The global aluminum industry will return to Düsseldorf, Germany, for ALUMINIUM 2026 on October 6–8 at the Exhibition Centre Düsseldorf for one of the biggest industry events of the year. More than 800 exhibitors and partners are expected to participate, bringing materials, equipment, software, processing technologies, and services from across the aluminum value chain to six massive exhibition halls.
Visitors will find major international aluminum producers alongside equipment manufacturers, specialist suppliers, small and medium-sized companies, and start-ups. Focused pavilions will cover Foundry, Primary, Surface Treatment, Magnesium, and Sustainability technologies, while the Newcomer Pavilion will provide a place to discover emerging companies and new ideas.
There will also be plenty happening away from the exhibition stands. The ALUMINIUM Conference, co-organized with Aluminium Deutschland (in Hall 7a), will explore the market, trade policy, and outlook for key user industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, packaging, and construction. The new Sustainability & Recycling Conference, developed in collaboration with CRU, will examine circularity, low-carbon production and carbon regulation. Conference sessions and award ceremonies are included with event admission.
New Innovation Awards Recognize Industry Progress
Making their debut in 2026, the ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards will recognize technologies and projects that are delivering practical improvements across the industry. Created in partnership with International Aluminium Journal, the program includes three categories: Sustainable & Low-Carbon Manufacturing; Technology & Product Innovation; and Smart Manufacturing, Automation & Connectivity. Eligible entries include implemented solutions, pilot projects, prototypes, and validated innovations introduced within the last four years by ALUMINIUM 2026 exhibitors.
The wider aluminum industry will be invited to vote online from September 7–23. Winners will be announced on October 7 at the conference stage in Hall 7a.
Women With Metal Awards Return for 2026
Following their debut at ALUMINIUM 2024, the Women with Metal Awards are returning with an expanded program that recognizes women and companies actively supporting women throughout the global aluminum industry.
The awards are organized in partnership with Women with Metal, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), and Aluminium International Today. Rather than focusing only on the most visible leadership positions, the program is designed to recognize a range of contributions — from established role models and emerging talent to individuals whose important work often takes place behind the scenes.
Six awards will be presented in 2026: Role Model, Future Leader, Unseen Impact, Sustainable & Innovative Leader, Women with Metal Champion – Individual, and Women with Metal Champion – Company. The two Champion categories recognize both individuals and organizations actively working to improve inclusion, equity, and opportunities for women in the aluminum sector.
Entries closed on June 15, and an international jury is reviewing the nominations. The panel of international distinguished professionals is comprised of seven leaders representing Women with Metal, ALFED, European Aluminium, Aluminium Deutschland, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, the Turkish Aluminium Industrialists Association, RX Global, and Aluminium International Today. Finalists will be announced in September, followed by the awards ceremony on October 6 (also located at the conference stage in Hall 7a). Nominees and other members of the aluminum industry are invited to attend.
Planning a More Efficient Visit
Visitors can begin planning through the online exhibitor and product directories. At the show, Colleqt QR codes will make it possible to scan participating stands and receive exhibitor contacts, reports, white papers, and other selected information in a daily email.
ALUMINIUM 2026 will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. A regular three-day advance pass costs €52, but Light Metal Age readers can register for complimentary admission using promotional code alu26_LMA.