Interforst Munich

INTERFORST in Munich is one of the leading international trade fairs for forestry and forest technology. It brings together manufacturers, forestry businesses, forest owners, representatives from academia and industry associations, and public-sector organisations. Established in 1970, the event takes place every four years at Messe München. It is organised by Messe München GmbH, an internationally active trade fair company headquartered in Munich.

INTERFORST focuses on four key themes shaping the future of the industry: “Healthy Forests for the Future”, “People in Focus”, “New Directions in Forest Technology” and “Digitalisation in Forestry & Timber”. These themes address some of the most pressing challenges facing the forestry sector today, including climate change and sustainable forest management, skills shortages and occupational safety, as well as automation, digitalisation and the development of new technological solutions.

INTERFORST covers almost the entire forestry and timber value chain. Exhibits include machinery, equipment and technical systems for forest regeneration and management, forest protection, timber harvesting and extraction, timber transport and roundwood storage. The event also showcases solutions for wood energy, timber processing, forest road construction, arboriculture and landscape management, as well as occupational safety. Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important, with solutions ranging from digital forest management systems, sensor technology and AI applications to forest inventory and monitoring systems, digital roundwood measurement and logistics.

One of INTERFORST’s distinguishing features is its combination of specialist knowledge and practical application. Visitors can explore forestry machinery and working methods at exhibition stands and, in some cases, see them demonstrated in real operating conditions. The exhibition is complemented by congresses, specialist forums, special exhibitions, stage programmes and live demonstrations. Representatives from industry, academia and politics discuss current developments and the future challenges facing the forestry sector.

Exhibitors come primarily from the fields of forest technology, forestry, the timber industry, agricultural machinery, vehicle and transport technology, energy and IT. Companies and institutions specialising in occupational safety, services, research and consultancy are also represented. INTERFORST is aimed particularly at forestry contractors, forest owners, forestry professionals, forestry businesses and public forestry authorities, as well as agricultural and forestry associations and co-operatives. Other key visitor groups include timber haulage companies, machinery and equipment dealers, professional associations, research institutions, universities and universities of applied sciences. The event therefore provides a platform where practitioners, industry and academia can engage directly with one another.

Munich also provides INTERFORST with a well-connected international venue. The modern Messe München exhibition centre in Munich-Riem offers extensive indoor exhibition space as well as outdoor areas, making it particularly suitable for displaying and demonstrating large forestry machinery. The East Entrance is located by the Messeturm at 81829 Munich. From Munich Central Station, the exhibition centre can be reached in under 20 minutes on the U2 underground line towards Messestadt Ost, with no changes required. By car, Messe München can be reached via the A94 motorway using the München-Riem or Feldkirchen-West exits.

INTERFORST therefore provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, technologies and solutions across the forestry and timber sectors. At the same time, it serves as an international meeting place for professionals and organisations involved in shaping a sustainable and forward-looking future for forests and forestry.

On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 5 days of the fair, from 18. July to 22. July 2018, about 457 exhibitors from 28 countries and 50000 visitors from 67 countries on the Interforst in Munich.

The Interforst takes place every four years, and therefore for the 16th time previsibly in October 2030 in Munich.