Alihankinta 2026 draws nearly 29,000 manufacturing professionals and 1,100 exhibitors to Tampere

Nearly 29,000 manufacturing industry professionals and about 1,100 exhibitors attended Alihankinta 2026, held 28 September–1 October at the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre, Tampereen Messut Oy said.

As Northern Europe’s largest manufacturing fair, Alihankinta saw roughly a 50 percent increase in international visitors year-on-year and filled exhibition halls across three days. The scale of the fair spilled into the city’s streets and public transport, highlighting its regional impact. earlier reporting put the fair’s annual boost to Pirkanmaa at about €30 million.

Exhibitors ranged from established suppliers to first-time participants, and Endress+Hauser’s Marketing Communications Specialist Jenni Ahola said the company, which had sought a place since 2019, finally secured a stand and exceeded its lead targets on the first day.

Panels and speeches explored how Finland can stand out internationally, with Economic Affairs Minister Sakari Puisto pointing to reliable supply chains, delivery security and trust as national strengths rather than competing on sheer volume.

Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio urged support for growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, saying broad expansion must come from thousands of ambitious firms willing to seize overseas opportunities. DIMECC, the organisation behind lead partner MAKE in Finland, highlighted the fair’s role in bringing the entire manufacturing value chain together and seeding new partnerships.

Organisers confirmed Alihankinta will return 28–30 September 2027 under the theme Resilient supply chain, with Tampereen Messut Oy remaining the event organiser.