Where the Embedded Community Meets
embedded worldwide, also in 2026
From 10 to 12 March, the embedded industry will meet again in Nuremberg. In 2026, there will also be another embedded world Exhibition&Conference in both the USA and China. Has Anaheim proven itself as the new location for embedded world North America? And what can we expect this year in Nuremberg?
These questions are answered by our interviewees Benedikt Weyerer, Executive Director of embedded world at NürnbergMesse, and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora, Chairman of the embedded world Conference.
Following the success of the first embedded world North America 2024 in Austin, the event moved to Anaheim, California, in 2025. How was the new location for the American edition of the embedded world Exhibition&Conference received by exhibitors and visitors?
Benedikt Weyerer: Anaheim was extremely well received by exhibitors and visitors alike. The event seamlessly built on the strengths of the well-known Nuremberg edition – in particular its clear technological focus and the intensive professional exchange within the community. The location offers a professional trade fair environment and excellent infrastructure, which further supported the event's success.
How is this positive development reflected in the figures?
Benedikt Weyerer: Compared to 2024, we managed to increase the number of participants by 15 per cent to 3,800. And the growth in exhibitors was even greater: after a good 180 exhibitors in the previous year, almost 270 companies and institutions presented their portfolios in Anaheim in 2025.
Was the conference part just as successful?
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora: Yes, absolutely. Based on more than 300 submissions, we were once again able to put together a very diverse and forward-looking programme in 2025, which attracted a large audience. Three things made me particularly happy: We were able to transfer the Nuremberg concept with its proven and interactive elements, i.e. keynotes, sessions, and panel discussions.
In addition, we have succeeded in deepening and mutually enriching the already excellent exchange between speakers in North America and Nuremberg. And finally, with my colleague Prof. Jason Hallstrom from Florida Atlantic University, we have been able to activate another heavyweight for embedded world. Jason warmed up as co-chairman in 2025 and will take on the role of chairman for the North American edition of embedded world from 2026.
So embedded world North America is entering its third round this year?
Benedikt Weyerer: Absolutely! Following the successful launch in Austin and the equally successful development in Anaheim in 2025, we are continuing the series consistently. The response clearly shows that the embedded community in North America needs its own platform – and we look forward to expanding it further.
The third embedded world Conference China took place in Shanghai in mid-October 2025 – how were the keynotes, presentations and workshops received there?
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora: In Shanghai, we were able to hold a very focused conference with two keynotes and 42 presentations in three tracks. With a total of almost 650 participants, this was a very good result that we can build on. It was also very pleasing that a good exchange between the locations was possible. It was particularly interesting that, in addition to the technology-oriented presentation tracks already familiar from previous embedded world conferences, two application-oriented tracks were also in high demand.
A look into the future: Are there plans for additional locations where embedded world events will be held?
Benedikt Weyerer: We are, of course, following the international development of embedded world very closely. In principle, it is entirely conceivable that we will focus on other regions in the long term – there is definitely noticeable interest from various markets. Our priority is to continue to expand the existing formats in Nuremberg, North America and China and to develop them further in the best possible way for the community.
All of these "offshoots" have grown out of the main event, embedded world Exhibition & Conference in Nuremberg, which has been established since 2003. Now embedded world 2026 is just around the corner – is there any news regarding the number of exhibitors and square metres booked?
Benedikt Weyerer: Yes, and very encouraging ones at that. In Nuremberg in 2026, we are expecting over 1,100 exhibitors again, covering the entire spectrum of the embedded value chain. This shows how dynamically and internationally the industry continues to grow. The five exhibition halls are once again fully booked – a strong sign of the continuing importance of embedded world as the leading trade fair.
And what does this year's supporting programme look like?
Benedikt Weyerer: The supporting programme remains as varied and packed as ever. In addition to the embedded world Conference and the electronic displays Conference, we are offering numerous expert panels, exhibitor forums and discussion rounds. There are also special formats such as Student Day, with a tailored programme for trainees and students, and the networking event #women4ew, which this year will take the form of a networking breakfast.
Which highlights await participants in the extensive conference programme?
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora: Oh, that's not so easy to answer. With so many highlights, I would – despite all the restraint of an engineer – rather speak of fireworks. The highlights begin with the keynote speech by Rich Simoncic, COO of Microchip, certainly include the 20 classes and 81 sessions with a total of 243 specialist presentations, and also encompass the five panel discussions on current topics in the exhibition halls. All in all, with many established speakers and even more new ones, who will provide deep insights into technological developments in global markets.
What are the main topics the programme committee has set for the embedded world Conference 2026?
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora: For years, the programme for the embedded world Conference has been based on several pillars: On the one hand, as the world's largest specialist conference on the subject, we want to present the entire "embedded world" with all its numerous facets and challenges. And in these individual specialist areas, topics such as embedded intelligence, connectivity and embedded security will continue to be very much in the spotlight in 2026. Here, we are once again working in our tried-and-tested manner with many community partners who give us access to outstanding speakers and specialists. On the other hand, we are also addressing the challenges posed by increasingly complex systems of systems, i.e. the overall systems in their applications. So, for the first time, this year's embedded world Conference will feature a two-day track entitled "Use Cases for Embedded".
