With more than 1,400 exhibitors, including more than 150 new ones, the 2026 edition will offer more than a hundred sessions over the three days of the event, featuring more than 200 speakers, panelists and experts.

Composites as problem-solvers for application industries

The conference program will revolve around two axes. The first explores how composites themselves are advancing – through circularity, digitalization, and manufacturing innovation. A dedicated circularity panel, for instance, will examine how the industry is shifting from a linear model toward a circular one, rethinking recyclability, lifecycle design, value chains, and business models. The second axis addresses how composites are solving critical challenges with deep-dives into key application industries, such as aerospace, maritime, building & construction, and beyond. All sessions will be hosted in the Agoras in Halls 5 and 6.

The most sought-after recognitions in the industry, celebrating excellence, creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurship

JEC World 2026 continues to highlight breakthrough ideas and emerging through major flagship competitions and awards.

The JEC Composites Startup Booster – the leading startup competition in the world of composites and advanced materials – returns with 20 finalists pitching live to compete for global industry recognition.

The SAMPE Global Emerging Engineers Challenge will celebrate the excellence of early-career engineers and researchers, presenting their approaches to real-world manufacturing challenges, spanning advanced materials, robotics, and AI.

For design talent, the SMC BMC Design Award 2026 open to European students and young professionals under the theme “Live Better, Live Green», challenges participants to explore how composite materials can improve quality of life through creative sustainable design.

As an unmissable highlight of the event, the 33 finalists and 11 winners of the 2026 JEC Composites Innovation Awards will be showcased at JEC World, celebrating the teamwork and innovative approaches that are driving the industry forward.

Setting new standards for technical knowledge exchange

JEC World is much more than tradeshow: it gives engineering and research teams direct access to the latest technical expertise through masterclasses, scientific sessions and showcases. Legendary Professor Steve Tsai will deliver a masterclass on the Double-Double ply schedule methodology, while the SAMPE Technical Sessions will bring international experts from all over the world to share the latest applied insights across advanced materials and processes. Finally, 30 presentations delivered by Research & Innovation consortia – bringing together industry, academia, and public partners – will showcase projects aimed at accelerating the path from advanced research to market-ready composite solutions.

Bringing composites to life – the Show Floor as a Living Laboratory

The Live Demo Area will feature more than 20 demonstrations of manufacturing processes and industrial equipment in action, complemented by tutorials from relevant experts. Across the three Innovation Planets, visitors will discover JEC’s official selection of more than 80 groundbreaking composite parts and applications, spanning key sectors such as mobility, aeronautics, energy, and construction. In the Discovery Planet area, a dedicated exhibition will explain how composites have played a fundamental role in the evolution of modern aviation.

The global pulse of the composites industry

JEC World 2026 also provides a platform for the composites industry to assess emerging trends and find new growth opportunities. Across close to 50 Composites Exchange sessions, exhibitors and key industry players will share their insights and display the products and solutions driving their businesses forward. On March 11, Saudi Arabia will be in the spotlight as Country on Stage, revealing how the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program is transforming the country into a hub for composites innovation, smart manufacturing, and advanced materials with projects and investment opportunities spanning energy, infrastructure, and high-tech industries.

Where deals are made and partnerships begin

JEC World 2026 is designed to accelerate business for companies of all sizes, from startups to global industry leaders. The Investor Day on March 11 brings together more than 30 investors and over 50 startup founders for guided tours and one-on-one meetings, while the Women in the Composites Industry panel on March 12 will bring male allies into the conversation alongside women, leading change in research, design, fabrication, and leadership and reinforcing the role of diversity in driving innovation.

A cornerstone of JEC World’s success, the Business Meetings service is designed to help participants – especially new exhibitors, newcomers to the show – to identify the right contacts, land deals, and build lasting relationships. By connecting buyers, suppliers, and partners across the value chain through pre-scheduled B₂B meetings, the service maximizes the participants’ time. With more than 17,000 meetings expected in total, the Business Meetings make JEC World’s promise of connecting the world with composites a tangible reality.