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Trade Missions Schedule

MEDICA l Dusseldorf, Germany l November 17 – 20, 2025

MEDICA has been the world's largest event for the medical sector for more than 40 years. In previous years it has attracted several thousand exhibitors from more than 50 countries and more than 81,000 visitors, including national and international experts and decision-makers from the sector. An extensive exhibition and ambitious program present the entire spectrum of innovations for outpatient and clinical care.

Ideal Candidates for the Trade Mission
Illinois manufacturers and providers of the following:

  • Laboratory, diagnostic, cleaning and testing equipment
  • Physiotherapy and orthopedic equipment
  • Surgical implants and joint replacements
  • Hospital disposables and consumer goods
  • Educational materials and training equipment
  • Information and communication technology

Contact: Riccardo Navon l riccardo.navon@illinois.gov l 312-270-6747

Expo Manufactura l Monterrey, Mexico l February 3 – 5, 2026

With over 500 exhibitors and 19,000 visitors, Expo Manufactura is the most important meeting place for the manufacturing and processing industry in Mexico. Located in Monterrey, the center of Mexican manufacturing, this show will showcase the latest in manufacturing technology. The growth of advanced manufacturing in Mexico, together with increased interest in product quality and productivity, are generating demand for diverse industrial materials, systems, machinery, equipment, tools, and services.

In 2024, Illinois exported over $13 billion to Mexico, its second largest trading partner.  This trade mission an ideal opportunity for Illinois companies to gain market share in Mexico and Latin America.

Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov I (312) 204-9480

WHX Dubai l Dubai, UAE l February 9 – 12, 2026

WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health) is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare exhibition in the Middle East and the second largest in the world. Over 4,300 exhibitors utilize the event to launch of showcase new products or services. In 2025, the event attracted over 60,000 visitors from 180 countries in 2025. The healthcare services market in the Middle East is valued at over $256 billion annually and is growing at 7% per year – offering Illinois companies tremendous opportunities.

WHX Dubai brings leading healthcare manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, tradesmen, organizations and professionals together with some of the most important and influential decisionmakers in the Arab world. Illinois companies from all segments of the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to showcase their products in one of the fastest growing and most lucrative global markets.

Contact: Siobhan Pangerl I siobhan.pangerl@illinois.gov I (312) 636-7584 

Mobile World Congress l Barcelona, Spain l March 2 – 5, 2026

With over 2,900 exhibitors, MWC Barcelona is the world's largest annual gathering for the mobile communication and information technology industry. The 2025 edition boasted a record attendance of 109,000 visitors from 205 countries of which 50% were decision makers at director-level, or above.

This show presents a unique opportunity for Illinois' companies that manufacture mobile information and communication technology components and devices, as well as system applications and software developers, to launch new products to a global audience with a particular focus on cutting edge solutions for AI, 5G, IoT, blockchain and quantum computing.

Contact: Riccardo Navon l riccardo.navon@illinois.gov l (312) 270-6747

SIAL Canada l Montreal, Canada l April 29 – May 1, 2026

SIAL Canada is Canada’s largest trade show for retail and foodservice trade. In 2025, the show had over 800 exhibitors from 55 different countries with over 23,000 professional visitors from more than 78 countries.

Canada is the ideal market to target U.S. food exports with its close proximity, similar business practices, common language and similar culture. Covering every aspect of the Canadian food & beverage industry, SIAL Canada provides the perfect platform for Illinois exporters servicing institutional foodservice, restaurants, and grocery stores. 

Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov I (312) 204-9480

Manufacturing World Tokyo Japan l Tokyo, Japan l July 1 – 3, 2026

Manufacturing World Tokyo 2026 is one of Japan's largest and most influential trade shows, dedicated to the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions in the manufacturing industry. Held annually in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the event brings together industry professionals, engineers, and decision-makers from various sectors, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, and machinery. The next Manufacturing World Tokyo edition in 2026 is expected to showcase over 2,000 exhibitors and attract 70,000 visitors.

The event consists of 10 specialized exhibitions covering mechanical components, factory automation, design & IT solutions, AI & IoT, additive manufacturing, sustainability, medical device development, digital transformation, industrial logistics, and advanced 3D printing, making it a premier event for industry professionals.

Contact: Kevin Kim l kevin.kim@illinois.gov I (312) 833-3081

Farnborough International Airshow l Farnborough, England l July 20 – 24, 2026

The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) brings together industry leaders to network, forge strategic partnerships, and drive innovation. More than 1,400 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors from 40+ countries participated in the last edition, which saw a record-breaking $106 billion in commercial aircraft and engine orders alone, underscoring the event’s unmatched value for companies looking to expand in the aerospace sector.

The 2026 edition will spotlight five global industry themes: Global Security, Advanced Technology & AI, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Future Workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to position your company at the forefront of aerospace advancement with the State of Illinois and connect with global buyers, suppliers, and government delegations.

Contact: Riccardo Navon l riccardo.navon@illinois.gov l (312) 270-6747

Past Trade Missions