After nearly two years of Zoom calls, it's hard to get excited about the prospect of another virtual event. As life slowly begins to reopen, many of us will be thrilled to see trade shows and other industry events return to being face-to-face.

Having the chance to make in-person connections feels even more precious after being forced to try and replicate these interactions online. After experiencing the jaded vibes of lockdown, the buzz of hearing the latest ideas and networking with new peers is going to feel more exciting than ever.

If you are looking to pencil in some inspiring events in your new diary, look no further. Below we share our top 13 European exhibitions for 2022. If you are still shielding, don't worry, we will point out where virtual attendance is possible.

1. Mobile World Congress Barcelona

When: 28th February - 3rd March 2022
Where: Barcelona, Spain

The premier event for those working in tech, MWC returns to the Fira exhibition center in sunny Barcelona in February. This top international trade show covers a wide range of topics from robotics to medical technology while offering unparalleled chances to meet key decision-makers.

2021's paired back version still played host to 20,000 delegates, and thanks to the useful MWC app, attendees held over 3000 meetings and created 48,000 new connections. As well as the best opportunities to network with tech CEOs outside of North America, visitors can also sit in on masterclasses from the crème de la crème of Silicon Valley.

2. International Food and Drink Expo

When: 21st-23rd March 2022
Where: London, UK

Hospitality professionals can head to the British capital to attend the world's leading trade fair in food and drink. This international conference has hosted 30,000 exhibitors, wholesalers, and entrepreneurs looking to sample and source new products each year for over four decades.

An ideal opportunity to discover the latest trends and forge relationships with the top producers, in 2022, the expo will be held in conjunction with four others at the ExCel center. Don't forget to check out the best of the best at The World Food Innovation Awards and the Certification Clinic to get advice from industry experts.

3. FIBO Global Fitness 

When: 7th-10th April 2022
Where: Cologne, Germany

Media outlets and decision-makers from the world of health and fitness will be descending on Cologne in spring to attend the industry's most innovative event. Bursting with entrepreneurs and start-ups keen to break the next fitness craze FIBO has been the launchpad for several renowned wellness trends, including Zumba and EMS. 

With over a third of participants attending to invest, FIBO is a fantastic opportunity for health and wellness brands to expand their image and meet a broader audience. In 2021 FIBO reached over 32 million fitness fanatics thanks to its extensive online network, where attendees can continue to make connections long after the conference wraps.  

4. Internet Retailing Expo

When: 11th - 12th May 2022
Where: Birmingham, UK

The pandemic has undoubtedly shifted the world of retail. With online shopping on the rise, this UK-based trade show is the destination for anyone interested in expanding their e-commerce offerings. Frequented by well-respected global brands, 2021 speakers included Commercial Manager at Klarna Chris Barnett and Head of Retail for Facebook David Josephs.

With something for everyone, this year's workshops and masterclasses will cover topics such as automation, ad optimization, brand loyalty, cross-channel personalization, affiliate marketing, algorithm orchestration, and telecoms and tax regulations, to name but a few.

5. Viva Technology

When: 15th-18th June 2022
Where: Paris, France and available virtually.

Undoubtedly Europe's largest trade event for the tech industry, the 2021 edition reached over 119 million people. This year the trade show will return in a hybrid format, offering delegates the chance to join in-person in the French capital or watch the action online. 

With some of the largest brands in attendance, guests of Viva Technology are treated to keynote speeches from the biggest names in tech. Previous speakers have included Apple CEO Tim Cook and the founders of industry giants like Klarna and Slack. A mecca for those looking to raise their profile, start-ups can participate in the accelerator contest to get in front of top investors. 

6. Automechanika

When: 17th - 22nd September 2022 
Where: Frankfurt, Germany 

Since its inception in 1971, Automechanika has solidified its position as the biggest trade show for the automotive industry. Hosted in the expansive Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre, professionals are treated to a host of inspiring lectures and panel discussions sharing the latest innovations from parts to accessories. 

From classic cars to caravans, there are insights to be gained for every type of vehicle. Hosted by the leading organizations in the field, attendees can benefit from complimentary training sessions to earn valuable certifications. 

Alternatively, head over to the paint and bodywork competition to see the awe-inspiring coatings designed by international artists. If a trip to Germany is a little tricky, there will also be an Asian edition held in Shanghai, China, at the start of December. 

7. Nat Expo

When: 18th - 20th September 2022 
Where: Lyon, France 

If you like your products organic and wrapped in renewable plastic, pencil in a trip to the French capital for this environmentally focused international exhibition. At Nat Expo, over 850 exhibitors and 10,000 buyers join to share the latest organic offerings from food to wellness and hygiene.

Passionate about shaping a more sustainable supply chain, this eco-friendly event includes innovative pitches from start-ups looking for support for their zero-waste initiatives. Plus, businesses can battle it out for the Nat Expo trophy, which awards the most original and practical product of each year's exhibition.

8. InnoTrans

When: 20th - 23rd September 2022
Where: Berlin, Germany and available virtually.

With over 150,000 visitors, InnoTrans covers all technological aspects of railway travel and public transportation. Organized by Messe Berlin, 2022 will mark the 13th edition of this leading event, where over 76% of delegates are key decision-makers. 

Spread across 200 000 m² of a convention center in the heart of Berlin, attendees of this international trade fair can expect over 3000 exhibitors from 60 different countries. If you would prefer to attend virtually, there is live streaming available and the option to catch up on key sessions at your own pace, thanks to the InnoTrans virtual industry platform. 

9. E-commerce Expo

When: 28th - 29th September 2022
Where: London, UK

In September, online traders can network and explore new strategies to streamline their business at the E-commerce Expo in London. Guaranteed to leave with tons of food for thought, last year's sessions included topics like Move over Millennials, there's a new online shopper in town, and How to remain relevant as email evolves. 

With plenty of chances to meet top-tier executives, attendees can also hear insights from industry leaders. 2021 saw fantastic talks from Beth Horn, Director and Head of Industry for Retail & Ecommerce at Facebook, and Claire Hennah, Global Vice President of Digital Commerce at Unilever. Plus, if you miss any of the sessions, the expo offers a handy catch-up on-demand service. 

10. BI-MU

When: 12th - 15th October 2022
Where: Milan, Italy

Dedicated to the vast topic of mechanical machinery, this biennial trade show is returning to beautiful Milano for its 33rd edition in 2022. Covering everything from machine tools to software, BI-MU shares the latest innovations in digital manufacturing for a host of different industries. 

BI-MU will host 100,000 international professionals from various backgrounds to focus on the future of manufacturing technologies. Whether you work in pharmaceuticals or food and beverage, there are plenty of chances to explore how cutting edge technology will affect your processes. Attendees can expect artificial intelligence and data management to be among the hot topics discussed this year.

11. Medica

When: 14th - 17th November 2022
Where: Dusseldorf, Germany

The biggest event in medicine is headed to Dusseldorf in November. For over four decades, Medica has brought together industry thought leaders to share the latest research and developments across various disciplines. Hosting several thousand exhibitors, attendees can network from tens of thousands of the top minds in medicine. 

Delegates can listen in on forums covering technological and scientific discoveries before exploring the future of the field at the Medica Startup Park. Med-tech applications also have their chance to shine in a fierce competition, where winners can take home cash prizes and marketing services to promote their innovative solutions.

12. B2B Marketing Expo

When: 22nd-23rd November 2022
Where: London, UK

Want to discover what's new in the world of marketing? Head over to London in November for Europe's leading exhibition for the marketing industry to reinvigorate your ideas, connect with other professionals and revel in the creative energy of one of the continent's greatest cities. 

Boasting a unique program of expert-led presentations and panels, attendees can get up to date with the latest innovations before demonstrations of the newest industry tools. After brushing up on the hottest trends, delegates can also benefit from a host of CPD sessions and interactive masterclasses. 

13. The Business Show

When: 24th-25th November 2022
Where: London, UK

Set to be the largest yet, the 2022 edition of the Business show will be its 44th and will play host to over 500 exhibitors, 200 speakers, and 200 unmissable seminars and masterclasses. Sponsored by Xero and Yell Business amongst other recognizable names, guests can enjoy talks from Andy Wilson, Director of Media for Dropbox, and Joe Foster, the founder of sports giant Reebok. 

Focusing on adaptation and innovation, this year's trade show will feature a Franchising Zone and speed networking sessions to help attendees create meaningful connections with over 25,000 business owners and SME's.

The post Top 13 European trade shows in 2022 appeared first on TravelPerk.