November 21, 2024 
Professional magazine and portal dedicated to electronics 
Where the future meets the present: At electronica 2024 in Munich, the international electronics industry impressively demonstrated in 18 exhibition halls that digital technologies are the key to achieving a carbon-neutral future. From November 12 to 15, 3,480 exhibitors presented their innovations across the entire spectrum of electronics to about 80,000 visitors at the world’s leading trade fair. In addition to sustainability, key topics such as artificial intelligence, the future of mobility, and the development of young talent sparked lively discussions at the exhibition stands and throughout the extensive supporting program. The equally successful SEMICON Europa took place concurrently in two halls.
After four days at the trade fair, Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, reflects on a very positive outcome: “For 60 years, electronica has been the central meeting place for the global electronics industry. This year’s trade fair here in Munich, a leading technology hub, was once again an impressive demonstration of the industry’s innovative strength. In the halls, visitors were able to see firsthand how future technologies are already taking shape—from intelligent energy solutions to smart mobility—and the vital role the electronics industry plays in making this happen.”
Dr. Gunther Kegel, President of the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI), commented on the industry’s current situation, noting that although the electronics and digital industry has been experiencing challenging times, he believes that the current economic slowdown does not undermine the megatrends of electrification, digitalization and automation, or the vision of the All Electric Society. “I am confident that recovery is on the horizon, even for the electronic components sector, which has experienced a significant decline in sales after several strong years in Germany. What matters is that the framework conditions in Germany improve quickly.”
“electronica 2024 was more international than ever. We are delighted that the trade fair was once again held at the same high level as before the pandemic and that the atmosphere was very positive despite the challenging times,” says Exhibition Director Katja Stolle. “Walking through the halls and talking to people, you could once again feel the unmistakable electronica spirit,” adds Caroline Pannier, Deputy Exhibition Director, who will take over the management of electronica in December. The results of the trade fair survey also confirm how satisfied the participants were with the trade fair.
“electronica 2024 has set a new bar on its 60th anniversary: sold-out exhibition halls, qualified customer talks and excellent visitor numbers,” says Philip Harting, Chairman of the electronica Advisory Board and CEO of the HARTING Technology Group. “electronica is THE beacon and dynamic, innovative driving force of the international electronics industry. We are already looking forward to electronica 2026.”
Two program highlights on the day before the trade fair set the stage for a strong start to electronica. The electronica Automotive Conference brought together international specialists and leaders from across the supply chain to discuss the current challenges facing the industry. This was followed in the evening by the renowned CEO Roundtable with CEOs Jean-Marc Chery (STMicroelectronics), Jochen Hanebeck (Infineon Technologies) and Kurt Sievers (NXP Semiconductors) along with special guest Barbara Bergmeier (Executive Director of Industrial Operations at Jaguar Land Rover). Among other things, they highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in the semiconductor industry and discussed how artificial intelligence can help ensure stable supply chains.
The extensive supporting program at electronica offered a wealth of specialist insights and new impulses. Across six stages, experts shared their knowledge through application-oriented presentations on nearly every area of electronics. New focal points in the forum program included AI Machine Learning, Industrial Control, and Women in Tech. Sustainability and the circular economy were also prominent topics, featured in presentations, discussion rounds, and special tours. Another key focus was on the talents of tomorrow: The Fast Forward platform gave selected start-ups a stage to present their innovations, while the Career Area provided insights into career prospects in the electronics industry through personalized advice and an online job exchange. The Young Talents Day for pupils and students, held on the last day of the fair, was also met with great enthusiasm.
As a perfect addition to electronica, exhibitors at SEMICON Europa presented products and solutions for semiconductor manufacturing across two parallel halls. “SEMICON Europa, strategically co-located with electronica, brought together industry leaders from across the supply chain to share insights on the advancements driving sustainable growth in the semiconductor sector,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “Record attendance and a sold-out exhibition area — SEMI is thrilled with this year’s results.
3,480 exhibitors traveled from 59 countries and regions, with 76 percent of them from abroad. There were around 80,000 visitors from around 100 countries and regions. The share of international visitors totaled 54 percent. After Germany, the top 10 visitor countries were: Italy, China, France, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Spain, Netherlands and Poland.
The next electronica will take place from November 10 to 13, 2026.
The original Press Release
(photo: Copyright Messe München GmbH)
