Every few years, the global lighting and building technology community converges in Frankfurt am Main for an event that has become far more than a trade fair.
It has become a living, breathing barometer of where our built environments are headed. Light + Building, recognised as the world’s leading trade fair for lighting, electrical engineering, home and building automation, and connected security systems, opens its doors from 8 to 13 March 2026 and once again invites innovators, designers and industry leaders to shape the future together.
The sheer scale and ambition of Light + Building cannot be overstated. In its latest editions, thousands of exhibitors from dozens of countries have transformed the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds into a global crossroads of ideas and ingenuity. What sets this event apart is not simply the volume of participants, though that alone is staggering, but the quality and relevance of the dialogue it fosters. At its core, Light + Building embodies a rare union of technology, sustainability, design, and human experience, demonstrating that lighting and building services are not just functional components, but foundational elements of modern life.
The 2026 edition, themed “Be Electrified Electrifying Places. Illuminating Spaces.”, captures the zeitgeist of a world in transition. Today’s cities and buildings are no longer static shells. They are dynamic ecosystems demanding connectivity, energy efficiency, and adaptability. Under this motto, the fair’s organisers craft a narrative that goes beyond product showcases, inviting attendees to rethink what building services and lighting can and should be in the era of digital transformation and climate consciousness.
Three guiding pillars anchor the programme Sustainable Transformation, Smart Connectivity, and Living Light. Together, they articulate a vision where technology enhances human wellbeing and environmental stewardship. Sustainable transformation reflects the sector’s urgent imperative to reduce energy use and emissions. Smart connectivity signals the rise of buildings that communicate and adapt in real time. Living light celebrates the emotional and experiential power of illumination to shape mood, space and interaction.
But Light + Building is more than a showcase of trends. It is a forum for collaboration. Architects, engineers, interior designers, planners and technical specialists walk the halls not just to observe, but to engage, debate, and cocreate. The fair’s rich programme of forums, talks, and guided tours allows these dialogues to unfold, while special exhibitions and awards spotlight breakthroughs worthy of industry acclaim.
This cross disciplinary exchange is essential. In a world where buildings account for a significant portion of energy consumption and urban populations continue to rise, the integration of smart systems, efficient lighting solutions, and humane design is no longer optional. It is urgent. Light + Building places this challenge front and centre, offering a platform where ideas evolve into practical solutions and where tomorrow’s standards are debated today.
As we approach March 2026, anticipation is high. Light + Building stands as a testament to the belief that innovation thrives on connection between people, technologies, and ideas. In bringing the global industry together under one roof, it illuminates not only the trade fair halls of Frankfurt, but the path forward for the entire built environment.