Motto of the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM): "With skilled trades, we are shaping Germany's future"
The Bavarian Minister-President, Dr. Markus Söder, is opening the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM) at this very moment
The IHM will take place from March 4 to 8, 2026, at the Munich Trade Fair Center (ENGLISH, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH)
Munich. The Bavarian Minister-President, Dr. Markus Söder, is opening the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM). In his speech, he announced plans to strengthen dual vocational training. He also addressed the issue of free master craftsman training: If university studies are tuition-free, then the master craftsman qualification should be equivalent to a master's degree. In Bavaria, the master craftsman qualification will be free of charge in the future. The "Day of Skilled Trades" is well-received in Bavarian schools. Young people learn about businesses and work processes and sometimes discover their future career path. Markus Söder hopes for the same at the federal level. Incidentally, the skilled trades are facing a nationwide shortage of over 200,000 skilled workers.
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| Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame overlooking the Theresienwiese in Munich, photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv) |
The planned special investment program will offer new opportunities for many trades. As the leading event for the skilled trades, the IHM (International Trade Fair for Skilled Trades) presents innovations, construction, renovation, and craft technology. High-tech combustion engines must also have a chance and be produced in Germany in the future. The Minister-President and the Free State of Bavaria are very receptive to the concerns of the skilled trades. Dr. Markus Söder wished the trade fair every success and all the best!
Katherina Reiche (CDU) – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy during her opening speech
The Federal Minister will continue to advocate for strengthening the concept of merit so that children can take over their parents' master craftsman businesses.
The skilled trades are the backbone of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and SMEs are the backbone of our country.
The awarding of contracts must become more transparent and also take small businesses into account.
"More opportunities for local tradespeople!"
Bureaucracy must be reduced step by step. Taxes and levies must be adjusted to strengthen businesses. She intends to continue advocating for this at the federal level.
Running concurrently with the International Crafts Fair (IHM) 2026
are the "Crafts & Design" and "Garden Munich" trade fairs
Accompanying events:
- "FUTURE CRAFTS",
- "Garden Munich"
- Special exhibition "Jewelry"
Important information about IHM 2026:
- www.ihm.de
Dates: March 4–8, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Munich Exhibition Center
Focus areas: Crafts, Construction, Renovation, Modernization, Crafts & Design
As the Bavarian Minister-President emphasized in his opening speech at the IHM:
...Munich has a few highlight events:
- the International Motor Show,
- the International Crafts Fair,
- the Nockberge Festival – tonight –
- and the Munich Oktoberfest.
All important, and we will continue to report on these important events in the Arts & Culture Blog ...
