TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 2026 moves to the Westfalenhalle Dortmund

Industry meeting in a historic setting

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS will take place once in 2026 at the Westfalenhalle Dortmund. The change of location is closely linked to a special occasion: the centenary of the Dortmund Trade Fair. Together with the IFOY AWARD, the established industry gathering will be held on 15 and 16 April in one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most famous event venues. The Westfalenhalle, which has been the venue for international concerts, sporting events and major events for decades, will thus provide the setting for an intralogistics test format for the first time. The move not only gives TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS a new backdrop, but also spatial possibilities that were not available at the previous location. The combination of historic architecture, large open spaces and modern infrastructure creates ideal conditions for practical presentations of technical innovations.

Live demonstrations at the heart of the event concept

Real-life tests and direct product experiences will continue to be at the heart of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. Trade visitors will be able to see around a hundred innovations from the fields of internal logistics, material flow and transport for themselves on site. Among other things, industrial trucks, autonomous mobile robots, drone applications and software solutions for warehouse control and process optimisation will be on display. New for 2026 is the central test arena in the Westfalenhalle. Here, live demonstrations will be bundled and carried out in full view of all visitors. Instead of individual decentralised demonstration areas, this creates a shared space where comparability, transparency and dialogue are at the forefront. The programme will be complemented by curated highlight tours, in which selected solutions will be classified according to their technical characteristics, as well as by an accompanying conference focusing on practical applications.

Warehouse meets Transportation as an interface topic

One of the main topics will continue to be the ‘Warehouse meets Transportation’ test area. This area deals with the interlinking of warehouse logistics, internal transport and cross-company material flows. These interfaces are considered particularly complex in many companies, as automation, IT systems and physical processes have to be brought together. The TEST CAMP deliberately addresses this need and focuses on real scenarios rather than theoretical models. Visitors gain insights into functioning systems, can observe processes and talk directly to developers, users and decision-makers. The exchange on an equal footing is a central feature of the format and clearly distinguishes it from classic trade fair appearances.

IFOY AWARD final as an additional attraction

Parallel to TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, the final audit of the companies nominated for the IFOY AWARD will take place in Dortmund. The generous dimensions of the Westfalenhalle, with a ceiling height of 24 metres, make it possible for the first time to test and evaluate large-format machines and complex systems under realistic conditions. This constellation offers special visibility for the participating companies and additional value for trade visitors. Innovations can not only be viewed, but also experienced in a high-calibre evaluation environment. The first day of the event ends with a get-together, which creates space for informal exchange and networking. On the second day, TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS will also be open to additional visitor groups as part of the ‘Open Arena’. A limited number of free test tickets will be available to facilitate access to new target groups and underline the openness of the format.

Dortmund as a location with a signal effect

By choosing the Westfalenhalle Dortmund, TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 2026 is also sending a deliberate signal in favour of the Ruhr region as a trade fair location. The region has always stood for industrial expertise, structural change and technical innovation. The format fits logically into this environment and at the same time strengthens the position of Messe Dortmund as a host for future-oriented industry events. For exhibitors and visitors alike, this creates a unique combination of test environment, networking platform and in-depth content. TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 2026 remains true to its practical approach, but expands it with new spatial, organisational and communicative possibilities.