Defense & Security & Dual Use, space, AI, semiconductors, start-ups, and much more
are the top topics.
The side events at the W3+ Fair offer real added value: here you can explore key topics in greater depth – mostly free of charge and open to all. With short talks, practical examples and direct discussions with experts.
We are already working on the new programme for the W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2027. Stay tuned!
High Tech Components -
Metrology and Manufacturing
Seminar room, 2nd floor
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
March 18 | 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
High Tech Components -
Metrology and Manufacturing
Seminar room, 2nd floor
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
with exhibitors and visitors – supported by EIT Manufacturing
Foyer
11:00–15:00
2:00–3:45 p.m.
3:00 p.m.: Get-together in the foyer
by Business Angels and Regional Management Central Hesse
Seminar room, 2nd floor
2:30–5:00 p.m.
en-tech.stage
5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Networking after the exhibition closes with AI and avatar expert Jan Schellenberger and TV presenter and world explorer Willi Weitzel
Image: @Willi Weitzel 2026_Photo Niklas Barnert
Breakfast VIP Lounge
8:30–9:30 a.m.
TechSession en-tech.stage
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
09:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
by IHK Gießen-Friedberg
Seminar room, 2nd floor
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
17 & 18 March | Seminar Room, 2nd Floor
17 March | 10.30 am – 6.00 pm (the day before the trade fair)
18 March | 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Once again, the UPOB Centre of Excellence for Ultra-Precision Surface Finishing is making use of the first-class setting of the W3+ Fair for its high-calibre workshop. Please note: The two-day event on the topic of ‘High-tech Components – Measurement Technology and Manufacturing’ begins on the day before the fair, 17 March 2026.
The workshop will be held in German or English.
Topic areas:
Components for aerospace applications
Components & measurement technology for extreme precision and smartphone applications
Alignment and application of optical components
Would you like to get actively involved? Contributions/presentations on the above topics are welcome – please contact Mr Klawitter (UPOB Braunschweig office).
As a workshop participant, you will also receive a trade fair ticket and can find out about the latest technologies and trends at the W3+ Fair in Wetzlar.
18 March | Seminar Room, 2nd floor
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Admission from 8:30 a.m.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a topic reserved for corporations or tech start-ups. Especially in the SME sector, concrete and economically viable applications are already emerging: more efficient processes, better decisions, new business models. Our conference shows how you can use AI realistically in your company—hands-on and with support from experts and AI competence centers.
The conference will be held in German and is subject to a fee.
Tickets are available directly from the W3+ Fair ticket shop.
This conference, held as part of the W3+ Fair, is aimed at business owners who no longer want to wait, but are looking for guidance:
The conference, held as part of the W3+ Fair, is aimed at business owners who no longer want to wait, but are looking for guidance:
March 18 | en-tech.Stage
9:45 a.m.
We look forward to the opening round with our guests from politics and business.
This will be followed by a business and press tour.
18 March 2026
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Matchmaking Area in the foyer
19 March 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Matchmaking Area in the foyer
Turn trade fair contacts into concrete discussions: The matchmaking platform supported by EIT Manufacturing connects companies, R&D institutions and technology providers specifically for bilateral 1:1 meetings – tailored to your topics and goals.
Your benefits at a glance
Add matchmaking to your trade fair planning:
Create a profile, select your interests, find discussion partners and book appointments in advance – then meet them on site in the Matchmaking Area.
Register now and secure your appointments:
March 18 | en-tech.Stage
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.: Get-together in the foyer
When you think of space travel in Hesse, ESOC and EUMETSAT in Darmstadt immediately spring to mind. But Hesse has much more to offer in the field of space travel: around 50 university chairs and professorships deal with space-related topics, and over 100 companies in Hesse – mostly medium-sized – develop, produce, or provide services related to space travel.
Become part of the space travel network in Hesse – for new contacts and new business!
18 March | Seminar room, 2nd floor
2.30–5 p.m.
Business Angels Mittelhessen invites you to a start-up matching event as part of the W3+ Fair.
Come and meet innovative start-ups offering new solutions for a variety of issues.
Visit the start-up area at the fair and then come along to the matching event.
The start-up matching event will be held in German.
Registration is requested.
18 March | Meeting point: Campus Area
3:00–4:30 p.m.
EPIC is organizing a tour for students. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to experience the technology and culture of various companies first-hand. Who knows—your future career path could start here!
Admission to the trade fair and the tours is free of charge.
For free entry: please present your student ID at the entrance.
Please register for the tour:
Guided tours for students:
3:00 pm – Meet at the Campus Area booth
3:00 pm – Guided tours in German and English by EPIC & THM International Office
4:30 pm – Time for an individual tour / networking
5:00 pm – Invitation to the AI keynote, followed by a complimentary after-work drink with exhibitors and speakers
Registration for the guided tours in the ticket shop (limited!) – the talks are freely accessible
Discover W3+ Fair Wetzlar with our guided tours: In compact topic blocks, we combine selected talks, a curated tour of the exhibition and—depending on the block—networking afterwards. This gives you a well-rounded introduction to a key focus area and helps you get to know relevant exhibitors and solutions in a targeted way.
Secure your spot now: Places on the tours are limited—registration in the ticket shop is required.
1) Security & Defense – by IHK Lahn-Dill and TransMit |
March 18, 2026 | 12:00–2:30 pm
Young Innovators – by EIT Manufacturing | 18 March 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
After-work drinks with keynote speech
“AI wants to know” with Willi Weitzel | 18 March 2026 | 5.00–6.00 pm
Keynote presentation with a complimentary after-work drink & networking after the exhibition closes with
AI & avatar expert Jan Schellenberger and
TV presenter & world explorer
Willi Weitzel | en-tech.Stage
19 March
EPIC VIP Networking Breakfast | From 8:30 a.m. (invitation only)
The EPIC C-level Networking Breakfast at the W3+ Fair has become a tradition: EPIC members and invited C-level guests meet here to network.
Attendance is limited to one person per company. The event is free of charge, but you will need a ticket for the W3+ Fair.
Please register for the EPIC C-level Breakfast using the registration button.
EPIC TechSession “New Developments for Defense & Security Applications” | 10:00–11:00 a.m. | en-tech.Stage
The EPIC TechSession on new developments for defense and security applications at the W3+ Fair in Wetzlar showcases advances in photonics, electronics, and mechanics tailored to the evolving requirements of the defense and security sector. Industry experts will present the latest innovations, new solutions, and practical insights addressing current and future challenges in high-performance systems. Participants will gain in-depth insights into photonic components, electronic subsystems, and mechanical integration shaping next-generation capabilities for defense and security applications.
This focused event provides a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between technology developers, integrators, and users.
The EPIC TechSession will be held in English and is free of charge for visitors.
19 March | Seminar Room, 2nd Floor
09:00 – 13:00
Once again, the ‘SPECTARIS Security & Defence Specialist Group’ invites you to its spring conference, held as part of the W3+ Fair at the Buderus Arena in Wetzlar.
The focus will be on the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers of optical and optoelectronic systems in the security and defence sector. Furthermore, the conference offers an excellent opportunity to make valuable contacts and expand your professional network within the market.
The event is aimed in particular at managing directors, heads of development and those responsible for business development.
Participation in the spring conference and the trade fair is free of charge for registered participants.
Interested guests are also warmly invited to attend this half-day event.
The conference will be held in German.
Tickets are available via SPECTARIS.
18 March 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Matchmaking Area in the foyer
19 March 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Matchmaking Area in the foyer
Turn trade fair contacts into concrete discussions: The matchmaking platform supported by EIT Manufacturing connects companies, R&D institutions and technology providers specifically for bilateral 1:1 meetings – tailored to your topics and goals.
Your benefits at a glance
Add matchmaking to your trade fair planning:
Create a profile, select your interests, find discussion partners and book appointments in advance – then meet them on site in the Matchmaking Area.
Register now and secure your appointments:
March 19 | Seminar room, 2nd floor
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Working group meeting with scientific keynote speeches from THM and JLU
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lecture block “Sensor Trends 2030” | en-tech.Stage
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Guided tour
The Sensor Systems Working Group of Central Hesse, organized by the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and IHK Hessen innovativ, focuses on innovative sensor technology and microsystems and their industrial applications. On March 19, 2026, the working group members and interested guests will meet at the W3+ Fair.
We look forward to welcoming interested guests! There will be exciting presentations from the world of research. This will be followed by a visit to the trade fair, attendance at the “Sensor Trends 2030” lecture series, and a guided tour of sensor technology companies in the region.
19 March | VDI Innovation Area | Booth S2
10:00–11:00 a.m. | Networking breakfast
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Guided trade fair tour
Find out more about our activities and our network. Meet three exciting start-ups in the fields of robotics and medical technology—Klag Robotics, MimoSense GmbH, and neuroloop GmbH—and discover the latest developments.
Take the opportunity to network with our VDI members, sponsoring companies, cooperation partners, and guests.
We warmly invite VDI members and interested guests. Join us for breakfast, connect, and exchange ideas!
The guided tour to selected exhibitors will take place afterwards.
Registration is requested.
19 March | Box, 2nd floor
11:00 a.m. | Get-together
Meet new contacts or catch up with your fellow procurement colleagues at the relaxed coffee talk hosted by the BME Lahn-Dill region.
11:30 a.m. | Talk
1:00 p.m. | Guided trade fair tour
1:45 p.m. | Keynote “Germany’s Future” (en.tech.Stage)
Registration in the ticket shop
Discover W3+ Fair Wetzlar with our guided tours: In compact topic blocks, we combine selected presentations, a curated tour of the exhibition—and, depending on the block, networking afterwards. This gives you a well-rounded overview of a key focus area and helps you get to know relevant exhibitors and solutions in a targeted way.
Secure your spot now: Places are limited—registration in the ticket shop is required.
MedTech Innovation | March 19, 2026
11:00 am–1:00 pm
3) After-work drink with keynote “Human.Avatar.AI” |
March 18, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 pm
Register now for the guided tours in the ticket shop. Places are limited.
Booth C17
The special area of IHK Hessen innovativ—in cooperation with IHK Lahn-Dill, IHK Gießen-Friedberg, IHK Offenbach am Main and IHK Kassel-Marburg. Network with the IHK specialists and advisors! Here you can get support in implementing your innovation projects and information on funding opportunities.
Stand E1a – E1d
In the start-up area of the w3+ fair, fresh innovative energy meets industrial excellence – powered by EIT Manufacturing. Discover pioneering solutions from denkweit, Threedy, plasmotion and noivion: from smart digital applications and new approaches to 3D data and visualisation to forward-looking technologies for production. Drop by, network directly with the teams and see how ideas are turned into market-ready innovations.
Booth S1
At the Campus Area, leading universities present themselves and showcase examples of their current research projects.
“StudiumPlus” provides companies and prospective students with information about the wide range of opportunities offered by dual-study programs.
Stand E1e–E1l
As a long-standing partner of the W3+ Fair, Regional Management Mittelhessen is represented this year, amongst other things, as the organiser of the ‘Mittelhessen Joint Stand’. Since 2003, Regional Management Mittelhessen has been pooling resources, fostering cooperation and developing potential.
Take this opportunity to engage directly with companies from the region!
Booth S2
The VDI Innovation Area once again offers exciting insights into new technological developments from Hesse this year. Talk to us about robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Take the opportunity to easily connect with the three start-ups Klag Robotics, MimoSense GmbH, and neuroloop GmbH.
Booth C27a
Meet companies from the City of Light in Thuringia: the range of exhibitors showcased extends from precision components and assemblies to equipment and services for development and manufacturing—especially for cleanroom environments—as well as machining and surface finishing.
Thuringian companies look forward to professional exchange at their joint stand.
Booth E14
The Job Wall features exciting positions for graduates and for job seekers with professional experience.
