Europe’s leading trade fair for IT security continues on its growth trajectory: more than 1,000 exhibitors are expected for the first time at the 17th edition of the it-sa Expo&Congress, taking place from 27 to 29 October 2026 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. In five exhibition halls, suppliers from Germany and abroad will present their solutions to current cyber security challenges. The event is held under the patronage of Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt.
The importance of cyber security for business, government and society is constantly growing. This is also reflected in the development of the it-sa Expo&Congress: Europe’s leading trade fair for IT security will exceed the 1,000-exhibitor mark for the first time from 27 to 29 October 2026. Following 993 exhibitors last year and the addition of a fifth hall, the event will thus reach a four-figure number of exhibitors for the first time in 2026. The available exhibition space in all five halls is already fully booked, underlining the sustained high demand for a presence at Europe’s leading trade fair for IT security.
The rising number of exhibitors goes hand in hand with a consistently high level of international participation. Around 30 per cent of the exhibiting companies come from abroad, making it-sa an important meeting place for the European and international cybersecurity community. Increasing regulatory requirements, ongoing digitalisation and the growing sophistication of cyberattacks continue to drive high demand for security solutions. At the same time, issues such as digital sovereignty and the international threat landscape are increasingly coming into focus for business, politics and society.
Cyber security remains a strategic topic for the future
Against this backdrop, it-sa brings together providers of IT security solutions, decision-makers from business, government and academia, and cyber security experts. The patronage of Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior, highlights the political and societal significance of the issue. In view of increasing geopolitical tensions, advancing digitalisation and a growing threat landscape, cyber security is now one of the key challenges facing organisations of all sizes.
The event’s growth is not only reflected in the number of exhibitors. The visitor profile also underlines it-sa’s role as a key platform for information security: At the last event, 28,267 trade visitors from 65 countries travelled to Nuremberg. 82 per cent of visitors are involved in, or make, investment and procurement decisions themselves. With 3,815 C-level decision-makers in attendance, the event has also established itself as a key platform for discussing strategic cybersecurity issues.
“Breaking the 1,000-exhibitor mark represents far more than just the growth of a trade fair. It demonstrates the strategic importance of cyber security for business, government and society today, and underlines Europe’s role as a hub for innovation and economic activity in the field of digital security. it-sa brings together the key players and creates a framework for dialogue from which new ideas, partnerships and solutions emerge,” says Thimo Holst, Head of Brand Strategy at it-sa.
Cyber Incident Simulation: Cyber Resilience in an Emergency
The supporting programme also addresses key issues relating to digital security. One of its highlights is the special keynote speech “Cyber Incident Simulation” on the third day of the exhibition. Prof. Dr Marco Gercke, Director of the Cybercrime Research Institute, will demonstrate how companies can respond to a serious cyber incident using a realistic scenario. Participants will gain insights into the dynamics of a cyber attack and the complex decision-making processes that must be managed under intense time pressure in the event of a crisis.
The interactive simulation illustrates how technical, organisational and strategic decisions can influence the course of a security incident. The special keynote thus addresses an issue that concerns both businesses and public institutions alike.
The event will take place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in Forum D in Hall 7 and is open to all trade visitors with a valid exhibition ticket.
With the number of exhibitors reaching four figures for the first time, a high level of international participation and a strong presence of decision-makers, it-sa is consolidating its position as one of Europe’s most important meeting places for cybersecurity.