German Sanitary Industry Welcomes the Development of ISH

FRANKFURT, GERMANY — After an intensive week, the VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design Industry Association feels comfortable declaring ISH 2025 a success.

ISH is the world's leading trade fair for the HVAC and water industry, held every other year. With 2,183 exhibitors from 54 countries, ISH 2025 filled the entire Frankfurt, Germany, exhibition grounds, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in heat generation, refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation technologies, intelligent building automation, sustainable bathroom design and installation solutions.

“ISH is on the right track. It has spread optimism in many areas, sent out positive signals and maintained its position as a world-leading trade fair,” says Dirk Gellisch, Deputy Chairman of the VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design Industry Association and Managing Director of Viega Holding GmbH & Co. KG. The exposition was a success and many exhibitors were able to generate added value for their companies. “With a good 163,000 visitors, ISH 2025 has not yet reached the successful heights of 2017 and 2019,” adds Gellisch. “However, we welcome the trend reversal—an increase in visitor numbers of more than 6 percent compared to 2023.”

30 Percent of Attendees Tradespeople 

One of the positive aspects of the show was that tradespeople were once again more strongly represented at many stands. Overall, this group of visitors accounted for around 30 percent of attendees. With 2,183 exhibitors from 54 countries, there was also a noticeable increase in internationality.

Last but not least, the new trade fair concept with topical solution areas was also well received by visitors. “Our stand in hall 3.1 in the 'Meet the Water Experts' association area was a well-used meeting point and sent out a strong signal that the brand manufacturers in the sanitary industry stand behind the ISH,” reports Dr. Laura Dorfer, Managing Director of VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design and VDMA Valves Association. “Our lecture program in the neighbouring Design Plaza, with which we gave a stage to the central future topics of the industry, was also well received. From water and energy efficiency to ease of installation, design trends and accessibility—our brand manufacturers from the sanitary industry and installation technology impressively demonstrated at this year's ISH that they have solutions for the major challenges of our time.”

In addition to the presentations, VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design offered guided tours that led visitors to the experts at the booth of member companies.

Looking to the Future

“The sanitary industry and installation technology still believe in trade fairs because they offer neutral, comprehensive and overarching platforms. And we still need a world-leading trade fair like the ISH in Germany and in the heart of Europe,” emphasizes Gellisch.

VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design will now evaluate and analyze the trade fair in detail. On this basis, the industry, together with Messe Frankfurt and the other partner associations, will develop ideas and measures to make the ISH even more attractive and strengthen its importance.

The next ISH will take place from March 15 to 19, 2027.