Expert Speaks

On the return of the most awaited show, HOLZ HANDWERK, Panel and Design News gets an opportunity to speak to Dominic Perez-Ayala, Global Sales Manager HOLZ-HANDWERK to share the excitement growing.

Read on to know why this edition is the most important meeting place for the European woodworking, carpentry and joinery industry and HOLZ HANDWERK 2026  is more than just a trade. It is the place to be.

PDN Desk: HOLZ HANDWERK represents the most important meeting place for the European woodworking, carpentry and wood processing industry. How do you see the enthusiasm growing for the event?

Dominic Perez Ayala: Enthusiasm for HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 is clearly rising. We see strong exhibitor and visitor registrations as well as a growing exhibition space, which shows how relevant the event remains for the woodworking and carpentry community. The industry is truly open-minded — companies, craftspeople and partners are eager to reconnect, discover innovations and actively shape the future of the trade. You can feel that the community is counting down to the opening with great anticipation.

New programme elements such as the HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena, guided tours to subjects like ‘Focus Interior Doors’ and the concentration on digitalisation and future topics are generating additional excitement. More than ever, the industry values HOLZ-HANDWERK as a place for hands-on innovation, networking and inspiration.

PDN Desk: HOLZ -HANDWERK 2026 under the motto ‘Experience. Discover. Do’ introduces the new format HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena that will celebrate its premiere as the centrepiece for exchange and inspiration. Tell us more on this format.

Dominic Perez-Ayala: The new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena, supported by a cooperation with dds – The magazine for Furniture and Fittings, will celebrate its premiere as a dedicated space for knowledge transfer, dialogue and hands-on impulses. It will host inspiring keynote presentations, lively panel discussions and practical best practice sessions, covering topics such as digitalisation, AI, business development, craftsmanship, and the future of work. The format is designed to encourage visitors not only to listen, but to actively engage, learn from peers and gather new ideas for their own businesses.

Visitors can expect real stories from practitioners, expert insights and interactive discussions that highlight both current challenges and future opportunities in the woodworking and carpentry sectors.

Overall, the HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena will act as a dynamic meeting point where professionals can connect, be inspired and discover new perspectives — making it a true centrepiece of the 2026 edition.

PDN Desk: Tell us about the Key highlights and expectations from HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026? What trends in woodworking and carpentry will dominate the exhibition this year?

Dominic Perez-Ayala: HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 brings together a wide range of highlights that clearly reflect the trends of today’s woodworking and carpentry sectors. Beyond the new HOLZ-HANDWERK Arena, several programme elements show important trends:

• Digitalisation and software innovation: Exhibitors and speakers will address how digital tools support efficient workflows and business optimisation.
• New materials and design impulses: The Material Show of FSH Bayern will present innovative and previously underutilised materials that open new creative possibilities.
• Sustainability and energy efficiency: Guided tours by Rosenheim Technical University will highlight topics such as sustainable energy, extraction technology and efficient machinery.

HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 also puts strong emphasis on ‑next generation‑ talent and innovation, with the HOLZ-‑HANDWERK Campus featuring technical colleges and the Young Innovators area presenting start‑ups and emerging companies.

PDN Desk: The impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, on supply chains and the European market. Is it affecting the level of international participation in HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026? Do you think it will impact the wood and carpentry industry?

Dominic Perez-Ayala: HOLZ-HANDWERK is more of a Euro-regional trade fair with a strong focus on Central Europe and the DACH region. International participation is, for the most part, within the EU, so we’re not as heavily exposed to geopolitical tensions in West Asia as more globally oriented industries might be.

At the moment, we don’t expect any major impact on participation at HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026. For our core visitor group, carpenters and joiners, the effects are more indirect. What they do feel, of course, are higher energy and fuel costs.

But overall, the carpentry sector, especially in Southern Germany, is quite resilient. It’s a very traditional craft with strong local sourcing and stable supplier networks. Many businesses are well booked with ongoing and new projects, so the general outlook remains solid.

PDN Desk: The role of trade fairs in addressing industry challenges.

Dominic Perez-Ayala: Trade fairs become even more important in times like these. They’re really a place where the industry comes together to exchange ideas, look at solutions, and tackle challenges collectively.

At HOLZ-HANDWERK, you have manufacturers, suppliers, and skilled trades all in one place. That creates a very practical environment where people can discuss real issues, whether it’s rising costs, supply chain adjustments, or sustainability requirements.

They also help companies find new partners and think about making their supply chains more resilient, often with a stronger regional focus.

And beyond that, trade fairs are great for spotting trends, whether it’s new technologies, digital tools, or more energy-efficient solutions. So, in many ways, they help the industry not just respond to challenges but move forward.

About The Author