All Events in Wels
HANDWERK Wels
HANDWERK Wels: The Premier Platform for Skilled Trades and Innovation
The HANDWERK trade fair in Wels has firmly established itself as the leading event for carpenters, timber construction specialists, painters, and professionals in the tools and hardware industry. Organized by Messe Wels GmbH, the fair provides an exclusive platform for trade visitors to explore cutting-edge technologies, innovative materials, and industry trends. Held biennially, HANDWERK experienced a pause between 2019 and 2025 to refine its concept and align even more closely with the evolving needs of exhibitors and professional visitors. The fair’s focus on practical, actionable solutions ensures that participants can make informed decisions and directly apply new technologies to their operations.
A Comprehensive Showcase for Skilled Trades Professionals
HANDWERK attracts a specialized professional audience, including carpenters, metalworkers, painters, and other skilled tradespeople, as well as suppliers of tools, machinery, and protective workwear. The exhibition covers a wide spectrum of industry sectors:
Carpentry and timber construction
Metalworking and welding technology
Tools and machinery for professional use
Occupational safety equipment and workwear
Paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical-technical products
The fair serves as both a product showcase and a practical platform for order placement, networking, and professional development. Exhibitors demonstrate state-of-the-art machinery, including extraction systems, panel saws, CNC machines, laser engraving devices, and grinding equipment, alongside advanced coatings, adhesives, and paints designed to enhance efficiency and product quality.
Future Lab: A Glimpse into the Digital Transformation of Skilled Trades
HANDWERK’s Future Lab is a standout feature of the fair, offering visitors a preview of how digital technologies are revolutionizing traditional trades. Here, attendees can interact with 3D printing systems, computer-controlled CNC machinery, and laser engraving technology. This hands-on approach allows trade professionals to see firsthand how digitalization can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and open up new possibilities for custom solutions and complex designs.
The Future Lab also highlights how emerging technologies integrate with conventional tools and processes, enabling professionals to combine craftsmanship with efficiency. Workshops and live demonstrations provide actionable insights into automation, process optimization, and modern manufacturing techniques, ensuring that attendees leave with practical knowledge to implement in their businesses.
Key technologies featured in the Future Lab include:
CNC machines and automated timber processing equipment
3D printing for custom components and prototypes
Laser engraving for precision design and branding
Smart workstations and digital workflow solutions
Optimal Infrastructure and Networking Opportunities at Wels Exhibition Center
Spacious halls, excellent transport connections, and flexible exhibition areas create ideal conditions for product demonstrations, business discussions, and collaborative workshops. The infrastructure allows exhibitors to display large machinery, host interactive presentations, and engage visitors in hands-on learning experiences.
The fair also prioritizes networking and direct exchanges between manufacturers, specialized retailers, and trade professionals. Business discussions often lead to partnerships, orders, and collaborations that extend well beyond the exhibition, making HANDWERK a central hub for shaping the future of skilled trades in the region.
Networking and professional engagement opportunities at HANDWERK include:
live demonstrations and technical workshops
one-on-one consultations with equipment and material providers
panel discussions on industry trends and digital transformation
matchmaking events for suppliers and buyers
Why HANDWERK Is Essential for the Skilled Trades Industry
HANDWERK Wels is more than a trade fair it is a strategic platform for professional development, industry innovation, and business growth. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, the exhibition allows visitors to explore solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in their work. Its focus on practical application, digital transformation, and networking ensures that every participant gains measurable benefits from attending.
The fair’s blend of high-caliber exhibits, the Future Lab’s innovative demonstrations, and the professional audience creates a unique environment for exchanging knowledge and shaping the industry’s future. With its strategic infrastructure, specialized focus, and commitment to showcasing both traditional and digital craftsmanship, HANDWERK remains an indispensable event for skilled trades professionals in Austria and beyond.
ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL
ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL has developed into one of the most influential and practice-oriented trade fairs for the municipal sector and road maintenance authorities in Austria. From the very first impression, it is clear that this is not a general exhibition, but a highly focused professional platform designed for experts who are directly responsible for the functioning, safety, and sustainability of municipalities. Held every two years, the event consistently reflects how municipal work is evolving in response to technological progress, environmental responsibility, and growing public expectations.
Organized by ZENTRUM media, a company known for its deep understanding of sector-specific events, ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL is deliberately restricted to trade visitors. This exclusivity ensures a high level of professional exchange and allows discussions to move quickly beyond theory into practical implementation. Decision-makers, technical experts, and suppliers meet on equal footing, united by the goal of improving everyday municipal operations.
ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL as a Specialized Platform for Municipal Professionals
ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL is specifically tailored to the needs of municipalities, road authorities, and public service providers. Unlike broader construction or infrastructure fairs, its thematic focus is narrow and precise, which makes the content particularly relevant and immediately applicable.
The event brings together professionals who deal daily with complex responsibilities such as road safety, infrastructure maintenance, public space management, and sustainable urban development. This creates a working atmosphere where discussions are solution-oriented and grounded in real operational challenges rather than abstract concepts.
A major strength of the fair is its ability to connect strategic planning with practical execution. Municipal leaders can explore new technologies while simultaneously discussing budget constraints, regulatory frameworks, and long-term planning strategies. This balance between innovation and feasibility has become a defining characteristic of ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL.
Messezentrum Wels as a Central and Functional Meeting Place
The Messezentrum Wels provides an ideal environment for an event of this nature. Located in the heart of Austria, the exhibition center is easily accessible for visitors from all regions of the country. Its modern infrastructure and functional layout support focused professional interaction and efficient navigation through the exhibition.
The venue’s central location reinforces the fair’s role as a national meeting point for municipal decision-makers. Spacious halls allow for clear presentation of technologies, vehicles, and systems, while meeting areas encourage direct dialogue between exhibitors and visitors. The overall setting supports the event’s practical orientation, making it easy to move from observation to discussion and evaluation.
Core Topics Reflecting the Reality of Municipal Work
The thematic structure of ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL mirrors the real challenges faced by municipalities today. Rather than following short-term trends, the fair concentrates on issues that shape daily operations and long-term development.
Key focus areas include:
Municipal engineering and infrastructure maintenance
Road management, including construction, repair, and winter services
Green space maintenance and sustainable landscaping
Digitalization of municipal processes and public services
Integration of alternative drive systems into municipal vehicle fleets
These topics are addressed through concrete examples and applied solutions. Visitors can evaluate materials, systems, and processes that are already being used successfully in other municipalities, making knowledge transfer both efficient and credible.
Sustainability, Climate Neutrality, and Resource Efficiency
A strong and recurring theme at ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL is sustainability. Municipalities are under increasing pressure to implement climate-neutral measures while maintaining reliable services. The fair responds to this challenge by showcasing realistic pathways toward more sustainable municipal operations.
Exhibitors present solutions that focus on reducing emissions, optimizing resource use, and improving energy efficiency. Sustainable mobility concepts for cities and towns receive particular attention, reflecting the growing importance of environmentally responsible transport systems.
Typical sustainability-related topics explored at the fair include:
Climate-neutral strategies for road maintenance and municipal services
Resource-efficient procurement and material selection
Integration of digital tools to optimize workflows and reduce waste
By emphasizing practicality, the fair helps municipalities move from sustainability goals to concrete actions.
The ASTRAD Symposium as a Center of Expertise and Dialogue
One of the most distinctive elements of the event is the ASTRAD Symposium, organized by the Austrian National Committee of the World Road Association. This symposium adds a strong intellectual and strategic dimension to the fair, complementing the exhibition with high-level knowledge exchange.
Expert presentations and moderated discussions address topics such as winter road maintenance, e-mobility, and the integrated management of roads and green spaces. The speakers combine scientific research with practical experience, offering insights that are both forward-looking and immediately relevant.
The symposium creates a space for reflection and debate, allowing participants to place everyday challenges within a broader context of infrastructure development and technological change. For many visitors, it is a highlight that significantly deepens the value of attending ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL.
A Professional Audience and Meaningful Networking
The visitor profile of ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL is clearly defined. Municipal decision-makers, road maintenance authorities, technical managers, and planners form the core audience. This focused group ensures that conversations are efficient, relevant, and based on shared responsibilities.
Exhibitors benefit from direct access to professionals who are actively involved in procurement and strategic planning. Visitors, in turn, gain the opportunity to compare solutions, ask detailed questions, and build trust with suppliers and service providers.
Networking at the fair is purposeful rather than superficial. The restricted access policy contributes to a high quality of interaction, fostering long-term professional relationships and the exchange of experience between municipalities.
ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL as a Pillar of Municipal Development
Over the years, ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL has become an essential event within Austria’s municipal landscape. Its success lies in its clarity of purpose: offering tangible value to professionals who manage public infrastructure and services.
By combining focused exhibitions, practical solutions, expert dialogue, and targeted networking, the fair supports municipalities in navigating complex challenges. It reinforces the idea that innovation in the public sector must be practical, affordable, and aligned with long-term societal goals.
Ultimately, ASTRAD & austroKOMMUNAL stands as a reflection of how municipal work is changing. It shows that progress is not driven by technology alone, but by informed decision-making, cooperation, and a shared commitment to building resilient and sustainable communities.
BLUEHENDES OESTERREICH - GARTENMESSE
The "Blühendes Österreich" fair in Wels is a prominent event dedicated to gardening, plants, nature, and leisure, held annually at the Messezentrum Wels, a modern and versatile exhibition hall in the Austrian city of Wels. Since its inception, this fair has become a key industry event, drawing both gardening enthusiasts and professionals from the fields of horticulture and landscape design.
The fair features a wide array of national and international exhibitors, including plant breeders, garden tool manufacturers, garden furniture suppliers, landscape architects, and horticultural businesses. These exhibitors showcase an impressive range of products and services, highlighting the latest innovations in gardening. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of plants, discover new garden concepts, and find unique garden decorations that reflect the latest trends in outdoor living.
The event is distinguished by its extensive variety of plants and creative garden designs, offering something for everyone from casual gardeners to seasoned professionals. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of greenery and gain inspiration for their own outdoor spaces, whether through innovative garden layouts, stylish furniture, or decorative elements.
Coinciding with the Blühendes Österreich fair is the Urlaub & Camping exhibition, the largest holiday fair in Upper Austria. This parallel event enhances the overall experience by offering additional opportunities for leisure and travel enthusiasts.
In summary, the Blühendes Österreich fair is a must-visit for anyone passionate about gardening, plants, nature, and outdoor living. Its rich array of exhibits and concurrent events make it a valuable destination for discovering the latest in garden trends and innovations.
Energy Saving Fair
Energiesparmesse Wels stands as one of the most prominent global trade fairs dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Originating in 1985 as the Heat + Heating fair in Gmunden, it quickly gained recognition for its role in advancing the conversation about sustainable energy solutions. Since 1991, the fair has been held annually in the city of Wels, Austria, drawing attention from key industry players worldwide.
This event offers a unique opportunity for both B2B and B2C contacts, ensuring that exhibitors can interact with a diverse and engaged audience. Energiesparmesse Wels is not just another industry gathering; it is a strategically significant event that attracts a national and international audience, making it a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. Held in a central location, the exhibition’s accessibility further enhances its importance as a key venue for industry professionals.
The fair has evolved into an undeniable leader in its field, focusing on crucial sectors such as construction, bathrooms and plumbing, heating, and energy. With more than 95,000 visitors, one-third of whom are trade professionals, Energiesparmesse Wels has become a magnet for those seeking the latest innovations and solutions in energy efficiency and sustainability. Over 820 exhibitors from 14 countries showcase their cutting-edge products and technologies across 14 expansive halls, making the event a must-attend for anyone involved in energy-related industries.
Energiesparmesse Wels offers more than just the latest in energy-saving products; it serves as a vital meeting point for key decision-makers, manufacturers, and service providers. By participating, attendees gain direct access to industry leaders, global brands, and emerging technologies that shape the future of energy efficiency. As the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, Energiesparmesse Wels remains at the forefront, providing a dynamic platform to connect, learn, and grow in one of the most critical sectors of our time.
