W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2026 – Trade fair strengthens Wetzlar/Central Hesse as a high-tech location

The W3+ Fair high-tech trade fair and conference brings the world of optics together in Wetzlar for two days: regional, national, and international key players, hidden champions, and start-ups exchange ideas on technologies and trends. The common goal: to get new innovations off the ground. The accompanying conference will also ensure the transfer of the latest knowledge on topics such as defense, aerospace, photonics, semiconductors, sensor technology, medical technology, and AI.

On March 18 and 19, 2026, the W3+ Fair trade show will once again open its doors at the Buderus Arena in Wetzlar, bringing together around 150 companies, research institutions, and start-ups from the fields of optics, photonics, electronics, and mechanics in the high-tech region of Central Hesse. Top dogs in the region such as OptoTech, Märzhäuser, Werth Messtechnik, Carl Zeiss SMT, and Hensoldt Optronics, as well as many national and international companies, are looking forward to lively exchanges and the expected 2,000 visitors. With its diverse mix of trade fair, conference program, and side events, the W3+ Fair Wetzlar is a central platform for technology transfer, cooperation, and business development.

„At the W3+ Fair, players in the optics and photonics industry meet for two days in Wetzlar—the center of the German optics industry. Here, on the doorstep of important companies and research institutions, new partnerships and concrete projects are formed. In 2026, we will be focusing on highly relevant topics such as space travel, defense & security, photonics, semiconductors, sensor technology, AI, and many more. Participants can expect a wealth of inspiration and ideas – this is how we pave the way for new innovations,“ says Jörg Brück, Managing Director of W3 Fair GmbH.

Highly topical focus areas such as defense, space travel, and AI : One of the main topics at this year’s trade fair will be “Defense & Security”: Companies can find out all about the opportunities and requirements of the market at the trade fair. The TeamMit transformation network, together with the Lahn-Dill Chamber of Industry and Commerce, will be presenting the topic “Security Dialogue: Diversification in Defense & Dual Use” on stage. The world’s largest photonics network, EPIC, will take a technological look at the market in its TechSession. The industry association Spectaris invites members and interested parties to the spring conference of the “Defense & Security” specialist group. With a view to technological potential, VDI Hessen will also bring the topic of “Dual Use” to the stage on the second day of the event.

The other conference topics are also geared toward current information needs: These include the innovation region of Central Hessen for photonics and semiconductors, potential in the space market—organized by Hessen in Space—as well as the topics of corporate succession, medical technology, and sensor trends. Start-ups will also have a place on the big stage this year. A highlight awaits visitors on the evening of the first day of the fair: with the lecture “AI, avatars & co. in companies – what’s coming, what’s in it for us?” and a surprise guest, the focus will be on the distant future.

New impetus through special areas and supporting events: Joint stands from Regional Management Central Hessen and Thuringia showcase regional strengths and facilitate access to regional high-tech networks. The Campus Area presents the latest university research from THM and JLU – and seeks to transfer it to industry.

The W3+ Fair Wetzlar will be accompanied by numerous side events designed to deepen the expert dialogue. Among other things, the IHK Lahn-Dill conference on the topic of “AI in practice,” a start-up matching event by Business Angels Mittelhessen, guided themed tours (also for students), and a workshop on “Metrology and Manufacturing” by UPOB are planned.
High Level Expert Meeting by UPOB.

Further information on the W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2026 and ongoing updates on the program and participation can be found at

About the W3+ Fair
The event stems from an industry initiative in Wetzlar and Central Hesse that aims to promote networking between the four sectors of optics, photonics, electronics, and mechanics. New interfaces are intended to pave the way for forward-looking technologies. The trade fair was held for the first time in February 2014 in Wetzlar. The W3+ Fair is organized by the Hamburg-based trade fair organizer Fleet Events (fleet-events.de). In 2023, the organizer expanded its portfolio to include the W3+ Fair Jena. Together with EPIC and IVAM, the W3+ Fair trade fair team has also been organizing a joint booth at the new APE Asian Photonics Expo in Singapore since 2024. In November 2026, the W3+ Fair will also take over the organization of a joint booth at the new preXcon in St. Gallen, Switzerland.