As part of the AMB Preview, Messe Stuttgart has provided a preview of AMB 2026 and presented the key programme highlights of the international metalworking exhibition. AMB will take place from 15 to 19 September 2026 at the Messe Stuttgart exhibition centre. Interest from the industry remains as strong as ever: around 1,150 exhibitors have currently confirmed their participation, and all ten halls are fully booked. Around 31 per cent of the exhibiting companies are from abroad, with a total of 34 countries represented. The extensive supporting programme comprises over 107 events featuring around 50 speakers.

The AMB is firmly established in the 2026 industry calendar

“The decision to exhibit at a trade fair is no small matter. It is an investment, it involves effort, and it demonstrates commitment. The fact that companies make this decision is a very clear commitment to the AMB. For over 40 years, the AMB has been one of the key events in the international metal-cutting industry – and there’s a reason for that: it’s a place where the industry wants to be,” says Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart. Spanning 120,000 m² of exhibition space, the AMB covers the entire metal-cutting process chain.

New programme highlights for 2026: Defence as a theme and BW_i cooperation for international business relations

For the first time, AMB is offering a platform for a topic of growing importance with its ‘Defence & Security Opportunities’ format. Together with the VDMA, Messe Stuttgart is creating a targeted framework to address the key question: How can the machining industry help to scale up manufacturing processes in the defence sector quickly and reliably – from individual parts to series production? The initiative brings defence OEMs and suppliers directly together with AMB exhibitors. In keynote presentations, companies will provide insights into scalable manufacturing solutions, followed by two guided tours through selected halls at the exhibition. “Defence & Security Opportunities” will take place on Wednesday 16 and Friday 18 September as a closed-door event. Advance registration is required, as places are limited.

Another new feature is the collaboration with BW_i, Baden-Württemberg International, at the International Gallery powered by BW_i. Ten international associations will be represented at the East Entrance in front of Hall 1. These include, for example, associations and organisations from India (VDMA India), Italy (Italcam), Taiwan (TMBA and TAMI) and Spain (AFM). At country-specific happy hours, national and international guests can exchange views on their respective markets and network in a relaxed atmosphere. BW_i is also contributing its own programme item, thereby underlining the international focus of AMB. BW_i’s Happy Hour will take place on Thursday, 17 September, from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm, and will include a presentation on Baden-Württemberg as a business location.

Roadshow and AMB Night foster dialogue within the industry

With the AMB Roadshow, AMB 2026 is bringing its slogan “Where metal comes alive” directly to workplaces even before the trade fair begins: over the summer, the project team visited more than ten locations across the region, engaging directly with turners and millers. During AMB, the roadshow van will be stationed in the exhibition park, providing an additional meeting point for visitors. Also new to the 2026 programme is AMB Night on Friday afternoon. This event is aimed particularly at skilled workers who wish to experience the latest innovations and trends in metal cutting first-hand after work. A discounted ticket grants access to the trade fair and the subsequent AMB Night, where content creators from the industry will also be present for a meet-and-greet.

AMB 2026 with a programme for the entire metal-cutting industry

AMB 2026 offers a comprehensive supporting programme that is specifically designed to address a range of different perspectives and needs. “Where metal comes alive” – this is exactly what visitors can experience at AMB, when the entire metal-cutting industry comes together in all its diversity. The VDMA Technology Forum in Hall 1 offers practical specialist presentations, including on the topics of the circular economy and cost-effective manufacturing. The AMB Stage will feature different themes each day – on Tuesday the focus will be on aerospace, and on Friday on maintenance. On Wednesday 16 September, the focus will be on AI in manufacturing – starting at 12:00 with the VDMA Software and Digitalisation programme. At 14:00, visitors to the AMB Stage can look forward to the panel discussion ‘AI in Production: From Hype to Value Creation’, organised by WIN-Verlag. Leading experts will discuss topics such as AI in process optimisation, predictive maintenance, AI-supported quality control and the cost-effectiveness of AI projects. Following the panel discussion, visitors will have the opportunity to speak directly with the speakers as part of the “Meet the Expert” session in the VIP lounge.

Further programme highlights: From innovation to the next generation

The Start-up Area at the East Entrance provides a concise overview of new approaches and technologies, whilst the AMB Award recognises outstanding new and further developments. The special ‘Education’ exhibition by the Mechanical Engineering Foundation for Young Talent in the Atrium at the East Entrance brings technology to life: visitors can try out CNC, automation and digital production processes first-hand. The Business Breakfast in the Stuttgart Region Lounge will focus on robotics on Wednesday, whilst quantum technology and sensor technology will take centre stage on Thursday. The ‘India Opportunities’ seminar is specifically aimed at companies with their sights set on the Indian market. The ‘Art Meets Technology’ competition is also returning in 2026 – this time under the new slogan ‘Where metal comes alive’. The three key themes of AMB – automation, artificial intelligence and the circular economy – run as a common thread through the entire programme and are reflected in the solutions presented by the exhibiting companies.

Full details of the AMB 2026 supporting programme: AMB 2026 programme