Join us for the 42nd International Dental Show from March 16-20, 2027, in Cologne, Germany, the premier event for dental innovations.
Dates
16–20 Mar 2027
City / country
Cologne, Germany
Venue
Koelnmesse GmbH
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at International Dental Show include American Dental Systems GmbH, Amrit Chemicals & Minerals Agency (Ammdent), AMV Consulting LLC., Andrew Medical srl and Angelus Odonto.
Event overview
The International Dental Show (IDS) is the leading global trade fair for the dental industry, showcasing innovations, technologies, and trends.
The 42nd edition will take place from March 16 to 20, 2027, in Cologne, continuing its growth trajectory and serving as a platform for future-relevant topics and solutions.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain insights into the latest dental technologies, network with industry professionals, and explore a wide range of products and services tailored to their needs.
Exhibitors can showcase their innovations, connect with potential buyers, and enhance their visibility in the global dental market. The IDS is crucial for the dental industry as it brings together key players to discuss innovations and trends, shaping the future of dental medicine and technology.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Cologne, Germany
Attend
Who runs the show
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie mbH
Verband der Deutschen Dental-Industrie (VDDI) e.V.
Koelnmesse GmbH
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 120,000
Exhibitors: 1,900
Exhibitor countries: 60
Visitor countries: 120
This edition
2027
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
The International Dental Show (IDS) is the leading global trade fair for the dental industry, showcasing innovations, technologies, and trends. The 42nd edition will take place from March 16 to 20, 2027, in Cologne, continuing its growth trajectory and serving as a platform for future-relevant topics and solutions. The IDS is crucial for the dental industry as it brings together key players to discuss innovations and trends, shaping the future of dental.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Dental practitioners seeking the latest technologies, Dental technicians looking for innovative solutions, Industry suppliers and manufacturers, Dental educators and researchers. Event Dates: March 16-20, 2027. Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany. Expected Exhibitors: Over 2,000 from 61 countries. Total Exhibition Space: 180,000 m² across 7 halls. International Dental Show attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors can showcase their innovations, connect with potential buyers, and enhance their visibility in the global dental market. Expected Exhibitors: Over 2,000 from 61 countries. Networking opportunities with industry leaders. The IDS is crucial for the dental industry as it brings together key players to discuss innovations and trends, shaping the future of dental medicine and technology. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Dental equipment manufacturers,. Exhibitor categories include Dental.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
IDS in Cologne is the world's leading dental trade fair and the biennial meeting point for the entire dental value chain — manufacturers, dealers, dental labs, practices, universities and associations. Because it only runs every two years, it functions as the industry's global launch window for new equipment, materials and digital workflows: major suppliers time product releases to IDS, distributors from around the world plan their purchasing there, and European regulatory and clinical agendas (EU MDR, digital/AI adoption, infection control) are set in its side programmes. For a dental buyer or seller, missing an IDS cycle means missing two years of supply, pricing and partnership signals in one place.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
IDS is the anchor biennial event; the rest of the circuit runs annually and regionally. Most dental companies budget one major global show (IDS) plus one or two regional fairs per year.
Jan–Feb
AEEDC Dubai — Middle East/Africa buying season
March
IDS Cologne (biennial) — global launches and distributor meetings
Sep–Dec
FDI World Dental Congress, DenTech China, Greater New York Dental Meeting
Event names and organiser websites from industry listings; confirm current dates and venues on each organiser's site.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Primary gateway for Koelnmesse and the Rhine.
~15 km
to venue
20–30 min
by car
Alternative with ICE connection to Cologne.
~45 km
to venue
45–60 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–150 / night
Rates are per room per night during fair dates and rise sharply for IDS week; book with free cancellation as early as possible.
sourceUSD 160–270 / night
Central location gives evening dining and networking options within walking distance of the Rhine and Altstadt.
sourceUSD 300–480 / night
Suitable for delegation and speaker travel; confirm meeting-room availability separately as fair week blocks these early.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
train_s_bahn
About 15–20 minutes; Köln Messe/Deutz is a short signposted walk or one tram stop from the Koelnmesse entrances.
train_regional
About 45–60 minutes with direct RE services every 20–30 minutes; often the best long-haul gateway for Cologne.
taxi
Cologne/Bonn Airport — ICE rail to Düsseldorf Hbf is often faster than road.
taxi
Shared transfers or the RE train are usually cheaper and more predictable into Messe/Deutz.
metro_tram
Frequent service across the Deutz bridge; fair-day trams run at high frequency but are very crowded at opening and closing times.
parking
Pre-book or arrive before 08:30 on peak days; Koelnmesse parking fills early during IDS.
taxi
Cologne/Bonn Airport — ICE rail to Düsseldorf Hbf is often faster than road.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Type C short-stay visa | Nationals of countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement who travel to attend IDS, meet exhibitors, or conduct business meetings for up to 90 days. | — | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days when extra documents or consultation are required | |
| Visa-free entry (90 days in any 180) | Passport holders from visa-waiver countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil and most EEA/OECD states. | — | No visa required; border control on arrival |
ETIAS registration may apply for visa-waiver travellers once the system is in operation — check before booking.
Germany accepts ATA carnets for temporary import of exhibition and professional equipment; exhibitors should check with German customs and the organiser's logistics partner for IDS-specific procedures.
Official visa pageWeather
March in Cologne is early spring: daytime temperatures typically reach 8–13 °C with overnight lows of 1–5 °C, and short, frequent showers are common (roughly 10–11 rain days in the month) with gusty winds off the Rhine. Expect changeable weather — layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes suit the long distances between halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
In restaurants, bars and taxis, round up or add about 5–10%. State the total you wish to pay when handing over cash or presenting a card, rather than leaving money on the table.
Business etiquette
German business culture values punctuality and formal address (Herr/Frau plus surname unless invited otherwise); a firm handshake on arrival and departure is standard, and meetings start on time. Bring a card, and keep small talk brief before getting to the agenda.
Cash, cards and Sundays
Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but some smaller venues and taxis prefer cash or EC/Girocard — carry some euros. Most shops are closed on Sundays, so plan supplies on Saturday.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: CGN
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cologne; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Germany is in the Schengen area. Many visitors — including US, UK, Canadian, Japanese, South Korean, Australian and most EEA passport holders — can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, which covers attending IDS 2027. Other nationalities need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa (EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6–12), normally decided within 15 calendar days; apply through the German mission or its VFS/consular partner in your country at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Carry your IDS registration confirmation, an invitation letter from the exhibitor/organiser and proof of accommodation for the visa interview and at the border.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply at the German mission or its VFS/consular partner in your country, 4–6 weeks before departure. Children aged 6–12 pay EUR 45; under-6s are exempt. Provide IDS registration, an invitation letter from the organiser/exhibitor, accommodation proof, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000 cover) and financial means. Business visits and trade-fair attendance are permitted under the visa-free/Sche
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): 20–30 min; Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): 45–60 min. Allow road or rail time to Koelnmesse GmbH; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Koelnmesse GmbH: Deutz / Messe district (walking or one tram stop from Koelnmesse): Motel One Köln-Messe, B&B Hotel Köln-Deutz, ibis Köln Messe; Cologne Innenstadt / Altstadt (10–20 min by tram to Koelnmesse): Motel One Köln-Waidmarkt, Lindner Hotel City Plaza, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln; Cologne Altstadt / Rheinauhafen (15–25 min by taxi/tram): Hyatt Regency Köln, Köln Marriott Hotel, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cologne; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Koelnmesse GmbH.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Koelnmesse GmbH; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Typically 8–13 °C daytime and 1–5 °C at night, with occasional colder snaps close to freezing in early March.
Seasonality: March is one of the wetter months in Cologne — expect frequent short showers and changeable, windy conditions rather than sustained rain; pack a compact waterproof layer and an umbrella.
Packing: March is one of the wetter months in Cologne — expect frequent short showers and changeable, windy conditions rather than sustained rain; pack a compact waterproof layer and an umbrella.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 17 March 2027
IDS runs Tuesday to Saturday; mid-week days carry the highest exhibitor staffing and programme/session density, all major suppliers are present with full technical teams, and queues at badge control and demo stands are shorter than on the opening day. Arriving Wednesday also leaves Thursday/Friday for follow-up meetings and a side trip.
Verify passport validity and Schengen entry eligibility — Check passport has at least 6 months validity beyond 20 March 2027 and confirm whether a Schengen short-stay visa is required for your nationality before booking travel to Germany.
Apply for a Schengen business visa if required — Submit the short-stay business visa application through the German mission covering your jurisdiction; allow several weeks for processing ahead of the 16-20 March 2027 show.
Book flights to Cologne for the show week — Target arrival 15 March 2027 and departure 21 March 2027 to cover all five show days at Koelnmesse.
Reserve a hotel near Koelnmesse — Book accommodation in Cologne with easy access to the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds; check in 15 March and check out 21 March 2027.
Complete online visitor registration — Register for International Dental Show via ids-cologne.de and save the badge confirmation for on-site collection.
Download the hall plan and programme — Review the Koelnmesse hall layout and the IDS programme on ids-cologne.de, then shortlist dental technology and materials sessions.
Pre-schedule B2B meetings with exhibitors — Use the exhibitor directory on ids-cologne.de to request meetings with dental equipment and materials suppliers ahead of arrival.
Plan local transport to the venue — Map the metro, tram or taxi route from your Cologne hotel to Koelnmesse and confirm first-entry times for each show day.
Prepare business attire and meeting materials — Pack March-appropriate layers for Cologne alongside business cards, product specs and printed meeting agendas.
Print travel and registration documents — Carry printed copies of the registration confirmation, hotel booking, travel insurance and scheduled meeting list.
Confirm appointments and travel insurance — Reconfirm exhibitor meeting slots and check that health and travel insurance covers the Germany trip.
Arrive in Cologne and collect your badge — Arrive 15 March 2027, collect the visitor badge at Koelnmesse, and walk the halls to orient before the 16 March opening.
Koelnmesse hall concourses & exhibitor B2B zones
Stand-side meeting points, seating and coffee across the halls; the main place to hold scheduled supplier and partner meetings during show hours.
Koelncongress / Congress Centre foyer (Messeplatz 1)
Where the programme sessions, press activity and association meetings concentrate — good for faculty, society and media contacts.
Deutz riverside bars and the Altstadt Brauhäuser (across the Hohenzollernbrücke)
Evening networking within walking distance or one tram stop of the venue; traditional Kölsch breweries are the standard post-show meeting format in Cologne.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · trade_visitor
EUR 30–70 / per person, per day
hotel
visitor · budget
EUR 80–140 / per room, per night
hotel
visitor · mid_range
EUR 150–250 / per room, per night
hotel
visitor · premium
EUR 280–450 / per room, per night
per_diem
visitor · standard
USD 75 / per person, per day
visa_fee
visitor · schengen_type_c
EUR 90 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | trade_visitor | EUR 30–70 / per person, per day | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | budget | EUR 80–140 / per room, per night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | mid_range | EUR 150–250 / per room, per night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | premium | EUR 280–450 / per room, per night | estimate | |
| per_diem | visitor | standard | USD 75 / per person, per day | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | schengen_type_c | EUR 90 / per person | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You must evaluate several suppliers, see live equipment demos, or hold multiple partner meetings in a single European trip.
Best for
Dentists, dental technicians, practice owners, lab managers and distributors who need to compare equipment, materials and digital workflows across the full global supplier base in one trip.
Min. budget
$750.00
Timeline
Book flights and hotel 3–5 months ahead (IDS week sells out); register in advance for fast-track badge pick-up.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Ticket and hotel demand peak mid-week; late booking raises hotel cost sharply.
Visa applicants of non-visa-waiver nationalities need 4–6 weeks lead time.
exhibit
You have a dental/medical-device mandate, a distributor or DSO prospect pipeline in Europe, and a launch or lead-generation target for 2027.
Best for
Dental equipment, material, instrument and software manufacturers, national pavilions and distributors seeking European or export partners.
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
Start stand enquiry 9–12 months out; stand space, hall allocation and logistics are committed well before the show.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand, build, shipping, staffing and travel are only partly captured here; true cost is usually several times the visit budget.
Hall positioning and space availability tighten as the show approaches.
skip
Dental is out of your 2027 scope, or your needs are already met through distributors and smaller regional trade fairs.
Best for
Buyers whose product roadmap has no dental, oral-care or clinical-equipment remit, and teams already covered by national or regional shows and distributor relationships.
Timeline
No travel window required; monitor organiser releases instead.
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
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References
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Date checked
International Dental Show
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