Munich trade fair expands beyond real estate as energy, digital and social infrastructure become investable asset classes

Europe’s biggest real estate trade fair is expanding into infrastructure as investors look for long-term assets in a tougher property market.

EXPO REAL 2026 will put investable infrastructure on its programme for the first time, with a new forum covering energy networks, digital infrastructure and social facilities alongside its traditional property sectors.

The new InfrastructureNow forum will bring together investors, project developers, operators, financiers, municipalities and political decision-makers to examine infrastructure as an asset class and the growing links between property development and the systems needed to support it.

It will cover investment strategies, financing models, partnerships, regulation and market trends, as well as examples of infrastructure projects already being developed.

The expansion comes as property investors become more selective about where they put money, with higher financing costs, changing occupier demand and the need for greener buildings reshaping the market.

EXPO REAL said the aim of InfrastructureNow was to bring infrastructure more closely into the real estate industry as a distinct asset class with long-term prospects.

Infrastructure is increasingly attracting attention from investors because of its potential to provide long-term returns while meeting growing demand for energy, digital networks, social facilities and other services needed to support housing, offices, logistics, retail and hospitality.

Claudia Boymanns, its exhibition director, told The European: “The fact that registrations are on par with last year’s level is a strong sign in view of the continuing challenging market environment.

“With InfrastructureNow, visitors and exhibitors can look forward to a new forum that addresses current industry topics in a practical way, in collaboration with our exhibitors.

“At the same time, our innovation platform, Transform & Beyond, continues to grow, bringing together established companies, startups, and innovation leaders.”

The trade fair will run from October 5 to 7 at the Munich Exhibition Centre and will span seven halls.

Around 40,000 real estate experts, city and regional representatives, infrastructure operators and other industry professionals are expected at this year’s event in Munich.

The wider trade fair will continue to cover project development, finance, asset management, property management and technology alongside the expanded infrastructure offering.

Hall B3 will bring together two of the event’s key property themes, while the Grand Plaza will focus on retail property, new retail concepts and urban supply structures.

Next to it, Flexible Housing – Opportunities Next Door will examine new housing models and urban flexibility, including responses to demographic change, changing lifestyles, migration and resource scarcity.

Transform & Beyond, in Hall A3, will return for a third year as the event’s platform for technology and transformation.

Companies and startups will present work on decarbonisation, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, robotics, digitalisation and district energy solutions.

The conference programme will also bring together international experts to discuss market trends and future solutions for the property and infrastructure sectors.

Boymanns added: “EXPO REAL is the ecosystem for real estate, investment, and infrastructure.

“Through new and proven formats, we provide guidance on the industry’s pressing future issues, while at the same time strengthening the dialogue between all relevant stakeholders.”

Further Information
Produced with support from EXPO REAL. To find out more about EXPO REAL 2026, InfrastructureNow and this year’s programme, visit EXPO REAL. For further information, contact its PR manager Sabine Wagner on +49 89 949-20802 or email [email protected]

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_{Main image: EXPO REAL will take place from 5 to 7 October 2026. Credit: Messe München GmbH}