EPLAN Next26, World Premiere in Munich
March 25, 2026

Eplan Next26: Come experience the future of engineering
This year’s Eplan Next26 marks the premiere of a completely new event format: a global festival for visionaries, decision-makers and users from various industries and engineering. Taking place under the inspiring motto “Where Industry Meets Tomorrow,” Eplan is bringing together an international community at Cavalluna Park in Munich, Germany, on 20 and 21 May 2026. More than 1,200 participants – including component manufacturers, machine manufacturers, operators and experts in various sectors – are united by the desire to shape the future of industrial automation and engineering.
The two-day event is far more than a traditional conference. It is combining inspiring keynote presentations, a Future Lab, practice-oriented Best Practice sessions, Master Classes with real outcomes, live demos and interactive experiences to create a festival that will make engineering come alive. Eplan Vice President Customer Journey Jan Fleming explains:
“Eplan Next26 isn’t just an event – it will be an experience for everyone who is shaping the future of engineering. Our goal is to bring together people from around the world who are advancing industrial developments. Our users get specific ideas to accelerate and simplify their processes – and decision-makers gain new orientation, hear about the latest trends and get clear signals for setting the strategic advancement of their companies.”
Premiere: Insights into the Platform 2027 & AI innovation
Highlights include an exclusive sneak peek of the new Eplan Platform 2027 – a milestone that will be unveiled at Munich for the first time. Furthermore, two key new innovations will also be celebrating premieres:
- Eplan Copilot, the AI that is taking its rightful place in engineering
- Eplan Smart Sourcing, the new solution for automated, data-based component procurement.
“With Eplan Next26, we’re establishing a completely new format for our international engineering community,” says Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz. “Premier speakers from Siemens and DMG Mori, as well as Eaton China, will be joining us in Munich. Our attendees will be getting exclusive insights into processes and technologies that will be shaping industrial advancements in the coming years.”
Live demos: Master Classes offer top-class knowledge transfer
Various Master Classes offer direct practical benefits for users, including on topics such as:
- Smart control cabinet design from engineering to manufacturing
- Efficient engineering automation for completing projects faster while improving quality
- Automated data processing and workflow optimisation
- Efficient machine wiring based on the digital twin
- Product structuring – for scalable, reusable templates
The Who’s Who of the industry

An accompanying specialist trade show is bringing together more than twenty Eplan partners who will be presenting their Eplan solutions. Industry leaders including ABB, Eaton, Lapp, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Rockwell Automation, Siemens and Weidmüller will be joining, as will many others. They will be presenting their solutions, interfaces and workflows and will be available for discussions during the event.
In conclusion
As Jan Fleming says: “We’re not just going to be talking about the future in Munich – we’ll be experiencing it live and in person. A new chapter is beginning with the Eplan Platform 2027, AI support and smart data and processes. Showcasing these innovations live for the first time will make Eplan Next26 a true milestone.”
EPLAN Software & Service
EPLAN provides software and service solutions in the fields of electrical, automation and mechatronic engineering. The company develops one of the world’s leading design software solutions for machine and panel builders. EPLAN is also the ideal partner to streamline challenging engineering processes.
Both standardised as well as customised interfaces to ERP and PLM/PDM systems ensure data consistency along the whole value chain. Working with EPLAN means boundless communication across all engineering disciplines. No matter whether small or large enterprises: Customers can apply their expertise more efficiently. Worldwide, EPLAN supports 65,000 customers. EPLAN wants to grow further with customers and partners and pushes integration and automation in engineering forward. Within the EPLAN Partner Network, open interfaces and seamless integrations are realised together with partners. „Efficient engineering“ is the focus.
EPLAN was founded in 1984 and is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with 12 production sites and 95 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs 12.000 people and generated revenues of around €3 billion in 2022. For the 14th time in succession, the family business has won the accolade “Top German Employer” in 2021. In addition, Friedhelm Loh Group was recognized as “Top vocational trainer” according to a study of Deutschland Test and Focus Money.
More Information
For more information visit: www.eplan.de and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com
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