Trade Fairs Bilbao 2026: Top Events & Guide

In this article:

• Trade Fairs Bilbao: Complete 2026 Event Guide
• Major Industry Exhibitions Throughout the Year
• Technology and Digital Innovation Events
• Tourism and Printing Industry Showcases
• Leisure and Lifestyle Exhibitions
• Maximize Your Trade Fair Success with Digital Solutions

Trade Fairs Bilbao: Complete 2026 Event Guide

Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country in northern Spain, has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a modern European business hub. This dynamic city, home to over 345,000 residents in its metropolitan area, offers an exceptional environment for international trade and commerce. Known for its iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao combines cultural sophistication with robust economic infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for professional exhibitions and trade fairs. The city's strategic location near the Bay of Biscay provides excellent connectivity to European markets, while its modern convention facilities attract thousands of business professionals annually.

The primary venue for trade shows and exhibitions in Bilbao is the BEC - Bilbao Exhibition Centre, located in Barakaldo, just minutes from the city center. This state-of-the-art facility features over 140,000 square meters of exhibition space across multiple pavilions, equipped with the latest technology to host national and international trade fairs. The venue's accessibility through metro, bus, and road connections makes it convenient for both exhibitors and visitors from across Spain and beyond.

Major Industry Exhibitions Throughout the Year

The BIEMH Machine Tool Biennial stands as one of Bilbao's most prestigious international events, scheduled for late May 2026. This comprehensive exhibition brings together manufacturers, distributors, and end-users from the machine tool, manufacturing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies sectors. With participants from over 30 countries, BIEMH serves as a crucial networking platform for professionals seeking to explore cutting-edge industrial solutions and establish valuable business connections. The event typically attracts more than 40,000 visitors and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing innovations in automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital transformation.

Ferroforma, taking place in late March, focuses on the hardware, fastening, and industrial supplies sector. This specialized trade fair connects manufacturers, importers, and distributors with retailers and professional buyers throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The exhibition covers product categories including tools, construction materials, security systems, and industrial components, making it essential for professionals in the hardware and DIY industries.

Technology and Digital Innovation Events

BeDigital represents Bilbao's commitment to embracing the digital economy and technological advancement. This September event brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts to explore emerging trends in digitalization, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The exhibition features conference sessions with industry leaders, startup pitches, and interactive demonstrations of the latest digital solutions transforming business operations across sectors.

Nebext, scheduled for early April, concentrates on the funeral services and cemetery equipment industry. While highly specialized, this professional exhibition attracts international participants interested in memorial products, funeral vehicles, cremation technology, and cemetery management solutions. The event provides a unique networking opportunity for professionals in this niche but essential sector.

Tourism and Printing Industry Showcases

Expotural serves as the Basque Country's premier rural tourism and local products fair, held in early April. This exhibition celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage and promotes sustainable tourism initiatives across northern Spain. Visitors can discover artisan food products, traditional crafts, rural accommodation options, and cultural tourism experiences. The fair provides an excellent platform for small producers and rural tourism operators to connect with consumers and industry professionals.

The C!Print exhibition in June focuses on visual communication, graphic production, and digital printing technologies. This event attracts professionals from advertising agencies, print shops, signage companies, and marketing departments looking to explore the latest innovations in wide-format printing, textile printing, and graphic design solutions. Exhibitors showcase equipment from leading manufacturers alongside software solutions and consumables necessary for modern printing operations.

Leisure and Lifestyle Exhibitions

Mantour, scheduled for October, celebrates motorcycles, outdoor activities, and adventure tourism. This lifestyle exhibition attracts enthusiasts interested in motorcycle culture, off-road vehicles, camping equipment, and adventure travel experiences. The event typically features test rides, stunt demonstrations, and presentations from travel experts sharing insights about motorcycle routes and adventure destinations across Spain and Europe.

Maximize Your Trade Fair Success with Digital Solutions

Attending trade fairs and business events requires efficient networking tools to capture leads and maintain professional connections. Modern exhibitions demand more than traditional paper business cards, which often get lost or discarded. Spreadly's digital business card solution enables exhibitors and attendees to share contact information instantly through NFC technology or QR codes, ensuring every valuable connection is preserved digitally. The platform's lead capture functionality allows booth staff to collect visitor information seamlessly, automatically organizing prospects for post-event follow-up campaigns.

For professionals planning to attend multiple events throughout Spain, exploring trade fairs in Barcelona or exhibitions in Madrid can complement your Bilbao schedule and expand your market reach across the Iberian Peninsula. These neighboring cities offer additional opportunities to connect with diverse industries and international partners throughout 2026.