International Hardware Fair

Update

Eisenwarenmesse 2026 will occur between the 3rd and 6th of March 2026 as a face-to-face trade exhibition in Messe Cologne. 

Preface

Eisenwarenmesse (International Hardware Fair or International Hardware Fair Cologne) is among the leading tools and industrial supplies industry events. It is the meeting location for well-known and start-up companies in the sector. The fair is also the central hub for learning about innovations and meeting with buyers. Founded in 1971, the fair occurs biannually in Messe Cologne in Cologne. The International Hardware Fair Cologne often sets attendance number records. For example, one edition included 2 762 exhibitors and 47 424 visitors. Trade delegates represented around 143 nations. Among them are countries such as Germany, the United States, Canada, and India.

About International Hardware Fair Cologne

Eisenwarenmesse is an exhibition that can help professionals achieve several important goals. Such include, for instance, forming new connections and maintaining previous ones. The Eisenwarenmesse helps to complete such goals through its exhibition and support programme. The fair features an exhibition of around 144 000 m2 of event space. The show floor has four primary sectors - Tools, Fasteners, Industrial supplies, and Home Improvement. 

The International Hardware Fair features as one of its highlights the EISEN Forum, where leading expert speakers discuss the most up-to-date innovations. The Forum takes place on all four days of the fair, with each day having its line-up of lectures. Often, the topics focus on details such as digitalisation, e-commerce, and Industry 4.0. Another event of interest is the Start-up Village. This is the exhibition zone for start-up companies. It is also where they can host live presentations to an interested audience. The DIY Boulevard is similar in intent, as it showcases DIY companies. These include professionals who create and supply tools for DIY projects.

The support program of Eisenwarenmesse also includes the EISEN Innovation Award. During the Award, nominees in several categories compete for the innovation prize. The jury selects each winner based on the innovation level of the product. The divisions include tools, fixing and fastening technologies, and industrial supply. 

Eisenwarenmesse’s exhibitors include leading companies such as:

• ACME;
• Baymax;
• Baier Elektrowerkzeuge;
• BORA Tool;
• Boeck;
• Energizer;
• Viking;
• Kaufland e-commerce GmbH;
• Markator;
• Rexon;
• Schumacher Europe;
• Shopware AG.

The International Hardware Fair is the meeting hub for attendees from many industries. These include the hand and power tools and DIY sectors. It also attracts the fittings and industrial supply segments. The fasteners and fixing and industry services sector likewise attend the fair. Eisenwarenmesse similarly attracts trade visitors such as tool, security, and hardware specialists. Also, it receives professionals working at department/discount stores. Many commercial end-users, constructors, architects and mail-order specialists visit Eisenwarenmesse to find new tools.

Eisenwarenmesse Accommodation

Procure suitable accommodation for International Hardware Fair before all the good deals are taken with Travel 2 Fairs Ltd. All that is necessary is to inform us about the rooms you need, how much you wish to spend, and your desired location. Travel 2 Fairs Ltd manages the rest. Reserve lodgings adjacent to Messe Cologne and gain valuable access to public transport. We can advise you on the best routes to take to the venue. Aside from affordable hotel accommodation for exhibitions, we also provide transport services. One way to travel to your hotel is to have a rent-a-car wait for you at the airport. Another is to schedule an airport transfer in both directions.

Event information might be outdated because of the coronavirus pandemic. More information is available from the organiser.

Past Iterations

International Hardware Fair 2022

The International Hardware Show 2022 took place between the 25th and 28th of September 2022 in a hybrid format. It received around 25 000 visitants from 125 countries and approximately 1 400 exhibitor firms from 50 countries. Over 70% of the visitors were from abroad.

International Hardware Fair 2024

The International Hardware Show 2024 occurred between the 3rd and 6th of March 2024 in a live trade expo format. It received more than 3 200 exhibiting firms from 55 nations and 38 000 visitants from 133 countries. 92% of the exhibiting and over 70% of the visiting groups were from abroad.