Back in 2019, I booked a last-minute ticket to EMO Hannover with zero prep. By noon on Day 1, I was lost in Hall 17 with a dead phone, no meeting schedule, and aching feet.

Lesson learned: EMO isn’t just another industry show, it’s an operational challenge.

Since then, I’ve approached it like a business trip that actually matters. The strategies I share here are things I’ve tested and refined over several years.

You’ll learn how to plan your agenda, avoid burnout, and meet the right people. If you’re heading to EMO for the first time, or even the fifth, this guide will save you time and energy.

You’ll wish you had this article sooner.

Let’s jump in!

1. Booking Tickets and Registration

Let me start with the first mistake I made at my first EMO Hannover: I didn’t register early. I figured I’d just walk in and grab a badge like other smaller industry shows. Wrong move. Not only did I end up paying more, but I also wasted time standing in long queues when I could’ve been exploring the halls. Lesson learned, the hard way.

Buy Early, Save Time

The smartest move you can make is to register online well in advance. EMO Hannover offers different ticket types, and getting yours early can save money and hassle. Here’s what to know:

• Day Tickets vs. Full-Event Passes: If you’re only planning to be there for a day or two, a single-day ticket might be enough. But honestly, there’s so much to see that a full-event pass is often the better deal. You don’t want to feel rushed or miss out on something just because you didn’t allocate enough time.
• Complimentary Codes: Many exhibitors offer free ticket codes to their contacts. If you’re visiting a specific company or supplier, don’t hesitate to ask if they can provide one. It’s a common practice, and most are happy to help.
• Online Personalization: Whether you purchase or redeem a free ticket, you’ll need to register and personalize it with your name and company. This isn’t optional, it’s how they generate your badge, and your badge is your access point to everything.

Don’t Forget the App

After registering, download the EMO app. It’s a lifesaver for scheduling meetings, locating exhibitors, and checking event times. I didn’t use it the first time. I regretted it by hour two. It’s the central hub for your entire EMO experience.

2. Travel and Accommodation Planning

There are two kinds of people at EMO Hannover: the ones who booked their hotel six months in advance, and the ones who are commuting 45 minutes each way because they waited too long. I was the second kind, once. Never again.

Where to Stay

Hannover isn’t huge, but during EMO, hotel rooms get snapped up fast. Whether you’re aiming for comfort, location, or budget, here are a few good options:

• Walking Distance Hotels: Best Western Premier Parkhotel Kronsberg, Radisson Blu Hannover, H4 Hotel Hannover Messe. These fill up early but are super convenient. Nothing beats the ability to walk back to your room after a long day on your feet.
• City Center Hotels: InterCityHotel, Mercure, Kastens Hotel Luisenhof. Great if you want restaurants, evening networking, or a city atmosphere after the show. Tram connections are reliable, and the commute is manageable.
• Budget Options in Surrounding Areas: Consider towns like Laatzen or Hildesheim. They’re train-accessible and offer quieter, often more affordable lodging with good access to the venue.

Getting There

Hannover is well-connected by air, rail, and road. How you arrive depends on your location and priorities.

• By Air: Fly into Hannover Airport (HAJ). From there, grab a taxi or hop on the S-Bahn to the city center. The ride is quick and convenient.
• By Train: Hannover’s main station (Hauptbahnhof) connects directly to the fairgrounds via tram lines 8 and 18 or the regional train to Messe/Laatzen. This is often the smoothest way in.
• By Car: Parking is available, but expect traffic. Use it only if public transit isn’t an option. Parking fills up early on peak days.

3. Prepping for the Event Like a Pro

Preparation makes or breaks your EMO experience. I’ve done it both ways. Trust me, winging it isn’t the way to go, especially when there are over 2,000 exhibitors spread across more than a dozen halls.

Make a Must-See List

There are thousands of exhibitors at EMO Hannover, and without a plan, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, literally and figuratively. Use the official exhibitor index to flag the companies you want to visit, focusing on those most relevant to your business goals.

Prioritize by hall to cut down on unnecessary walking, and group your appointments accordingly. It also helps to set up meetings in advance. Key people often have packed schedules, and having time blocked off makes for more productive conversations.

Pack Smart

What you bring can have a surprising impact on your experience.

• Business cards: You’ll hand out dozens, maybe more. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk miles, literally. Don’t bring anything new, this is not the time to break in footwear.
• Portable charger: Your phone is your map, scheduler, camera, and contact hub. It needs to last all day.
• Notebook or app: Whether you’re analog or digital, take notes. Ideas will come fast.

Know Your Goals

Before you even step foot in Hannover, get clear on what you want from EMO. If you’re hunting for new suppliers, identify the gaps you’re trying to fill so you can focus your time. If staying ahead of tech trends is your priority, carve out time for forums and live demonstrations.

And if you’re there to network or build relationships, allow time for lounges and informal meetups, you never know which coffee break might lead to your next big opportunity.

4. Navigating the EMO Hannover Venue

The fairgrounds are massive. If you’ve never been to Hannover Messe, picture 15+ exhibition halls, each the size of a football field. It’s easy to get overwhelmed without a game plan.

Map It Out

• Download the EMO map or use the app’s interactive version. It’s essential.
• Know which entrances are closest to your first targets. This can save you 20 minutes right off the bat.
• Allow buffer time between meetings. Even short distances can take a while to navigate in a crowd.

Use the Guided Tours

EMO offers daily guided tours by topic, automation, additive manufacturing, digitalization, etc. If you’re short on time or want a quick overview of a trend, join a tour. They’re curated and surprisingly efficient.

Pace Yourself

This isn’t a sprint, it’s a five-day marathon of innovation.

• Don’t try to see everything in one day. You’ll burn out and miss the good stuff.
• Take regular breaks at food courts or lounges. Recharge physically and mentally.
• Bring a refillable water bottle. Hydration helps your energy and focus.

5. Maximizing Business Networking Opportunities

EMO Hannover isn’t just about machines, it’s about people. I’ve made some of my best business contacts during chance conversations over coffee at the venue. It’s one of the best places in the industry to meet potential collaborators, clients, and even competitors.

Plan Your Outreach

Networking at EMO Hannover starts long before you arrive at the venue. Reach out to key contacts ahead of time, many attendees are open to meeting, but their calendars fill up quickly. Announce your attendance on LinkedIn and let your network know what you’re hoping to learn or who you’d like to connect with. That simple post can spark conversations you wouldn’t have expected.

Make the Most of On-Site Moments

Once you’re on the ground, every hallway, lounge, and coffee stand becomes a potential networking spot. Wearing your badge clearly makes it easier for others to start a conversation, and sometimes that’s all it takes.

A friendly introduction or a quick chat while waiting in line can lead to a valuable contact. The national pavilions and exhibitor lounges are great places to strike up more relaxed, meaningful conversations, some even host casual meetups or happy hours.

Use Matchmaking Tools to Your Advantage

The official EMO matchmaking service is worth checking out if you’re serious about making business connections. It allows you to schedule one-on-one meetings with other attendees based on shared interests or business needs. Signing up early gives you access to a broader pool of potential partners, and having those meetings pre-arranged takes the guesswork out of your networking efforts.

Focus on Real Conversations

What sticks with people isn’t a flashy pitch, it’s authenticity. Approach each interaction with curiosity rather than an agenda. Ask thoughtful questions, share insights, and listen. After the show, a simple follow-up message goes a long way in keeping that connection alive and turning a quick chat into a longer-term relationship.

6. Attending Presentations and Live Demonstrations

I once stumbled into a live demo of a laser cutting machine that could slice through steel like butter, it wasn’t on my radar, but it ended up being the highlight of my day. These moments are what make EMO special.

• Machine tool demos – These often show full part production cycles. Great for seeing real performance.
• Automation cells – Robots, cobots, and handling systems in action. You’ll find entire lines running live.
• Additive manufacturing – Watch parts being printed and finished on the spot.
• Software/AI integrations – Real-time data, predictive maintenance tools, and optimization platforms.

How to Find Them

• Ask booth staff for demo times. They’re usually running several per day.
• Use the EMO app to browse scheduled presentations or highlight demos.

Tech Forums and Panels

Don’t skip the open forums. These short sessions dive into real topics:

• Digital transformation
• Sustainability in manufacturing
• Workforce automation and training

They’re usually 20–30 minutes and offer fresh perspectives, often from people who are actually implementing the technologies.

7. Post-Event Tips for ROI

It’s easy to go home from EMO with a full suitcase and a full head, but no clear next steps. I’ve been there. A week later, it all blends together unless you take control.

Sort and Prioritize Your Contacts

The first couple of days after EMO are crucial for turning handshakes into real opportunities. Go through every business card or contact you made while the conversations are still fresh. Reach out on LinkedIn with a quick personal note to remind them who you are and where you met. Then decide who needs immediate follow-up, who should get a quick check-in, and who’s worth keeping an eye on for future collaboration.

Share Insights with Your Team

Don’t keep everything you learned locked in your notebook or memory. Create a short summary to share with your colleagues, even if they didn’t attend. Go through your notes and sort them into ideas you can act on now and those that need longer-term thinking. Highlight any standout vendors or tech solutions that deserve a deeper dive.

Keep the Conversation Going

One of the easiest ways to stand out after a trade show is simply following up thoughtfully. Reach out again a week or so later, not with a sales pitch, but with something useful or relevant to what you discussed. Subscribing to newsletters or following companies on social media also helps you stay connected and informed without being intrusive.

Reflect While It’s Fresh

Before the post-show buzz wears off, take a moment to evaluate how it all went. Think about the booths you missed, the things you wish you’d done differently, and what worked especially well. Write it all down now, it’ll be a lifesaver when it’s time to start planning for EMO 2027.

Conclusion

You’ve got the roadmap. Now it’s time to start the journey.

EMO Hannover isn’t just a trade fair it’s a launchpad.

From early registration to post-event follow-ups, this guide helps you navigate every step.

And if you’re looking for CNC solutions that deliver, look no further than Blue Elephant, one of China’s leading manufacturers.

Contact us today, and let’s help you make the most of it.