D – The A+A trade fair, which claims to be the leading global trade show for protection, safety and health at work was staged at Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from November 4-7, 2025. Under the motto “It is the people that count”, 2,340 exhibitors from 70 countries presented their products and services across 14 exhibition halls to around 67,000 trade visitors from 150 nations.
The A+A impressed with its high level of internationality and tangible dynamics. The visitors included decision-makers from the industry, trade, administration and service sectors and they used the trade show for networking, initiating new investments and establishing business contacts. Numerous visitors from relevant target groups also found their way to Düsseldorf to inform themselves about the current personal protection equipment (PPE) trends. These included sustainable PPE materials as well as mental health at the workplace and digital assistance systems for safe working practices. The exhibitors also demonstrated in the workwear section that modern protective clothing can combine design, function and sustainability. Lightweight materials, smart features and resource-friendly manufacturing processes characterised the collections.
The 39th Congress for Work Safety and Health (A+A Congress) organised by the German Federal Association for Safety and Health at Work, which was attended by approx. 3,000 participants, was staged parallel to the show. The congress offered around 100 events with 330 speakers.
The trade fair and the congress were flanked by a wide-ranging supporting programme that combined expertise, experiences and social commitment. At the Trend Forum experts discussed prevention, mental health, artificial intelligence and the responsible implementation of digital technologies, live demonstrations on fire protection and emergency management offered practical insights into modern safety and rescue technologies. Furthermore, the Corporate Fashion Show attracted large crowds four times daily. On the A+A Catwalk, leading manufacturers of the PPE industry presented their collections that combined protection, functionality and sustainability with modern design.
Marius Berlemann, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, came to a positive conclusion: “A+A has once again impressively confirmed its role as a global meeting place for safety and health at work and as a key economic driver for the industry. Investments are made here, partnerships are forged and innovations that set global standards are brought to life. A+A 2025 demonstrated the creative power within this sector – and how closely sustainable success is linked to safe and healthy working conditions.”
The next edition of A+A is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf from October 19-22, 2027.
Photos: Sarah Vieten, © WA Media
