InnoTrans 2026 gears up to mark three decades of transportation innovation
Key Highlights
- Over 100,000 attendees from every continent are expected to attend InnoTrans, including North American participants like the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
- The event features forums on bus electrification, cybersecurity, tunnel construction and AI, emphasizing the future of mobility and innovation.
- New programs such as the AI on Track Hackathon and the EU-Africa Transport Dialogue promote practical solutions and international cooperation in rail development.
In about one month’s time, over 100,000 people will descend into Berlin to attend InnoTrans 2026. What started in 1996 as a relatively regional product and rail vehicle display has developed into an international event that attracted nearly 170,000 attendees and almost 3,000 exhibitors in 2024, encompassing rail, mobility and transit technology.
This year’s international trade fair marks the 30th anniversary of bringing together private and public operators, manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, consultants and government bodies to showcase the next advancements in transportation technology. Taking place Sept. 22-25, the conference and exhibition will feature expanded tours, more networking opportunities and new programming that encompasses everything from a bus and rail vehicle display, railway technology and infrastructure to fixed-route transit, fare collection and artificial intelligence (AI).
“This year's edition places a particularly strong focus on the future of mobility. [AI], digitalization, autonomous public transport, robotics and cybersecurity will shape both the exhibition and the conference program,” said InnoTrans Director Kerstin Schulz.
What to expect
Conference organizers are reporting a record level of international attendees for 2026, with every continent reportedly represented. While Asia, South America, Australia and Africa are showing strong participation, the North American attendees are marking some firsts. For instance, the California High-Speed Rail Authority will have its own exhibit space for the first time after years of sending a delegation of attendees, according to Schulz. Others representing the North American market include Wabtec, Progress Rail, Amsted Rail, ENSCO, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Commuter Rail Coalition.
As part of the InnoTrans convention, attendees will have the opportunity to attend several forums focused on bus electrification, cybersecurity resiliency, tunnel operation and construction methods, designing vehicle interiors and prioritizing the user experience. This year, programming is particularly focused on infrastructure and AI.
“[AI] is transforming industries worldwide, and rail is no exception. Our goal is to bring together software developers, engineers, operators and policymakers to discuss practical applications and develop new solutions,” Schulz said. “At the same time, high-level events such as the Rail Leaders' Summit provide an important platform for discussing the future of rail infrastructure and cross-border transport.”
Expanded guided tours will also be offered, including the AI tour and world innovation tour, which will lead attendees to exhibitors showcasing their latest technology solutions. On-site registration is available or contact Alex Schmeichel ([email protected]) to reserve a spot ahead of time.
Also returning this year as part of the supporting program is the Mobility Cleaning Circle, the Hospitality Forum and the Railway Influencer Fest—now in its second year bringing together digital content creators and industry leaders to discuss the importance of social media and storytelling to engage new audiences.
30th anniversary brings new formats, programs
The new range of formats aim to strengthen international dialogue and foster collaboration while solving future challenges facing the rail sector.
“The AI on Track Hackathon is a perfect example of this approach. More than 50 programmers from around the world will work on real industry challenges, demonstrating that innovation is not only presented at InnoTrans—it is created there.”
From Sept. 23-25, over 50 software developers, engineers and industry partners will compete in an intensive hackathon to develop innovative solutions for the future of mobility such as AI applications and data-driven innovations for efficient and reliable transit. Topics can include operations, infrastructure, the passenger experience and improving efficiency.
Taking place for the first time as part of InnoTrans, the EU-Africa Transport Dialogue will connect people from the European railway industry with representatives from African governments, railway authorities and development institutions to discuss the future of railway development in Africa. InnoTrans will also host the inaugural meeting of the European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM), the new European infrastructure association.
“Infrastructure has become one of the defining issues for the global rail industry. We are seeing strong growth in the railway infrastructure segment, and the establishment of ENIM at InnoTrans underlines the importance of closer cooperation between Europe's infrastructure managers,” Schulz said.
Networking opportunities focus on the next generation
Rounding out the trade fair are a number of networking opportunities—several of which are focused on the next generation of the transit workforce.
For instance, the organization recognized four young professionals with the InnoTrans Career Award for their contribution to the industry through their academics and career achievements. These four, plus other students, graduates and young professionals, can take part in InnoTrans Campus.
InnoTrans Campus includes the RecruitingLAB, a dedicated hall area and talent stage for companies to present career opportunities to young professionals. Throughout the week, the campus will host networking opportunities, career activities and professional development. This is also where the guided career tour begins, where young professionals tour various exhibitors where representatives will share job opportunities within the company. Friday will once again be University Day, dedicated specifically to students.
The Young Talent Roundtable will bring together students, graduates and young professionals for informal networking and open discussions with industry representatives, encouraging dialogue between generations and highlighting the importance of nurturing future talent.
“People are just as important as technology. Through our campus activities, networking formats and the InnoTrans Career Award, we want to inspire young professionals and connect them with companies and experienced industry leaders,” Schulz said. “The rail sector offers exciting career opportunities, and InnoTrans provides an ideal environment to discover them.”
Finally, one of the larger events will take place on Sept. 24. The Anniversary Night – InnoTrans Goes to Asia is an evening celebration that connects the event’s 30-year history with its growing global outlook, according to event organizers. The event will kick off the first InnoTrans Asia, taking place in Singapore in September 2027. According to conference organizers, the Singapore conference will complement the Berlin event with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
“Above all, I hope visitors leave Berlin with fresh ideas, new perspectives and valuable business relationships,” Schulz said. “Careful preparation using the InnoTrans app and InnoTrans Plus will help them make the most of their visit, but what makes the exhibition truly special is the opportunity to meet people, discover innovations and experience the unique atmosphere of the global rail community. That is what has defined InnoTrans for the past 30 years, and what will continue to shape its future.”
Mass Transit magazine is an official media partner for InnoTrans 2026. North American attendees have access to discounted registration via InnoTrans discounted tickets. The ticket includes free access to public transit during all show days. For any questions regarding InnoTrans preparation, contact North American representative Mary Jo Balve via [email protected] or at 1-732-933-1118.
About the Author
Megan Perrero
Editor in Chief
Megan Perrero is a national award-winning B2B journalist and lover of all things transit. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Mass Transit magazine, where she develops and leads a multi-channel editorial strategy while reporting on the North American public transit industry.
Prior to her position with Mass Transit, Perrero was the senior communications and external relations specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center, where she was responsible for helping develop internal/external communications, plan the National Shared Mobility Summit and manage brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
Perrero serves as the board vice president for LIT, the second vice chair of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) programs and communications committee and is a member of APTA’s Marketing and Communications Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing and a minor in public relations from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has been recognized with a first place AdWheel Award, AZBEE Bronze Regional awards, an AZBEE Regional Gold Award and an AZBEE National Silver Award.