W3+ Fair 2026 in Wetzlar: Over 150 Exhibitors Turn Central Hesse into a High-Tech Hub
W3+ Fair. In just two days, Wetzlar will once again become the central meeting point of the region’s high‑tech community. On March 18 and 19, 2026, the W3+ Fair (w3-fair.com) will open its doors at the Buderus Arena Wetzlar. The trade show and conference will feature more than 150 exhibitors and partners from 11 countries, along with around 75 speakers. Approximately 2,000 trade visitors are expected. For Central Hesse, the W3+ Fair is one of the most important showcases for technology, innovation and talent – and an ideal opportunity for companies, researchers and young professionals to network and initiate collaborations.
The 2026 event focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Start-ups & Innovation, and Security/Defense & Dual Use – topics that are highly relevant to many companies in the region: new markets, new requirements and new opportunities across the entire value chain of optics/photonics, electronics, sensor technology, precision mechanics and manufacturing. Nearly 40 percent of exhibitors come from Central Hesse, while companies from 11 countries ensure strong international exchange.
A new feature is the B2B matchmaking, which significantly streamlines the networking process: Participants can select suitable contacts in advance and schedule appointments – ideal for initiating targeted and result‑oriented conversations.
A major highlight awaits visitors on the evening of March 18 during the After‑Work Networking event: TV presenter and explorer Willi Weitzel (“Willi wills wissen”), together with Jan Schellenberger (AI & Avatar expert), will address the question of how AI will shape the future in their keynote titled “AI Wants to Know”.
The region will be strongly represented at the fair: At the Campus Area, THM and JLU will showcase current research projects and seek close exchange with industry. Additional guided theme tours and side events provide further regional connections, including:
- Lecture block “Photonics & Semiconductors” (Wetzlar Network)
- Joint stand Central Hesse (Regionalmanagement Mittelhessen)
- Conference “AI in Practice” (IHK Lahn-Dill)
- Guided tour “Defense & Dual Use” (TeamMit)
- Start-up Matching (Business Angels Mittelhessen)
- Lecture block “Technology Potential in Central Hesse” (VDI Mittelhessen)
Quote for unrestricted use:
“The W3+ Fair is the place in Central Hesse where expertise and connections come together – this is how projects are created. With our 2026 focus on AI, start-ups/innovation and security technology, we are addressing topics that are crucial for the future of companies not only in our region.”
— Jörg Brück, Managing Director, W3 Fair GmbH
You can find more information about the W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2026 as well as ongoing updates on the program and participation at www.w3-fair.com/wetzlar/.
Free press images are available on our press page.
We warmly invite all media representatives to attend the W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2026. Please register here.
W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2026 at a Glance
Event: W3+ Fair Wetzlar – High‑tech trade show and accompanying conference for optics, photonics and precision technologies
When: March 18–19, 2026
Where: Buderus Arena Wetzlar
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. + networking event on Day 1
Tickets: €25 day pass, €40 two‑day pass
About the W3+ Fair
The W3+ Fair is a high‑tech trade show with an integrated conference, initiated by the industry association Wetzlar Network. It connects the value chains of optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics, creating interfaces for new technologies and collaborations. The W3+ Fair was held for the first time in 2014 in Wetzlar and has been organized by the Hamburg-based event company Fleet Events. In 2023, the organizer expanded its portfolio with the W3+ Fair Jena. As of April 1, 2026, the trade show will be managed by the newly founded W3 Fair GmbH.
Internationally, the exhibition team is represented with joint booths at the APE (Asian Photonics Expo) in Singapore (since 2024), and in the future also at preXcon in St. Gallen (starting November 2026).
Organizer:
Fleet Events GmbH
Zirkusweg 1
20359 Hamburg
www.w3-fair.com
