MEDICA & COMPAMED, Messe Düsseldorf Director deep dives into program updates

MEDICA and COMPAMED recently announced key program updates for 2026. In this interview shared by the companies, Carmen Berger, Director of MEDICA & COMPAMED, Messe Düsseldorf speaks on the updates, emphasizing turning innovation into practical application.

MEDICA and COMPAMED are continuing to drive their transformation process forward. What does this mean in concrete terms for 2026?

We are consistently evolving MEDICA and COMPAMED from a traditional trade fair into a platform that translates innovation into practical applications.

The healthcare industry is facing profound changes: increasing complexity, rapid technological development, and growing demands on care and resilience. Our aim is to provide guidance precisely for this and to bring the relevant stakeholders together in a targeted manner. This is not just about new topics, but above all about clearer structures, more focused programs and formats that enable genuine exchange and decision-making.

MEDICA is adopting a new thematic structure. What is changing?

We have systematically restructured MEDICA around real-world care scenarios. The five thematic areas – ranging from clinical diagnostics and therapeutic technologies, through digital medicine and AI, to integrated care, healthcare infrastructure, and education and global health – reflect the reality of modern healthcare. What is important here is that we no longer think in terms of technological silos, but in terms of applications. Exhibitors will be positioned more closely in line with specific clinical needs, and we are paying very close attention to consistency of content – including at joint stands. The result is greater clarity, better orientation and significantly higher added value for visitors.

What new program highlights can the trade audience look forward to?

We are specifically focusing on formats that promote exchange and concrete implementation. A key step is the integration of the Wearable Technologies Conference Europe into MEDICA. Wearables are a key topic for networked, data-driven care, from prevention to telemonitoring.

With the 1st German Health Resilience Conference, we are also addressing a topic that has gained massive significance in recent years: the resilience of healthcare systems. Here, we bring together decision-makers from hospitals, politics, and industry to discuss concrete solutions.

At the same time, we are further developing established formats. The “Hospital of the Future” will in future map the entire patient workflow, and the MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE will take center stage at the exhibition – with a direct link to concrete innovations.

What role does COMPAMED play in the overall concept?

COMPAMED is a central component of the overall system. It focuses on the technological foundations of medical technology, from manufacturing through components and materials to regulation, quality, digitalization, and cyber security. In combination with MEDICA, this creates a globally unique overview: from the initial idea through development and production to application in healthcare. It is precisely this end-to-end approach that makes the difference.

In addition to content, the networking opportunities are also being expanded. What is planned?

We are specifically developing networking further – moving away from mere encounters towards curated, relevant exchanges. Formats such as ‘Women in Health by MEDICA’, political roundtables, the Investors Lounge or masterclass meetings bring the right stakeholders together in a targeted manner. Our goal is clear: not just to facilitate contacts, but to initiate concrete collaborations and initiatives.

Construction work is taking place at the same time. What is happening on the site?

Alongside the transformation of our content, we are also investing consistently in the infrastructure. The modernization of Hall 9, the upgrade of the North Entrance, new conference rooms and the new headquarters of Messe Düsseldorf are laying the foundations for the long-term development of MEDICA and COMPAMED. In this way, we ensure that the physical environment also meets the standards of our events.