ALTENPFLEGE 2026

ALTENPFLEGE – Leading Trade Fair for Nursing and Elderly Care has established itself as the most significant annual gathering for the nursing and care sector in the German-speaking world. Since its inception in 1990, the event has grown into a comprehensive platform that addresses the full spectrum of elderly care, reflecting both the needs of professionals and the evolving challenges of the healthcare industry. Its name, meaning “elderly care,” succinctly conveys the core focus of the fair: improving the quality of life for people in need of care while supporting those who provide it. Organized by NürnbergMesse GmbH, ALTENPFLEGE combines professional expertise, innovation, and practical solutions, making it an indispensable event for the sector.

Held annually in spring, ALTENPFLEGE alternates between two prominent German exhibition centers - Essen and Nuremberg. This rotating model not only makes the fair accessible to a wider regional audience but also highlights Germany’s dynamic approach to healthcare innovation. Both cities, known for their economic and technological significance, provide an ideal backdrop for showcasing state-of-the-art solutions and for networking among industry leaders, policymakers, and care professionals.

A comprehensive platform for professionals in elderly care

ALTENPFLEGE targets a broad professional audience. Attendees include caregivers, nursing service managers, facility directors, decision-makers from care institutions, representatives of the healthcare industry, and trainees entering the field. By bringing together such a diverse group, the fair ensures that discussions and demonstrations are both practically relevant and strategically valuable.

The event’s scope spans the entire ecosystem of nursing and elderly care. Participants can explore solutions and services that directly support daily workflows, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes. Key thematic areas include:

• Nursing & Therapy: Latest nursing aids, rehabilitation technologies, and therapeutic devices
• Career & Education: Training programs, professional development, and workforce planning
• Catering & Housekeeping: Sustainable catering concepts and facility management solutions
• IT & Management: Digital systems, workflow optimization tools, and administrative software
• Space & Technology: Innovative spatial designs, ergonomic solutions, and smart facility infrastructure

By covering these interconnected fields, ALTENPFLEGE provides a holistic overview of modern elderly care, helping professionals integrate solutions across departments and disciplines.

Showcasing innovation in elderly care

A hallmark of ALTENPFLEGE is its strong emphasis on innovation. The exhibition features a wide range of products and services designed to improve care quality, simplify workflows, and enhance the overall environment of care facilities. The event serves as a live testing ground for new approaches to elderly care, from practical nursing aids to advanced technological solutions.

One of the highlights is AVENEO – Space for Innovation, where around 50 start-ups present forward-thinking products and services. This dedicated area emphasizes the fair’s commitment to fostering creativity and encouraging novel solutions that address both current challenges and future needs in the sector. AVENEO provides a platform for smaller companies and emerging innovators to gain visibility, network with industry leaders, and receive feedback from experienced professionals.

The exhibition includes offerings such as

• Ergonomic and assistive devices to support caregivers and patients
• Smart monitoring systems and telecare solutions
• Digital tools for documentation, workflow management, and care planning
• Sustainable and healthy catering options for care facilities
• Innovative interior designs that improve comfort, accessibility, and safety

Through these exhibits, ALTENPFLEGE not only introduces cutting-edge products but also demonstrates how technology and design can work together to create more efficient and humane care environments.

Addressing current trends and challenges

ALTENPFLEGE is more than a product showcase; it is a forum for understanding and addressing the major trends and challenges facing the elderly care sector. These challenges include demographic shifts, staff shortages, increasing complexity of patient needs, and the integration of digital solutions into everyday workflows.

Professional workshops, live demonstrations, and expert lectures provide attendees with insights into practical solutions. Topics frequently discussed include:

• Workforce development and professional training strategies
• Implementation of digital care documentation and telecare
• Safe and ergonomic handling techniques for caregivers
• Designing care spaces that optimize comfort, mobility, and infection control
• Sustainable operational practices in care facilities

These sessions help professionals translate innovative concepts into actionable strategies, ensuring that the fair contributes not only to awareness but to tangible improvements in care delivery.

Networking and professional exchange

One of ALTENPFLEGE’s greatest strengths is its role as a networking hub. By bringing together care professionals, decision-makers, and industry innovators in a single venue, the fair fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership development. Informal discussions, guided tours, and panel sessions allow participants to share experiences, learn from peers, and explore potential collaborations across sectors.

This networking dimension is particularly important in elderly care, where solutions often require integration across multiple departments, disciplines, and service providers. ALTENPFLEGE facilitates these connections in a way that few other events can match, making it essential for anyone involved in the sector.

Rotating locations enhancing accessibility

The alternating locations between Essen and Nuremberg provide strategic benefits. Both cities are well-connected via highways, railways, and airports, making the event accessible for domestic and international visitors. The rotating model also allows participants to experience different regional approaches to care, providing additional insights into innovative practices, facility management, and regional policy initiatives.

Supporting the future of nursing and care

Ultimately, ALTENPFLEGE is more than an exhibition it is a platform shaping the future of nursing and elderly care in German-speaking countries. By combining practical demonstrations, cutting-edge innovations, professional development, and networking opportunities, the fair helps improve both the quality of care and the working conditions of caregivers.

Professionals leave the event with actionable knowledge, exposure to the latest products and services, and connections to peers and industry leaders. In a sector facing ongoing challenges from workforce shortages to technological integration ALTENPFLEGE remains an indispensable resource for staying informed, inspired, and prepared to meet the needs of an aging population.