gedatec 2026: When Electricity, HVAC and Roofing Collaboratively Shape the Energy Transition in Buildings
Photovoltaics on the roof, heat pumps in the basement, battery storage, charging point, and intelligent building control: Modern building technology is increasingly only efficient when different trades work together. This is exactly the approach pursued by the new trade fair gedatec, taking place for the first time from October 13 to 15, 2026, at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. As a development of the belektro, it brings together electrical, HVAC, and roofing trades on a common platform. More than 300 exhibitors will present products and solutions for the energy transition in the building sector in six exhibition halls.
The fair is responding to a development that is already a reality on construction sites. Energy supply, heat, building envelope, and digital control can no longer be viewed independently. For craft businesses, planners, and manufacturers, this means: Technical know-how in one's own trade remains important, but interfaces and interdisciplinary cooperation are becoming the bottleneck.
Building technology becomes a total system
This approach will be particularly visible in the ZVEH E-House. There, smart home, heat pump, photovoltaics, storage, and building automation are shown as an interconnected system. Industry visitors can understand how the technologies interact and what digital standards are needed for networking. The challenge lies not so much in making individual technologies available. Many solutions are already on the market. The crucial point is whether planning, installation, and control can be coordinated in such a way that the building functions as a complete system. This is exactly where the concept of gedatec kicks in: each participating industry receives its own topics and professional offers, while at the same time the exchange between electrical, HVAC, and roofing trades is encouraged.
AI and digitalization reach everyday craft activities
Artificial intelligence and digital processes are also part of the technical program. The "Digitalization in Craft" forum deals with how AI, software, and digital workflows can be sensibly used in operations. It involves a development that goes far beyond individual apps or administrative programs. Digital tools can change planning, documentation, and internal processes. At the same time, they must be practically applicable in small and medium-sized craft businesses. Therefore, the critical question is not what is technically possible, but which applications actually save time or improve processes in everyday work.
Photovoltaics, heating technology, and electromobility
For the electrical trade, the de-Innovationsforum and the ep-ELEKTROPRAKTIKER Forum offer expert information on current VDE standards, electrical safety, photovoltaics, charging infrastructure, as well as measurement and testing technology. The SHK Forum, on the other hand, focuses on plumbing, heating, and climate. Topics include ventilation technology, drinking water hygiene, and business succession. On October 14, the ELEKTRO+ and WÄRME+ Forum bring together electrical installation and heating technology. Also on October 14, the eMO Forum deals with the future of electromobility. Resilient charging infrastructure and bidirectional charging are the focus. The close connection between building and mobility infrastructure can be clearly seen here.
The Roof Becomes Part of Connected Building Technology
The roofing trade will have its own stage at the gedatec. The technical program covers the entire process of a roofer's task – from planning and execution to disposal. Topics include photovoltaics, building envelopes, circular economy, and occupational safety. The use of drones and AI in everyday corporate life is also discussed. Photovoltaics in particular demonstrate why connecting the trades makes sense. A solar system affects not only the roof but also electrical installations, storage technology, heat generation, and possibly the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Start-ups and Young Talent Receive Their Own Formats
In addition to established manufacturers, young companies are also to provide new impulses. In the Startup Area of the VDZ, founders present technologies and business models for electrical, SHK, and roofing crafts and showcase their solutions in short pitches. Topics related to young and skilled workers are also part of the program. With a workshop street, journeyman rally, and seminars on occupational safety, the trade fair specifically targets trainees and young skilled workers. Both can be tried out on site. Another focus follows on October 15 with the Forum on Fire Protection. Expert lectures and practical examples address issues such as fire detection, smoke extraction, and sprinkler systems. A separate ticket is required for this forum.
Premiere with More Than 300 Exhibitors
The gedatec takes place from October 13 to 15, 2026 at the Berlin ExpoCenter City. Halls 1.2 to 6.2 are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, tickets are available online only. With its premiere, the trade fair goes beyond the traditional concept of an electrical trade fair. Electrical installation, heat supply, and building envelopes are no longer seen as separate worlds. Instead, the question arises as to how individual technologies can form a functioning, energy-efficient building. This interface should be of interest to crafts, planning, and industry. The energy transition in the building sector is increasingly decided not by a single technology, but by how well different systems and trades are interconnected.