UNITI expo 2026
UNITI expo 2026 in Stuttgart has impressively reaffirmed its role as Europe’s leading trade fair for the petrol station and car wash sectors. With 604 exhibitors from 43 countries, more than 20,500 visitors from 114 countries and, for the first time, 45,000 square metres of exhibition space, the sixth edition was a record-breaking event. The next UNITI expo will take place from 16 to 18 May 2028 at Messe Stuttgart.
Europe’s leading trade fair for the petrol station and car wash sector
Petrol stations have long since become more than just places to fill up. They are evolving into energy hubs, convenience outlets, service points, car wash centres and, increasingly, places where the quality of the visitor experience, quick refreshments and customer experience play a decisive role. It was precisely this development that was highlighted at UNITI expo 2026, held from 19 to 21 May 2026 at Messe Stuttgart.
Europe’s leading trade fair for the petrol station and car wash industry brought together international decision-makers, industry experts, innovation leaders and suppliers from the fields of technology, payment, logistics, car washing, the petroleum trade, and shop & convenience. After three days of the event, UNITI expo 2026 reported record figures across the board.
Record figures for UNITI expo 2026 in Stuttgart
The sixth edition of UNITI expo was bigger and more international than ever before. Across 45,000 square metres of exhibition space – a first for the event – 604 exhibitors from 43 countries showcased their latest products, technologies and solutions. More than 20,500 attendees from 114 countries travelled to Stuttgart.
UNITI expo thus reaffirmed its status as Europe’s leading trade fair and an international meeting place for the petrol station and car wash sector. The dynamic atmosphere in the exhibition halls was particularly striking: the sector demonstrated its commitment to innovation, its interconnectedness and its readiness to play an active role in shaping new mobility and service concepts.
Four thematic areas: Technology, Car Wash, Petroleum Retail and Shop & Convenience
UNITI expo 2026 was organised into four key thematic areas:
- Technology, Payment & Logistics
The focus here was on digital processes, modern payment solutions, efficient logistics and technical infrastructure. - Car Wash & Car Care
This section showcased how modern car washing is evolving: becoming more sustainable, efficient and convenient, and increasingly focused on the customer experience. - Petroleum Companies & Petroleum Retail
The exhibition offered insights into current developments in the traditional energy and fuel sector, as well as new requirements for operators and retailers. - Shop & Convenience
Particularly relevant from a GENUSSPUNKT perspective: modern petrol station shops are increasingly becoming small centres for enjoyment and daily essentials. Coffee quality, fresh snacks, food-to-go, efficient service and attractive lounge areas are becoming ever more important for operators.
The convenience sector in particular demonstrates just how much the self-image of the petrol station is changing. The crucial question is no longer simply: ‘What does the customer buy quickly whilst passing by?’ but rather: ‘Why do they stop, what do they take with them – and what experience will they remember?’
The Future Mobility Lounge: the exhibition’s hotspot
One of the biggest crowd-pullers was the Future Mobility Lounge on the gallery level in Hall 1. Due to high demand, the area of this special exhibition was doubled to 2,000 square metres. Around 50 exhibitors presented innovations relating to alternative propulsion systems, new mobility requirements and future energy infrastructures.
The Future Mobility Lounge made it clear: the petrol station industry is in the midst of a transformation. Alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, hybrid energy concepts and new service offerings are no longer a vision of the future, but are already part of strategic site development.
For operators, this means that the petrol station of the future will do more than just sell energy. It will organise mobility, create a pleasant environment for visitors and bring together different needs in one place.
Conference programme featuring more than 80 specialist presentations
Alongside the exhibition, the conference programme also set new standards. Current industry topics were discussed in a practical manner across four forums – the UNITI expo Forum, the Carwash Forum, the International Forum and the Future Mobility Forum, which was introduced for the first time.
More than 80 specialist presentations attracted over 2,800 participants. Topics ranged from sustainable car washes in real-world operation and international perspectives on car washing to the ‘Hybrid Energy Era’ and alternative drive systems.
A particular crowd-puller was the talk with Hans-Jürgen Faul and Holger Parsch, known as ‘Die Autodoktoren’ from TV and YouTube. In this way, UNITI expo also demonstrated how important clear communication, specialist knowledge and practical insights have become for the industry.
Convenience and Hospitality: Why the stop-off is being reimagined
UNITI expo 2026 made it clear that petrol stations, car washes and convenience shops are evolving into hybrid service locations. Today’s customers expect speed, quality, easy payment, clean facilities and a product range that suits their everyday lives.
New opportunities are emerging, particularly in the Shop & Convenience sector. Coffee, fresh baked goods, snacks, healthy takeaway options, regional products and digital ordering or payment systems can enhance the traditional visit to a petrol station. The stopover becomes a moment of refreshment, but also a little experience in its own right.
This presents an exciting intersection with the hospitality sector: those who create a pleasant atmosphere foster loyalty. Those who combine convenience with quality stand out from the competition.
Car Wash & Car Care: Sustainability, Efficiency and Service Quality
The Car Wash & Car Care sector also demonstrated the direction in which the industry is heading. Today, modern car wash systems and care concepts must not only be technically efficient, but also become more sustainable, resource-efficient and customer-friendly.
The Carwash Forum focused, amongst other things, on sustainable car wash systems in real-world operation and international perspectives on the car wash of the future. It became clear that car washing is no longer merely a supplementary business, but an important component of modern site concepts.
Networking, food courts and the exhibition experience
Alongside innovation and the specialist programme, the exhibition experience itself also played an important role. The tried-and-tested GenussGARTEN FOODCOURT, the expanded catering area on the Carwash Piazza and the new food court in Hall 5 provided space for conversations, breaks and networking.
This is more than just an organisational detail. It shows just how important the quality of the visitor experience has become, even in a trade fair context. Meaningful conversations often arise where atmosphere, catering and social interaction come together.
UNITI expo 2028: Date set for the next leading trade fair
Following the successful record-breaking edition, attention is already turning to the next event. The seventh UNITI expo will take place from 16 to 18 May 2028, once again at Messe Stuttgart.
This date is a key fixture in the industry’s calendar. This is because the topics that took centre stage in 2026 – future mobility, alternative energies, digital processes, car washes, convenience, shop concepts and new customer experiences – will continue to grow in importance by 2028.
Conclusion: The petrol station of the future is an experience and service hub
UNITI expo 2026 has shown just how much the petrol station and car wash sector is changing. It is no longer just about fuel, wash programmes or technical infrastructure. It is about connected mobility, efficient processes, new forms of energy, better customer experiences and attractive convenience offerings.
As a result, the petrol station of the future will become a multifunctional space: an energy point, a service hub, a shop, a car wash and a place to enjoy a moment of pleasure whilst on the move.
Save the Date:
UNITI expo 2028
16 to 18 May 2028 | Messe Stuttgart
www.uniti-expo.de
© UNITI Services GmbH
