Interview: APEA looking ahead to UNITI expo 2026

As excitement builds for UNITI expo 2026, we sat down with Ben Boroewitsch, CEO of com-atec and co-organiser of the event, to discuss what attendees can look forward to. Ben, thank you for joining us.

APEA: Can you share what makes UNITI expo 2026 particularly special?

Ben: UNITI expo 2026 will be the largest and most international edition we have ever delivered. With more than 500 exhibitors across 45,000 square metres, the event brings together the full spectrum of our industry – from car wash & car care to shop & convenience, forecourt equipment and alternative fuels. What makes this edition particularly special is the speed at which the market is evolving and how strongly this is reflected at UNITI expo. Visitors will experience a truly comprehensive overview of the industry’s developments, trends and solutions – all in one place, and all at a scale that continues to grow from event to event.

APEA: What are some highlights that attendees should not miss?

Ben: Attendees should definitely visit the Future Mobility Lounge, which showcases forward-looking technologies and energy solutions for tomorrow’s mobility landscape. The expanded conference programme is another highlight – offering expert insights across all major industry topics. And with so many exhibitors presenting new products, solutions and business concepts, we always recommend checking the exhibitor directory in advance and using the digital visitor portal to schedule key meetings. This ensures visitors make the most of their time onsite.

APEA: For those considering attending for the first time, what advice would you give?

Ben: Everything at UNITI expo is designed to be efficient and easy to navigate. Trade visitors can attend the entire conference programme, benefit from free Wi-Fi, and use the visitor portal to plan their visit before arriving in Stuttgart. Catering across the venue is free of charge, making it simple to move between halls and experiences without interruptions. One important piece of advice: book hotel rooms early. With thousands of international visitors expected, accommodation in Stuttgart can fill up quickly. But once onsite, everything is carefully taken care of – visitors can simply arrive and enjoy the event.

APEA: Thank you, and could you give a hint as to the size of UNITI expo? Exhibitors and visitor numbers?

Ben: UNITI expo covers 45,000 square metres of exhibition space – approximately 480,000 square feet – which is the equivalent of more than six football pitches. We expect over 500 exhibitors from around the world, representing all four themed areas: shop & convenience, oil companies & fuel retailers, car wash & car care and technology, payment & logistics. In 2024, the event welcomed 18,000 attendees from 110 countries, and we anticipate similarly strong – if not higher – international participation for 2026.

APEA: Thank you, where and when is the event taking place?

Ben: UNITI expo 2026 will take place from 19 to 21 May 2026 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany. The venue is directly connected to the airport (a five-minute walk), motorway and local rail network, making arrival exceptionally easy for international visitors.

APEA: Great, so how do the APEA members book/get tickets to attend? And is the event open to anyone?

Ben: Registration is simple: APEA members can secure their free trade visitor ticket directly through the UNITI expo website. Attendance is free of charge for all industry professionals, and once registered, visitors receive full access to the exhibition, all conference sessions, complimentary catering and the entire digital visitor portal. The event is open to anyone from the industry – whether from the UK or abroad – and we warmly welcome APEA members to join us in Stuttgart.

Thank you, Ben. We look forward to seeing the impact UNITI expo 2026 will have on the community and beyond and the report that we publish for our membership in The Bulletin.