20 | Exhibition Review: LIGNA 2025
LIGNA 2025 ATTRACTS 78,000 VISITORS
The world’s largest woodworking exhibition – LIGNA – celebrated its 50th anniversary in Hannover this year. Stephen Powney attended the event
Another LIGNA has closed its doors – five days of the world’s largest woodworking industry exhibition strutting its stuff to visitors from across the globe.
The May 26 to 30 show at Hannover Messe has traditionally been a pilgrimage from the world’s woodworking communities seeking inspiration on manufacturing technologies, checking innovations and taking the pulse of economic dynamics with exhibitors and other visitors alike.
This year was special as it was the 50th anniversary of LIGNA.
So first the stats – LIGNA 2025 featured 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries on May 26 to 30. Around 78,000 visitors attended, according to show organiser Deutsche Messe. “LIGNA has impressively reaffirmed its unique position as the world’s leading trade fair for the industry,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, CEO at Deutsche Messe AG.
He said overall attendance was on a par with the previous edition (2023: more than 80,000 visitors). Over 90,000 attended LIGNA 2019 prior to Covid.
“Given the circumstances, that is a strong result,” said Dr Köckler.
The proportion of trade visitors at LIGNA 2025 was 93%, with 60% of them holding management positions – 44% of those in top management. Across the show, the largest groups of international visitors came from Poland, Italy, and Austria, followed by the Netherlands, France, and Belgium.
The consensus from many contacts was that attending LIGNA was imperative, regardless of the recent poor economic climate. Attendees were hungry for information, and all TTJ LIGNA Preview exhibition copies at the main entrance had run out by Wednesday, the third day of the show.
Footfall in some halls appeared to be slightly down on the 2023 event, with Monday-Wednesday being the busiest days. However, most contacts reported valuable conversations with visitors.
Top: LIGNA attracted 78,000 visitors Above: Hundegger WALL-Master 3800
TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
Judging a show’s performance is ultimately difficult and your impression varies depending on who you speak to. Yes, overall
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