GSE Expo Europe 2026

Ground Handling International

Co-organiser

MA Exhibitions

Event Organiser

Mark Allen Group

Parent Organisation

IAEMA Team

Organiser

Email Website

GSE Expo Europe Team

Organiser

Email Website

What's on

Programme

Ceremony

Roundtable

Event days

09:00–15:00

Typical time

Official agenda Updated Thursday, Jul 16, 2026

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Uschi Schulte-Sasse

GHI Podcast / Women of GSE conversation

Jennifer Zecchino

Executive Director @ International Airport Equipment Manufacturers' Association (IAEMA)

GHI Podcast / Opening Ceremony

Ben Reeves

IAEMA Chair @ International Airport Equipment Manufacturers' Association (IAEMA)

GHI Podcast / Opening Ceremony

Michael Nelson

GHI Podcast

Karla Harrington

Women of GSE conversation

Laura McGrath

Women of GSE conversation

Abbie Hepler

Women of GSE conversation

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026

09:00 – 09:15

Official Opening Ceremony

Ceremony

Registration AreaPavilion 4

10:00 – 11:00

How will the deployment of autonomous GSE increase operational efficiency?

Roundtable

Autonomous ZoneSony Square

10:00 – 11:00

Total Visibility to Airport Ground Equipment

Roundtable

Fleet Management ZoneSony Square

11:30 – 12:30

Who is in the driving seat? How technology can help us boost safety

Roundtable

Fleet Management ZoneSony Square

13:00 – 14:00

Where is my GSE? How technology can address fleet misplacement

Roundtable

Fleet Management ZoneSony Square

14:00 – 15:00

EXIA – AI-Powered Exoskeleton for Ground Handling

Roundtable

Autonomous ZoneSony Square

Topic tracks

Autonomous GSEFleet ManagementWinter Operations

Awards

AEO Excellence Awards 2023 Best International Launch Event

Annual

GSE Expo Europe 2022 was shortlisted for 'Best International Launch Event' at the prestigious AEO Excellence Awards 2023, recognising the successful launch of the show during the pandemic

Best International Launch Event

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 3,700 visitors · 200 exhibitors

More than 200 leading GSE manufacturers, IT providers, and airport suppliers have confirmed participation as of May 2026

Forecast — not final

Visitors

3,755

Exhibitors

171

Floor area (sqm)

10,000

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Autonomous Zone
Dedicated feature zone with interactive roundtable discussions on the development and deployment of autonomous GSE, including Level 4 operations
Source
2
Fleet Management Zone
Dedicated feature zone with interactive roundtable discussions on technology and data for improving asset utilisation, fleet performance, and operational efficiency
Source
3
Winter Ops Zone
Dedicated feature zone with interactive roundtable discussions on de-icing, runway clearing, glycol recovery, winter readiness, training, and PPE
Source

Testimonials

Exhibiting at GSE Expo Europe is crucial for our business as it allows us to showcase our latest innovations and developments. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet valued customers and connect with potential new clients
Vesna Poznic · Sales Director · Tips · 2024

GSE Expo Europe is a great show to meet new and existing customers, network, share ideas, and showcase the latest developments. Visitors from all over the world attend, making it a truly global event where you can engage with industry professionals and explore new opportunities
Lilla Pozsonyi · Marketing Manager · Power Stow · 2024

GSE Expo Europe is the only show in Europe to bring together the GSE brands and GSE equipment from most continents with buyers and possible buyers from all continents
Gul Denge · Sales Director · Denge Airport Equipment · 2024

It's incredible to think that this is only the second edition of GSE Expo Europe. We've been really proud to deliver this exhibition alongside the great team at IAEMA. This is an exhibition which was built by the GSE community for the GSE community; and it's fantastic to see that community come together for a busy three days in Lisbon
Ben Allen · CEO · Mark Allen Group · 2024

It is great, record numbers and we are getting global representation. It is called GSE Expo Europe but it is very much an international show
Max Gosney · GHI Conference Chairman · Ground Handling International · 2024

Next edition outlook

2026-09-15 – 2026-09-17

confirmed

GSE Expo Europe 2026 is set to be the largest edition yet, with more than 200 exhibitors already confirmed and 90% of stand space sold months in advance. The show introduces three dedicated Feature Zones – Autonomous, Fleet Management, and Winter Ops – reflecting the industry's pivot toward automation, data-driven fleet optimisation, and climate resilience. With free visitor registration and a strong international attendance expected, the event will serve as the primary deal-making and knowledge-sharing platform for the global GSE community in 2026

Expanded focus on autonomous and driverless GSE with live demonstrations in the Autonomous Zone Deeper integration of telematics and fleet management software into exhibition offerings via the Fleet Management Zone Increased emphasis on winter operations and extreme-weather preparedness through the Winter Ops Zone Stronger representation from Gulf and Asia-Pacific buyers and exhibitors, continuing the internationalisation trend from 2024

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

GSE Expo Europe 2024 confirmed its status as the essential European forum for the ground support equipment community, building on the success of the 2022 launch. The show delivered record-breaking attendance (3,755 unique visitors, up 5.3% from 2022) and a 36% increase in exhibitors (171, up from 126) The event attracted a genuinely international audience, with significantly more visitors from Asia, the Americas, and Africa than the previous edition. The Innovation Zone and outdoor Demo Zone were packed, with standing-room-only sessions on autonomous vehicles and live demonstrations of electric baggage tractors and belt loaders. The show also served as a major product launchpad, with Mallaghan, Power Stow, and Textron GSE unveiling new electric equipment

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2024 edition attracted 3,755 unique visitors, a 5.3% increase from 2022 More importantly, the audience was genuinely global, with stronger representation from Asia, the Americas, and Africa than the previous edition. Conference Chairman Max Gosney noted: 'It is called GSE Expo Europe but it is very much an international show.'- 5 The show drew senior decision-makers: 80% of visitors held purchasing authority, and exhibitors reported an average of €5.9 million in sales value achieved at the show

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor numbers grew 36% to 171 companies, with both indoor and outdoor spaces completely sold out Exhibitors reported strong return on investment, with the average sales value achieved at the show reaching €5.9 million. The show provided a platform for direct engagement with qualified buyers, with 80% of visitors holding purchasing power. Testimonials from exhibitors highlighted the quality of leads and the value of face-to-face networking. Rushlift GSE's General Manager described the event as 'absolutely brilliant' for their business

Intelligence

Market context

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

Europe / Global

Why it matters

GSE Expo Europe 2026 matters because it is the only dedicated European forum where the entire GSE ecosystem—manufacturers, airports, airlines, ground handlers, and technology providers—converges to solve real operational challenges. With 200+ exhibitors and 80% of attendees holding purchasing authority, the show delivers direct access to the innovations that will define ramp operations for the next decade: electric fleets, autonomous tugs, telematics, and winter resilience. For buyers, it is the most capital-efficient way to compare equipment side-by-side and secure supplier relationships. For exhibitors, it offers proven ROI, with 2024 exhibitors reporting an average of €5.9 million in sales value achieved at the show. The event is free to attend and actively draws an international audience from Asia/Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa, making it a truly global hub for GSE commerce and collaboration

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Electrification of Ground Support Fleets (eGSE)

The shift from diesel to electric ground support equipment is no longer a pilot conversation—it is a fleet-planning baseline. Scope-1 emissions reporting, airport diesel bans, and a total cost of ownership crossover that favours electric powertrains over a seven-year operating life are driving this transition. At GSE Expo Europe 2026, electrification is the dominant subtext under almost every legacy GSE OEM's booth, with TLD, ITW GSE, TREPEL, Charlatte Manutention, Mallaghan, Textron GSE, and XYZ Dynamics (retrofit specialist) all showcasing electric solutions

Charging Infrastructure and Battery Technology

As electric fleets scale, charging infrastructure and battery chemistry (e.g., lithium iron phosphate vs. nickel manganese cobalt) become critical procurement decisions. Buyers are arriving with sharper questions: battery chemistry, thermal stability, cycle life, and safety envelope are now front-of-mind alongside cost and performance

Telematics, Data and Fleet Automation

Data-driven fleet management is moving beyond tracking to predictive maintenance, driver behaviour monitoring, and automated asset positioning. The Fleet Management Zone at GSE Expo Europe 2026 covers telematics, data capture, maintenance management, fuel/battery management, inventory, terminal tracking, and autonomy in fleet operations

Autonomous and Driverless GSE

Autonomous ground support equipment is moving from pilot to operational reality. The Autonomous Zone includes a live Demo Zone where attendees can see driverless tugs and automated equipment operating, with discussions on how Level 4 autonomy can improve safety, efficiency and sustainability

Winter Operations Resilience

Airports and ground handlers are facing more extreme weather events, making winter operations a strategic priority. The Winter Operations Zone at GSE Expo Europe 2026 will showcase equipment, technologies, and services aimed at de-icing, runway clearing, glycol recovery, winter readiness, training, and PPE

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

2026-05-21

Meet 200+ leading GSE manufacturers in Lisbon, FIL!

More than 200 leading GSE manufacturers, IT providers, and airport suppliers have confirmed their participation at GSE Expo Europe 2026 in Lisbon, as the industry prepares for one of the largest gatherings dedicated to ground support equipment innovation and networking

2026-03-13

Fleet Management Zone sells out at GSE Expo Europe 2026

Strong demand continues to build for GSE Expo Europe 2026 as the Fleet Management Zone has now completely sold out. Attention is turning to the remaining feature areas including Autonomous and Winter Ops

2026-03-06

Strong exhibitor demand for GSE Expo Europe 2026

Momentum is building for GSE Expo Europe 2026, with the exhibition floor plan now almost completely sold out as leading global suppliers secure their place at the industry's premier ground support equipment exhibition

2026-07-16

Inside GSE Expo Europe feature zones: agenda is live

The agenda for the Feature Zone Roundtables at GSE Expo Europe 2026 is now live, giving visitors the chance to explore the key issues shaping the future of ground support equipment across Autonomous GSE, Fleet Management and Winter Operations

2026-08-27

German Bionic Showcases AI-Powered EXIA exoskeleton at GSE Expo Europe 2026

German Bionic will showcase its AI-powered EXIA exoskeleton at GSE Expo Europe 2026 in Lisbon, September 15–17, demonstrating how wearable technology can enhance safety and efficiency in baggage handling and air cargo operations

2026-01-09

90% of stand space sold for GSE Expo Europe 2026, Lisbon

Demand for 2026 is high with 90% of indoor and outdoor locations now sold out. More than 4,000 qualified visitors attended the show in 2024 with 80% of attendees with buying power

GSE and Airport Equipment Event Circuit 2026–2027

September 2026 – October 2027

The GSE and airport equipment calendar spans multiple regions and formats, from dedicated GSE expos to broader aviation and MRO events. GSE Expo Europe (September 2026, Lisbon) is the premier European forum, complemented by the International GSE Expo (October 2027, New Orleans) in North America, the Airport Show (October 2026, Dubai) in the Middle East, and inter airport Europe (October 2027, Munich) as the biennial European airport equipment benchmark. The GHI Conference series (December 2026, London) and MRO Americas (April 2026, Orlando) provide adjacent networking for ground handling and maintenance professionals

10–12 Sep 2026

AEDEX + Airport Expo 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Focus on airport infrastructure, ground support equipment, MRO, ground handling technologies, aviation startups, innovation, and sustainability-driven airport solutions

15–17 Sep 2026

GSE Expo Europe 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Organised by IAEMA and Ground Handling International. Free visitor registration

29 Sep – 1 Oct 2026

Airline Ground Services (AGS) Global Networking Summit 2026

Athens, Greece

Focus on ground handling operations and GSE procurement

12–14 Oct 2026

Airport Show 2026

Dubai, UAE

More than 150 exhibitors. Dedicated GSE Zone showcasing sustainable and autonomous ground support equipment, including electric ground support vehicles

20–22 Oct 2026

NBAA-BACE 2026

Las Vegas, USA

Business aviation focus; attracts FBOs, operators, and GSE suppliers serving the business aviation sector

1–3 Dec 2026

27th Annual GHI Conference

London, UK

Organised by Ground Handling International. Focus on ground handling operations, safety, and innovation

12–14 Oct 2027

inter airport Europe 2027

Munich, Germany

26th edition. Brings together the global airport community; strong GSE and airport infrastructure focus