Messe Frankfurt has officially joined hands with GMTX Co Ltd as the co-organiser of Automation Expo, marking an important step in expanding its portfolio of manufacturing and industrial trade events in Southeast Asia. This partnership strengthens Messe Frankfurt’s presence in Thailand and creates new opportunities for regional manufacturers to access the global expertise, technology, and international networks that the German exhibition group is known for.
The next edition of Automation Expo will take place from 25 to 27 February 2026 at the Nongnooch International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICE) in Pattaya. The venue is strategically located at the heart of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the country’s flagship development zone focused on high-tech industries, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Commenting on the collaboration, Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Group, highlighted the company’s global commitment to electronics and automation technologies. He noted that Messe Frankfurt currently organises 11 events and conferences worldwide under its Electronics and Automation Technologies portfolio. These events cover areas such as smart and digital automation, intelligent motion systems, power electronics, and energy management solutions. With Automation Expo joining this portfolio, Messe Frankfurt aims to further support Thailand’s manufacturing sector as it moves through the next stage of digital transformation. According to Marzin, the goal is to ensure that both local small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational companies benefit from the same high standards and international connections that define Messe Frankfurt’s global events.
Thailand’s manufacturing sector is currently facing significant challenges due to major demographic changes. Record-low birth rates and a rapidly ageing population are leading to a shrinking workforce. Economists have warned that without a strong shift towards automation and high-tech industries, the country could struggle to maintain its competitiveness within the region. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to address labour shortages and sustain high-value production.
Automation Expo is well positioned to serve this growing demand. The event is held in Chonburi province, one of the three provinces that make up the Eastern Economic Corridor. The Thai government has actively supported the EEC through streamlined regulations and large-scale infrastructure projects designed to improve transport and logistics. These efforts have significantly boosted the region’s attractiveness to international investors. In the first half of 2025 alone, the EEC attracted USD 1.7 billion in foreign investment, accounting for 56% of Thailand’s total foreign capital inflows. During the same period, new company registrations in the region increased by 36% compared to the previous year.
The 2026 edition of Automation Expo will showcase a comprehensive range of technologies covering every stage of the production process. Exhibits will include industrial automation systems, robotics, smart sensor technologies, and digital infrastructure solutions. In addition, visitors can explore software for design, simulation, and process control, as well as professional services related to project analysis and financing. This broad scope is designed to support manufacturers as they modernise operations and adopt Industry 4.0 practices.
Spanning 7,500 square metres of exhibition space, Automation Expo 2026 is expected to host around 150 exhibitors, bringing together technology providers, solution developers, and industry experts from Thailand and beyond. The event is supported by several key organisations and industry associations, including the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Logistics Division of the Department of Industrial Promotion, the Thai-German Institute (TGI), and the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT).
