Key Takeaways:
- At IoT conferences, you can see what your competitors sell, define their strengths and weaknesses. A good conference can change how you think about your roadmap.
- Come with a specific problem to solve – a connectivity decision, a hardware supplier to find, a deployment to validate. The right conference will help you find the right solution.
- Big shows like CES, Hannover Messe, and MWC give you breadth. Smaller ones like The Things Conference give you depth and real conversations.
- Your connectivity stack should guide your decision. LoRaWAN teams go to The Things Conference, cellular IoT teams to MWC or IoT Evolution Expo.
We've spent over 9 years building IoT products. They range from BLE-enabled fitness equipment and console apps (STEPR), e-scooters (Egret) to marine battery management (Norsk Guardian) and EV charging terminals (Milence). It's one of the reasons why we care about where the industry is heading next.
And that’s why we decided to dedicate this article to the top IoT conferences of 2026 that cover industrial IoT, embedded systems, consumer tech, and health devices. If you want your business to be more than a follower in the IoT revolution, you can't miss these events.
Why Attend IoT Conferences in 2026?
An IoT conference isn't just another event in your calendar. Here's what you can get:
- An early signal on where the industry is moving. You’ll find out about product launches, new standards and technologies months before they appear in the press.
- Hands-on learning you can use immediately. Workshops, live device demos, and technical bootcamps beat any blog post or webinar. You leave with actionable insights.
- Real deployments, not slide decks. The most valuable sessions are from companies that run an IoT business. They can tell you what broke, what worked, and what could be done differently.
- Compliance and security clarity. You always need to know all changes in the IoT regulation. Direct access to regulators and security experts at these events can’t be underestimated.
The 13 Top IoT Conferences in 2026
Thirteen conferences is a lot to process. Use this table to find your fit, and read the details about it below.
Conference | Date | Location | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IoT Solutions World Congress | May 12-14 | Barcelona, Spain | Industrial IoT | C-suite, cybersecurity, IIoT managers |
IoT Tech Expo North America | May 18-19 | San Jose, USA | Industrial IoT | Enterprise architects, US market leads |
Sensor+Test | June 9-11 | Nuremberg, Germany | Embedded | Hardware engineers, R&D teams |
TechBBQ | August 26-27 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Startup/VC | Startups, hardware founders, VCs |
The Things Conference | September 22-23 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Connectivity | IoT & LoRaWAN engineers |
Bits & Pretzels | September 28-30 | Munich, Germany | Startup/VC | Founders, scaleup startups |
IoT Tech Expo Europe | October 20-21 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Industrial IoT | CTOs, CIOs, enterprise architects |
Health Tech Forward | December 1-2, 2027 | Barcelona, Spain | Health IoT | MedTech founders, hospital CIOs, health VCs |
CES | January 6-9, 2027 | Las Vegas, USA | Consumer IoT | Product managers, VCs, app developers |
IoT Evolution Expo | February 9-11, 2027 | Fort Lauderdale, USA | Connectivity | Enterprise CIOs, telecom, solution architects |
MWC Barcelona | March 2-5, 2027 | Barcelona, Spain | Connectivity | Connectivity engineers, telco, IoT PMs |
Embedded World | March 16-18, 2027 | Nuremberg, Germany | Embedded | Embedded engineers, firmware developers |
Hannover Messe | April 5-8, 2027 | Hannover, Germany | Industrial IoT | Manufacturing CTOs, IT leads |
Here are the details about IoT conferences in 2026. We ordered them chronologically so you can plan your year in the calendar.
#1: IoT Solutions World Congress 2026
📍 May 12-14, 2026 | Barcelona, Spain
IoT Solutions World Congress is Europe's largest dedicated industrial IoT event. With 10,000+ attendees from 100+ countries and 200+ exhibitors, it creates a rich ecosystem for knowledge sharing and deal-making across AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Why Attend:
- Real-world case studies from leaders like Siemens, IBM, and Microsoft.
- Parallel Cybersecurity Congress for those focused on IoT security.
- Insights about Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance, and AI.
Highlights:
- Multitrack agenda with 300+ speakers.
- Solution showcases, hackathons, and startup competitions.
- Business matchmaking platform for strategic networking.
Who Should Attend: C-level executives, policy makers, enterprise adopters, cybersecurity professionals, and IoT project managers.
#2: IoT Tech Expo North America 2026
📍 May 18-19, 2026 | San Jose, CA, USA
IoT Tech Expo North America brings together 8,000+ professionals, 250+ expert speakers, and 200+ technology providers to speed up IoT adoption across enterprises. Six co-located shows – IoT, Cybersecurity, AI & Big Data, Digital Transformation, Intelligent Automation, and Data Centers – make it one of the main tech events on the calendar.
Why Attend:
- Silicon Valley location means unmatched access to the US tech ecosystem.
- Cross-industry IoT sessions: manufacturing, logistics, smart cities, healthcare.
- Co-located expos mean you can cover the full IoT stack in two days.
Highlights:
- Startup area and pitch opportunities.
- Free expo passes and premium conference access.
- Direct access to Fortune 500 IoT buyers and decision-makers.
Who Should Attend: enterprise IoT architects, US-market product leads, CTOs, IoT solution providers, and developers targeting North American deployments.
#3: Sensor+Test 2026
📍 June 9-11, 2026 | Nuremberg, Germany
Sensor+Test is the leading international conference for sensors, testing, and IoT measurement technologies. The sensor is where every IoT product begins. And this is the one event where the entire hardware supply chain shows up.
Why Attend:
- Concentration of sensor manufacturers, test equipment vendors, and measurement specialists globally.
- Critical for hardware engineers sourcing components for IoT devices.
- Strong overlap with industrial IoT, automotive, and environmental monitoring.
Highlights:
- 500+ exhibitors that span the full sensing and measurement value chain.
- Technical forums and live measurement demos.
Who Should Attend: hardware engineers, embedded developers, IoT device manufacturers, R&D teams, and quality assurance leads.
#4: TechBBQ 2026
📍 August 26-27, 2026 | Copenhagen, Denmark
Tech BBQ is Scandinavia's largest tech and innovation summit. It includes an IoT and hardware track alongside its startup and scale-up focus. The Nordic countries are producing some of the most interesting connected hardware in Europe. And TechBBQ is where you get in the room with the people building it.
Why Attend:
- Access to the Nordic IoT ecosystem.
- Keynotes and workshops with a focus on sustainability and emerging tech.
- Pitch stage and investor matchmaking.
Highlights:
- Casual, collaborative atmosphere.
- Focus on practical takeaways and real business deals.
- Food, fun, and fireside chats.
Who Should Attend: startups, hardware founders, VCs, ecosystem builders, and scaleup teams.
#5: The Things Conference 2026
📍 September 22-23, 2026 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Things Conference is the world's leading event focused on LoRaWAN and Low Power IoT. It gathers 2,500+ IoT professionals and 150+ industry players from more than 80 countries. Attendees learn more about edge computing, embedded hardware, and large-scale IoT deployments.
Why Attend:
- Insights about open-source IoT, edge AI, device security, and sustainable solutions.
- Hands-on workshops and live device demos.
- Certification opportunities for LoRaWAN professionals.
Highlights:
- "Wall of Fame" with 100+ showcased real-world devices.
- Networking with top names in the global LoRaWAN and IoT ecosystem.
- Interactive panels, expert keynotes, and direct access to ecosystem partners.
Who Should Attend: IoT developers, hardware engineers, system integrators, open-source contributors, and anyone building scalable low-power IoT solutions.
#6: Bits & Pretzels 2026
📍 September 28-30, 2026 | Munich, Germany
Bits & Pretzels features IoT, Industry 4.0, and digital health tracks, blending founders, investors, and industry leaders in a uniquely Bavarian festival atmosphere. With 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders, there's no better place to make deals with your Oktoberfest beer in hand.
Why Attend:
- IoT sessions on industrial, consumer, and mobility tech.
- Unique networking alongside the Oktoberfest.
- Inspiring founders, unicorn CEOs, and world-class speakers.
Highlights:
- Pitch competitions, hands-on workshops, and 250+ "table captain" discussions.
- Investor meetings and corporate innovation networking.
- 2 guaranteed meeting sessions for every attendee.
Who Should Attend: startup teams, tech founders, scaleups, corporate innovation scouts.
Stormotion developed the SportPlus app that connects with BLE-enabled equipment (image by Stormotion)
#7: IoT Tech Expo Europe 2026
📍 October 20-21, 2026 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you miss IoT Tech Expo North America, you should go to IoT Tech Expo Europe. It covers everything from IoT security and data analytics to edge computing and digital twins. With 8,000+ participants and 150+ speakers, it's a must for enterprise and technical leaders.
Why Attend:
- Multi-industry focus: manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, smart cities, and more.
- Free expo passes and premium access options.
- Co-located with AI, cybersecurity, and cloud expos.
Highlights:
- Interactive exhibition with 200+ tech partners.
- Real-world demos and networking lounges.
- Expert panels on the future of connected devices and digital transformation.
Who Should Attend: CTOs, CIOs, technical leads, enterprise architects, IoT solution providers, and developers.
#8: Health Tech Forward
📍 December 1-2, 2027 | Barcelona, Spain
📍 December 2-3, 2026 | Barcelona, Spain
Let’s be honest. Health Tech Forward isn’t exclusively an IoT conference. But it’s Europe's key meeting for connected health, digital diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and smart medical devices. It's the strongest entry point into the health IoT segment on the European calendar.
Why Attend:
- Insights about health IoT, wearables, and digital therapeutics.
- C-level networking and investor access.
- Future trends in telemedicine and AI-powered devices.
Highlights:
- 1,000+ attendees from 40+ countries, 150+ speakers.
- "Startup Academy" and health innovation awards.
- Clinical research tracks and B2B matchmaking.
Who Should Attend: health IoT startups, MedTech founders, hospital CIOs, digital health VCs.
Stormotion built the Norsk Guardian app that connects to BLE-enabled marine batteries and show real-time data (image by Stormotion)
#9: CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
📍 January 6-9, 2027 | Las Vegas, USA
📍 January 6-9, 2026 | Las Vegas, USA
CES is the world's largest consumer tech event. It draws 130,000+ global attendees and features an entire ecosystem of connected devices, smart home solutions, automotive IoT, and health tech innovations. For IoT professionals, it's the clearest signal of where connected consumer products are heading for the next 12 months.
Why Attend:
- See next-gen consumer IoT before it hits the market.
- Network with Fortune 500 leaders and fast-scaling startups.
- Special tracks for health, automotive, and sustainability.
Highlights:
- Digital Health Summit and Smart Cities Pavilion.
- Startup launches and pitch competitions.
- Hands-on demos from hundreds of IoT exhibitors.
Who Should Attend: product managers, VCs, consumer electronics brands, app developers, and innovation scouts.
#10: IoT Evolution Expo
📍 February 9-11, 2027 | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
📍 February 10-12, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
A mainstay for enterprise IoT and telecom, IoT Evolution Expo convenes 7,000+ attendees and 300+ exhibitors to discuss AI, 6G, edge security, and vertical IoT use cases. One of the few US events with a dedicated telecom-meets-IoT focus.
Why Attend:
- Industry focus: supply chain, telecom, manufacturing, energy.
- Workshops on IoT security, interoperability, and monetization.
- Massive expo floor for exploring new tech.
Highlights:
- 10+ themed events within the expo.
- Networking with top-tier enterprise buyers.
- Industry awards for IoT innovation.
Who Should Attend: enterprise CIOs, operations managers, IoT solution architects, and channel partners.
#11: MWC Barcelona
📍 March 2-5, 2027 | Barcelona, Spain
📍 March 2-5, 2026 | Barcelona, Spain
MWC Barcelona is the world's largest connectivity event. It covers IoT, 5G, AI, and edge computing at a scale no other conference matches. For IoT professionals, it's the best place to see how cellular connectivity, network infrastructure, and connected devices are converging with every major telco, chipmaker, and module vendor under one roof.
Why Attend:
- Full spectrum of IoT connectivity: 5G, NB-IoT, LTE-M, and satellite.
- Enterprise IoT deployments from the world's largest telcos and device makers.
- Policy and standards discussions that shape global IoT regulation.
Highlights:
- 105,000 attendees from 207 countries.
- GSMA IoT Summit and dedicated Connected Industry tracks.
- Hands-on demos from every major chipmaker and module vendor.
Who Should Attend: IoT product managers, connectivity engineers, enterprise architects, telco professionals, and anyone building cellular-connected devices.
#12: Embedded World
📍 March 16-18, 2027 | Nuremberg, Germany
📍 March 10-12, 2026 | Nuremberg, Germany
Embedded World is the global meeting place for the embedded systems community, the layer of IoT that most other conferences overlook. With 1,000+ exhibitors and 30,000+ visitors, it's where the engineers building connected hardware actually go.
Why Attend:
- Get hands-on with cutting-edge hardware and firmware.
- Deep tech focus: sensors, real-time OS, connectivity modules.
- Connect with innovators building the IoT "under the hood".
Highlights:
- Training workshops, coding challenges, live demos.
- Student Day for next-gen tech talent.
- Hackathons and startup pitches.
Who Should Attend: embedded engineers, product designers, firmware developers, component manufacturers.
#13: Hannover Messe
📍 April 5-8, 2027 | Hannover, Germany
📍 April 20-24, 2026 | Hannover, Germany
The world's leading industrial technology event, Hannover Messe brings together over 130,000 attendees, 4,000 exhibitors, and 1,600 speakers. If your IoT work touches the factory floor, this is the non-negotiable event of the year.
Why Attend:
- IIoT integration, digital twins, AI-driven factories, and 5G/LoRaWAN industrial connectivity all under one roof.
- Live demos from ABB, Siemens, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and thousands of other exhibitors.
- Startup zone with a strong track record of launching new ventures.
Highlights:
- Industrie 4.0, Energy 4.0, and Tech Transfer conference stages.
- IoT/WT Innovation World Cup and Hermes Award.
- 130,000+ attendees from 150+ countries.
Who Should Attend: industrial IoT engineers, OT/IT integration leads, manufacturing CTOs, automation specialists, and IIoT solution providers.
Get The Most from IoT Conferences
- Test hardware, don't just watch demos. Most IoT conferences have live device areas – The Things Conference's Wall of Fame, Embedded World's demo halls, Hannover Messe's factory floor setups. Prioritize these over keynotes. Holding a device, connecting to it, and breaking it teaches you more in 10 minutes than a slide deck does in an hour.
- Talk to integrators, not just vendors. Vendors will tell you their product solves everything. System integrators will tell you what breaks in the real world. At events like IoT Solutions World Congress or Hannover Messe, these are the conversations worth hunting down.
- Know your connectivity stack before you arrive. If you're unclear on where your product sits – LoRaWAN vs. NB-IoT vs. LTE-M vs. 5G – you'll leave every booth more confused than you arrived. Spend an hour before the event mapping your use case to connectivity requirements. It makes every conversation sharper.
- Use hackathons and certification sessions deliberately. Several conferences on this list offer technical programs: LoRaWAN certification at The Things Conference, coding challenges at Embedded World. They're the fastest way to go home with a tangible skill rather than just a stack of business cards.
- Follow the OT engineers, not just the IT side. At industrial IoT events, the most valuable insights come from operational technology engineers. These people are responsible for what happens on the factory floor, not the ones managing the cloud layer. They're harder to find in the speaker lineup but easier to find on the expo floor.
If you're at the stage where you're turning IoT hardware into a digital product or replacing an OEM companion app with something your users actually want, we'd be glad to help you achieve your goals.
![Stormotion client David Lesser, CEO from [object Object]](/static/93e047dadd367691c604d8ffd1f54b58/1b3aa/david.webp)
