SMM Hamburg 2028
About SMM Hamburg
SMM Hamburg is the world’s leading maritime trade fair for shipping, shipbuilding, and marine equipment, attracting global industry professionals.
SMM 2028
SMM 2028 runs 5–8 September 2028 at Hamburg Messe, Messeplatz 1, in Hamburg, Germany. Opening hours are 10:00–18:00 Tuesday to Thursday and 10:00–16:00 on Friday, so the last day closes two hours early. The previous SMM was held 1–4 September 2026, and stand bookings for 2028 are already open.
What it is
SMM is a trade fair for the maritime industry, run by Hamburg Messe und Congress, and has been held for six decades. The organizer reported 50,000 trade visitors and 2,300 exhibitors from 66 countries at SMM 2026, with participants from 134 nations.
How the fair is organised
Visitors can follow theme routes through the halls: Cruise & Ferry, Digital, Energy Efficiency, Jobs, Security & Defence, and Start-ups. Special areas have included the Energy Efficiency Hub, the Maritime Career Market, the MS&D (Maritime Security & Defence) expo, Start-ups@SMM and Young Innovators. Conferences alongside the fair have included the Maritime Future Summit, gmec (Global Maritime Environmental Congress), the MS&D conference, the Offshore Dialogue and the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum, with open "Transition Stages" for exhibitor talks.
Security and resilience were the dominant themes of the 2026 fair, according to the organizer's closing report. The SMM Connect app and desktop platform carries the exhibitor directory and hall plans.
Key Topics
- Shipbuilding and marine equipment
- Maritime decarbonisation and energy efficiency
- Maritime security and defence
- Digital shipping and navigation
- Offshore and port technology
Upcoming Boat Shows
All boat shows →Frequently asked questions
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Before you go to SMM Hamburg 2028
Trade Show vs Convention vs Conference vs Expo
What actually separates a trade show from a convention, conference, or expo — and how to figure out which one you're attending.
Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10×10, 10×20, Island, and Beyond
The standard booth dimensions, what fits inside each, and how to pick the right size for your goals and budget.
How to Attend Trade Shows for Free (or Almost Free)
Seven legitimate ways to skip the $1,000+ registration fee — and what each requires.