iVT Expo Europe returned to Cologne in June for its biggest edition yet, bringing together more than 180 exhibitors and thousands of off-highway vehicle professionals. Across two busy days, OEMs, engineers and suppliers explored the latest components, systems and technologies shaping the next generation of industrial vehicles. 

For visitors, the focused nature of the expo offered a valuable opportunity to assess developments from across the supply chain in one place. Mikko Valtee, strategic research and innovation manager at Sandvik, praised the breadth of technology represented by “world-class suppliers”. For him, the event provided an opportunity to step back from individual projects and consider the wider direction of the market: “What’s going on in the industry? What are the latest trends?” 

From electrification and powertrain technology to controls, software, hydraulics, thermal management and automation, the show floor reflected the challenges and priorities facing today’s off-highway sector. Visitors were able to speak directly with the teams behind the technology, examine components up close and identify solutions with the potential to support current and future vehicle programs. 

These conversations continued in the Off-Highway Evolution Conference, where more than 40 speakers shared technical insight, real-world case studies and different perspectives on the industry’s most pressing issues. Topics included electrification, cyber security, intelligent machinery and the standards likely to influence future development and deployment. 

Stefano Fiorati of CNH described the conference as “absolutely interesting” and welcomed the opportunity to hear how other manufacturers were approaching shared challenges. “The problems that we have are the problems [of other] OEMs,” he observed, highlighting the value of bringing engineering teams and industry leaders together to exchange knowledge. 

Exhibitors also reported productive conversations throughout the event. Shannon Grove, marketing manager at John Deere Electronics, said the expo helps the company build awareness of the components it supplies both internally and to other OEMs. “The traffic has been great so far,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of people stop by [and] some interesting conversations.” 

The specialised audience and accessible format were equally important to Filippo Gabelli of Bonfiglioli. He described iVT Expo as a place where “all the key component suppliers and system integrators” come together, while its focused scale creates space for meaningful conversations. That combination enables exhibitors to introduce new capabilities, speak directly with prospective customers and better understand the technical requirements emerging across different off-highway applications. 

As the industry continues to navigate electrification, digitalisation and increasingly complex system integration, the value of meeting face to face remains clear. iVT Expo returns to Hall 1 at Köln Messe on June 9 and 10, 2027, bringing the off-highway vehicle technology community together again.  

For 2027, access to the expo and conference is included in a single visitor pass, offering even more opportunities to discover new solutions, gain technical insight and build valuable industry connections. Register for your iVT Expo 2027 visitor pass. 

If you’re interested in exhibiting at iVT Expo 2027, please contact Ram Seira, event director.