Dortmund, 1 December 2025 – After three full days, there was no doubting HEATEXPO's growth trajectory, with more visitors, more international exhibitors, more space and a significantly broader range of subject matter. At what was the third HEATEXPO at Messe Dortmund (25 – 27 November 2025), the show for tomorrow's heating certainly fulfilled its role of being the central platform for technology-based solutions, political impetus and real-life implementations in both heating and cooling.

With over 200 exhibitors – a further increase over the two previous shows – and around 25% international participation, HEATEXPO also notched up a significant increase in visitor numbers, with specialist delegations and participants from Scandinavia, the Benelux countries and Eastern Europe, to name but some, ensuring these countries were especially well represented. The percentage of people from local government authorities and energy suppliers, industrial businesses, planning consultancies and housing operators was also noticeably higher.

Strong response and strategic tailwinds

“HEATEXPO is all about strategically evolving a market that's currently gaining momentum in Germany and Europe,” summarised Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, continuing: “The fact that we've succeeded once again in growing the number of international exhibitors and trade visitors sends out a strong signal for Dortmund as a business location and for the role that HEATEXPO is playing as an innovation platform for the industry.”

Exhibitors and partners were also very up-beat about the event. In the exhibitor survey, 91% confirmed they wanted to exhibit at HEATEXPO again next year. The opportunities for good after-show business and the high number of visitors to the stands were also especially lauded. Also impressive, once again, were the professional credentials of participants in matters related to heating and cooling, infrastructure and grids, digitalisation of heating, services, development and capital investment.

Following excellent previous years, HEATEXPO succeeded once again in growing visitor numbers by a significant margin. The results of the visitor survey  also showed consistently excellent results, with 91.4% of respondents in favour of a repeat visit – a result that follows on seamlessly from last year's excellent figure.

The fact that HEATEXPO maintained its high professional credentials on all three days of the show was also reflected in the attendance of high-ranking representatives from the words of business and political decision-making, with the guests in Dortmund including Dr Rolf Bösinger, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Dr Michael G. Müller, CFO of RWE AG, both of whom used their visit to chat to exhibitors as well as participating actively in a HEATEXPO Forum panel discussion on the final day of the show.

Conceptual sponsors providing impetus: VKU and VDMA Power Systems

Ingbert Liebing, Chief Executive of the Municipal Enterprises Association (VKU), emphasised: “HEATEXPO is increasingly establishing itself as the flagship trade show for the heating sector. It shows clearly that technology is making a lot of things possible in the move to renewable heating. But the heating transition also requires people's buy-in, and this will only be forthcoming if the heating transition is a feasible – also financially feasible – option for everyone. That's why we need statutory reforms.” Dr Dennis Rendschmidt, Executive Director of VDMA Power Systems, added: “The topic of process heat and our diverse formats met with great interest at HEATEXPO. The discussions have demonstrated clearly that this topic is really gaining momentum. The opportunities for cross-sector synergies to decarbonise the industry are tremendous. Net zero heat generation uses mature technology and, given the right overall framework, is also economical to implement. It's now a matter of actively shaping this overall framework in order to get the roll-out moving in the market.”

Evolving the HEATEXPO brand: new positioning and new slogan

At the end of the third show, Messe Dortmund announced it was sharpening the HEATEXPO profile further with the addition of the new strapline 'the leading trade fair for innovative heat and cool supply' in response to the fact that heating and cooling are increasingly being conceived, planned and operated as conjoined systems. Throughout Europe, cooling is gaining in importance, and here in Germany, too, municipal utilities and energy suppliers are increasingly focussing on integrated systems instead of looking at the two areas separately.

This change can be seen directly at HEATEXPO, with many exhibitors presenting solutions combining heating and cooling applications in a single system, and with large heat pumps, storage/grid solutions and smart control systems designed to fulfil both tasks. “This broader positioning is our logical response to this development in the market, positioning HEATEXPO in a way that's clearly in tune with the times. The delineation between heating and cooling is steadily fading,” she added.

The new slogan 'Innovation in every degree' makes it clear that, in future, innovations for heating and cooling will converge in Dortmund in equal measure. HEATEXPO covers the entire spectrum of modern solutions – from comfort cooling in offices and climate control in data centres to grid-connected systems in neighbourhoods and high-temperature process heat for industrial users. At the same time, the slogan expresses a 360-degree take on the entire value chain behind these supply systems.

Looking ahead: HEATEXPO 2026

Following this year's success, the focus is already turning to HEATEXPO 2026 which is scheduled to take place in Dortmund from 24 to 26 November 2026 and will be accompanied by a campaign featuring the new key visual and highlighting the show's international focus.

What the partners and exhibitors at HEATEXPO had to say

Sigurd Schiller, Sales Engineer, Heat Pumps at 2G Energietechnik GmbH

“The market associated with the move to renewable heating is developing very rapidly. In just three years, HEATEXPO has achieved flagship show status and has become indispensable as far as we're concerned. We were especially proud to present the 2G Afilia-water-isobutane series for the first time at this event – a pioneering début that puts us one step ahead in technology associated with the heating transition and meets today's market needs. The show has established itself as a good example of how to evolve an event properly.”

Dr Klaus Ramming, Senior Manager, Thermotechnology at AGO GmbH

“We've been regular exhibitors at HEATEXPO since the beginning. The gradual development of the show is reflected in the consistently high quality of discussions held. The topics relating to large heat pumps and decarbonisation are especially intriguing. For us, this is a clear focus that perfectly matches the solutions we have to offer.”

Stephan Höflmaier, Head of Business Development at Bilfiger Industrial Services GmbH

“HEATEXPO has become established as an outstanding event that's extremely well received. The excellent way the target audiences are addressed is especially worthy of note, with municipal utilities and energy suppliers out in droves, making the show an ideal place for dialogue and networking. We're delighted to be part of this platform now and to be able to look back on superb conversations and lots of new contacts.”

Christian Schmidt, Senior Executive and Head of Products at Enerlabs GmbH

“Content-wise, the discussions we've been engaged in have been the best we've ever had at any trade show. Our proposition has been the perfect match for the HEATEXPO clientele's requirements.”

Jessica Ritzenhofen, Marketing & Communications Officer at ENGIE Refrigeration GmbH

“HEATEXPO has become much more important in recent years. The number of trade visitors has been impressive right from the start. For us in particular, as a supplier of heat pumps and heat recovery, the show is the perfect place to position ourselves clearly. No other event focusses so strongly and in such detail on this subject matter.”

Thomas Gierlich, Senior Sales Developer, Germany/Austria/Switzerland at GRUNDFOS GmbH

“Once again, HEATEXPO has improved significantly this year. The show has developed brilliantly and is gaining momentum each year. The huge demand from the very first day of the show was especially impressive. The event is growing in perfect step with the industry and is attracting more and more visitors who are showing keen interest in innovative solutions. It's exciting to see how the show's establishing itself as an indispensable meeting place for all relevant players in the industry.”

Markus Junker, Area Manager at Hoval subsidiary YADOS GmbH

“HEATEXPO has been developing steadily in recent years, growing every time both in size and in the quality of the discussions people have there. For us in particular, it’s the perfect place to present our portfolio in the field of 'energy systems for the heating transition'. The discussions with decision-makers and other professionals are not just helpful, but also in-depth. Here, we get to meet the people we can partner with to tackle the challenges of the energy transition together. HEATEXPO delivers what it promises – a platform where innovation and collaboration take centre stage.”

Timo Giese, Technical Salesperson for North Rhine Westphalia & Southern Lower Saxony at HUBER SE

“We're already making firm plans to take part in HEATEXPO again next year. We've been coming since the first show, and the response has been superb each time. We've now doubled the size of our stand to meet the growing demand. The strong presence of municipal heating planners has been especially good to see – a clear trend that's becoming increasingly important. Equally remarkable has been the growing interest in proper utilisation of waste water as a source of energy for cooling and heating – tried-and-trusted technology that's currently coming back into focus. We're already looking forward to the next HEATEXPO.”

Akko Rattink, International Sales Manager at KARA FUTURE ENERGY SYSTEMS

“HEATEXPO is a show we find particularly valuable because it directly addresses the right target audience. The quality of discussions has been excellent and has produced lots of important contacts. Biomass and decarbonisation in particular are subjects currently in the spotlight, and the show provides an excellent platform for networking and engaging on an international level.”

Abdelmalek Bahri, Technical Sales Expert at Mayekawa Deutschland GmbH

“HEATEXPO's been a resounding success for us. The in-depth discussions with planners and decision-makers in the industry have been especially valuable. We've been able to deepen existing partnerships and develop new approaches for projects. An all-round up-beat environment that promotes genuine dialogue and long-term collaborations.”

Karl Kroll, Segment Marketing Manager, Heating at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.

“This was our first time exhibiting at HEATEXPO in 2025 and it's met our expectations in full. The show attracts high-quality visitors, including utilities and local government people who come to us with very specific, discerning questions. In particular, we've been able to set out our expertise in the field of chilled water systems and heat pumps directly to the right audience, and also offer customised solutions. All in all, a successful event that's given us the right dialogue and contacts.”

Florian Kröger, Managing Director of SKG Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co KG

“HEATEXPO has become a very successful, internationally recognised show over the last three years. The steadily growing interest in the event shows how forward-looking the subject matter is – especially as it affects the move to renewable heating. Today, HEATEXPO is an unmissable event in the industry's calendar. The show's been a great success for us: It gave us the opportunity to cultivate existing contacts, win new customers and further position ourselves as a brand. Overall, the event's been a resounding success.”

Sebastian Kouřil, Managing Director of Terra Calidus GmbH

“Our first visit to HEATEXPO has been a complete success. The show provided an ideal platform for presenting the potential of geothermal energy and embedding the topic for the long term. The direct contact with new and existing customers was extremely productive and opened up a lot of project potential for us.”

Angelika Zippl, Marketing Manager at VK Energie GmbH

“HEATEXPO provides a great opportunity to meet our customers in person and engage with them. We particularly appreciate the intimate atmosphere that is maintained despite the large number of participants. Here we get to meet not just new customers but also all the relevant players such as municipal utilities and energy suppliers. The focus has been on topics such as optimising the operation of energy systems and efficient operating processes – perfect for initiating forward-looking projects.”

Dr Dennis Rendschmidt, Executive Director of VDMA Power Systems

“The topic of process heat and our diverse formats met with great interest at HEATEXPO. The discussions have demonstrated clearly that this topic is really gaining momentum. The opportunities for cross-sector synergies to decarbonise the industry are tremendous. Net zero heat generation uses mature technology and, given the right overall framework, is also economical to implement. It's now a matter of actively shaping this overall framework in order to get the roll-out moving in the market.”

HEATEXPO – THE TRADE SHOW FOR TOMORROW'S HEATING 

Messe Dortmund is holding the new European trade show HEATEXPO for the third time between 25 and 27 November 2025, enabling visitors to experience tomorrow's heating today, showcasing innovative technologies in hands-on settings and welcoming solution providers from the fields of plant engineering, infrastructure services and consulting and energy suppliers as they shape the ways heating will be provided in future. One special innovation last year was the Local Government Campus – a central meeting point for everyone involved in municipal heat planning – taking an in-depth look at the related challenges and opportunities in cities, towns, municipalities and non-urban local government districts – a success that's being continued in 2025.

NEXT DATE:

24 and 26 November 2026

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund

CONCEPTUAL SPONSORS:

• Municipal Enterprises Association (VKU)
• VDMA Power Systems

EXHIBITORS:
Over 200 exhibitors

VISITORS:
4,000 participants

TECHNICAL PARTNERS:

• Association for the Economical Use of Energy and Water (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für sparsame Energie- und Wasserverwendung, ASEW)
• German Geothermal Energy Association (Bundesverband Geothermie)
• German Association of Non-Metropolitan Districts (Deutscher Landkreistag)
• German Local Government Confederation (Deutscher Städte- und Gemeindebund, DStGB)
• German Urban Municipalities' Convention (Deutscher Städtetag)
• Rhineland & Westphalia Housing & Real Estate Industry Association (Verband der Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft Rheinland Westfalen, VdW Rheinland Westfalen)