com:bau Dornbirn – Construction trade fair for building and renovation

com:bau Dornbirn is a construction trade fair that has been an established fixture in western Austria for many years. Builders, planners, tradespeople and manufacturers meet in Dornbirn to find out about construction, renovation and modern building technology. The focus is clearly on practical solutions, regional expertise and specific implementation options for private and commercial projects. In contrast to purely international leading trade fairs, the focus here is not on global industry staging, but on the immediate relevance for construction projects in Vorarlberg and the neighbouring regions. The exhibition grounds in Dornbirn offer a compact, well-structured platform with a clear thematic structure.

Key topics: new construction, renovation and energy

In terms of content, the event covers the entire spectrum of building construction. Traditional trades are represented, as are suppliers of energy-efficient systems, digital planning and sustainable building materials. The renovation sector is traditionally particularly strong – a reflection of regional construction activity, which, in addition to new construction projects, focuses heavily on building maintenance and modernisation. Typical topics include:

• Shell construction, timber construction and solid construction
• Roofs, facades and insulation technology
• Windows, doors and sun protection
• Heating systems, heat pumps and ventilation
• Bathrooms, interior design and surfaces
• Planning, financing and subsidy advice

The trade fair plays an important role, particularly in the field of energy. Against the backdrop of stricter legal requirements and increasing demands for efficiency and climate protection, many owners are looking for concrete solutions for their buildings. The event brings together manufacturers, specialist companies and consultants in one place. This enables comparability – an aspect that is particularly relevant for private builders.

Regional economic power as a foundation

A key feature of com:bau Dornbirn is its strong regional roots. Numerous exhibitors come from Vorarlberg, Tyrol, eastern Switzerland and southern Germany. This proximity creates trust because contacts remain available even after the trade fair and projects can be implemented locally. The event thus also acts as an economic stimulus for the construction industry in the region. Small and medium-sized companies in particular use the platform to generate new orders, cultivate contacts and showcase their capabilities. Unlike internationally oriented trade fairs, the focus here is on specific construction projects – from single-family homes to the renovation of multi-unit properties. The visitor structure is correspondingly broad. In addition to architects and specialist planners, private prospective builders dominate. For them, the trade fair offers a rare opportunity to compare several trades directly with each other and clarify open questions in person. Information offerings and specialist presentations complement the exhibitor portfolio.

Information platform for builders

A particular added value lies in the pooling of specialist knowledge. In addition to product presentations, lectures, discussion panels and consultation formats are offered on a regular basis. Topics such as subsidy programmes, energy performance certificates and building regulations are in high demand. Typical questions addressed here include:

• Which heating systems are suitable for existing buildings?
• How can subsidies be used efficiently?
• Which building materials meet current sustainability criteria?
• How is digitalisation changing construction planning?

Well-founded information is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the area of conflict between climate protection and cost awareness. Construction decisions tie up capital for decades. A platform that brings together technical, economic and legal aspects therefore fulfils an important orientation function.

Dornbirn as a location with cross-border reach

Dornbirn is located in the border triangle of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This geographical location also shapes the structure of the event. Visitors come not only from Vorarlberg, but also from eastern Switzerland and southern Germany. This expands the market for exhibitors and ensures cross-border networking. The Dornbirn exhibition centre has modern hall structures and a clear layout. This compact organisation benefits both exhibitors and visitors. Discussions can take place in a calm atmosphere without appointments getting lost in the sprawling grounds.

Development and positioning in the exhibition calendar

com:bau Dornbirn occupies a unique position in the Austrian trade fair calendar. While major events in Vienna or Salzburg have a stronger international focus, this construction trade fair deliberately concentrates on the needs of the regional market. Especially in economically challenging times, it is clear that such formats can generate stable demand. The mix of product presentation, advice and concrete project relevance has proven to be sustainable. For exhibitors, this means a predictable target group approach, and for visitors, a clear content structure. The event thus functions not only as a sales platform, but also as a communication space between trade, industry and end customers. The close interlinking of practice, technology and market makes com:bau Dornbirn a trade fair that goes far beyond a mere product show.

Further information can be found on the organiser's website: combau.messedornbirn.at