027

Chicago, United States

2026 edition (8–10 June) with Preview Day on 7 June, held at The Mart, Chicago. The event connects design professionals with manufacturers and is the most important annual gathering for the built environment in North America.