The biennial business fairs BIAM - the 28th International Machine Tool and Tools Fair and WELDING - the 31st International Welding and Anticorrosion Fair, the only specialized industrial fairs of this kind in Croatia and an important regional meeting point for the metal processing industry, production technologies and the welding sector, were held at Zagreb Fair from 14 - 17 April 2026.

This year's edition gathered 300 exhibitors from 28 countries in four pavilions of Zagreb Fair at an exhibition area covering a total of 11,000 m², once again confirming the international profile and significance of these fairs for the national and regional economy.
 
During the four days, visitors had the opportunity to explore the latest solutions shaping modern industrial manufacturing, ranging from the next-generation machine tools, laser technologies and robotics to the digitalization of production processes, automation and advanced welding and quality control systems. Adding particular value to this year’s fairs were the live demonstrations of machinery and systems, which provided professional visitors with first-hand insight into the practical application of these technologies in real working environments.

Trade Fairs as Drivers of Transformation

Among the exhibitors were some of the leading names from the industrial sector such as Trumpf, Strojotehnika, Čelada, Južni prolaz, Lorsel, Laser Solution, Rotometal Grupa, Metal Kovis, Tehno Filter, Pfeifer, Eurotehnika and Okret, which further strengthened the professional and business relevance of the fairs.
 
The fairs were officially opened by Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb, who highlighted that Zagreb Fair is undergoing a process of transformation and renewal. He also accentuated the importance of the quality of the event itself, its professional programme and the involvement of young people. It was particularly underlined that BIAM and WELDING are not merely trade fairs, but also a meeting point for industry, technology, education and business opportunities.
 
At the opening ceremony, Zagreb Fair Director, Renata Suša, stressed the impact of connecting industry, strategic dialogue and education with particular focus on young people and the industrial incubator project, which links the real sector with educational institutions and future experts.
 
The fairs were also visited by the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, further reinforcing the significance of this event for Zagreb’s industrial and economic life.

INdustrial Incubator: Connecting Young Talent with the Real Sector

The INdustrial Incubator was once again a key programme highlight of the fairs. Conceived as a platform for bringing together the academic community, vocational schools, regional competence centres and employers, it reaffirmed the value of investing in knowledge, transferring knowledge and popularizing technical and manufacturing professions. Numerous schools and institutions participated in the programme, with special emphasis on School Day, held on Thursday, 16 April. 

Conference “New Industrial Strategy“: Key Discussions on the Future

 As part of the fair programme, the conference ”New Industrial Strategy: Technology. People. Capital.“ was organized in cooperation between Jutarnji list and Zagreb Fair. The conference assembled representatives of industry, state institutions and leading companies with the aim of discussing the future development of Croatian manufacturing, European industrial policies, human capital and investments as key prerequisites for economic competitiveness.
 
The panel on strategic manufacturing and infrastructure featured Roko Vuletić (Iskra Shipyard), Marko Ćosić (Đuro Đaković Group), Siniša Krajnović (Ericsson Nikola Tesla) and Damir Lončarić (HŽ/Croatian Railways Infrastructure). The second panel, dedicated to innovation and technology, hosted Gordan Pešić (DOK-ING), Damir Prusac (Infobip), Ante-Janko Bobetko (HAMAG-BICRO) and Hrvoje Ćosić (Aircash), while Gordan Kolak (KONČAR) took part in a one-on-one discussion on building a regional leader.

Professional Development and Informal Networking

The professional programme was further marked by KORMAT, the 27th International Conference on Material Protection and Industrial Finishing, along with the notable professional seminar Welding Coordinators.
 
The fairs also included contributions from representatives of the academic and institutional community. At the opening ceremony, Prof. Zdenko Tonković, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, underscored the importance of changing public perception of mechanical engineering, the metal industry and manufacturing technologies, while Nera Pavić, Director of the Directorate for Industry and Mining at the Ministry of Economy pointed out that the fairs have for many years represented a central meeting point for industry, technology and innovation.
 
The Beer&Gear corner by Carlsberg provided visitors with a space to take a break from the event’s dynamic pace and to network informally in a more relaxed atmosphere.
 
This year’s edition of BIAM and WELDING once again confirmed that Zagreb Fair is not only a venue for presenting technology, but also a place where manufacturers, distributors, experts, educational institutions and decision-makers meet. In this way, the fairs continue their decades-long role as a key regional business and professional center, as well as a platform for developing new partnerships, projects and investment prospects.