Around 500 companies from 40 countries are expected in Cologne from 27 to 30 October. The international trade fair for workspace and contract solutions brings office and commercial interiors together with questions of workplace culture, technology and design.
Cologne will once again host the international workspace and contract sector at the end of October. Under the theme “From rooms to relationships: designing spaces in an ever-changing world”, ORGATEC 2026 will examine how physical environments can support not only work, but also exchange, collaboration and new ways of working.
The fair comes as the market continues to face challenging conditions. Maik Fischer, ORGATEC Director, points to strong international exhibitor participation and encouraging visitor registrations. In his view, the industry needs a platform where companies can develop new business prospects, build relationships and respond collectively to changes in the worlds of work and contract interiors.
The exhibition is organised around two segments. Workspace Solutions spans office and conference furniture, acoustics, lighting and media technology, modular work areas and room-in-room systems. Ergonomic equipment, hybrid and mobile work solutions, and concepts shaped by new approaches to workplace design are also part of the programme. Exhibitors include Actiu, Bene, Haworth, Humanscale, Interstuhl, Kinnarps, Sedus and Thonet.
Contract Solutions focuses on professionally used spaces beyond the conventional office: hotels, restaurants, conference and convention centres, public buildings, reception and lounge areas, and outdoor settings. Companies exhibiting in this segment include Blå Station, Casala, Fermob, Kettal, Muuto and Viccarbe.
Design heritage meets the future of work
ORGATEC’s supporting programme brings together design, innovation and debate on current industry issues. A curated exhibition, ORGATEC 2026 presents the Eames Pavilion System, has been developed in collaboration with Kettal and the Eames Office. The programme also includes the Architektur+ Office Innovation Award, guided tours and themed routes under the title Your Perfect Day @ ORGATEC. A party featuring singer Alice Merton is scheduled for the second evening of the fair.
The Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival, initiated by the German Institute for Office and Workplace (Industrieverband Büro und Arbeitswelt, IBA), returns to Hall 6. Talks, panel discussions, workshops and interactive formats will explore the future of the office and changing workplace cultures. The announced speakers include communications scholar Miriam Meckel, former tennis world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher, Studio O+A co-founder Primo Orpilla, adidas workplace executive Christian Dzieia and JLL Design’s global design strategy lead, Dr Guzmán de Yarza Blache.
Cologne becomes an interior-design destination
The programme will extend beyond the exhibition halls. With more than 40 international brands, Design Post will join the ORGATEC offering for the first time and serve as a central hub for the urban concept of idd cologne. While ORGATEC focuses on workplaces and contract interiors, idd cologne has its own profile centred on premium residential design, with showrooms and retail partners across the city.
ORGATEC is a trade-only event and runs from 27 to 30 October 2026 in Cologne. idd cologne takes place from 27 to 31 October, with free admission.
