The second edition of the international trade fair for fireplaces in Leipzig brought together over 340 exhibitors and more than 8,600 visitors from all over the world – and impressively confirmed that the World of Fireplaces has established itself as a central industry platform and driving force for dialogue and innovation in all aspects of tomorrow’s heating solutions.
The World of Fireplaces 2025 (WOF) has come to an end with great popularity and positive feedback. From 28 to 30 April, 20,000 square metres of Hall 5 at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre were transformed into the international centre of the fireplaces industry – “the fireplace to be” – with exhibitors and trade visitors from numerous countries, leading industry representatives, a top-class supporting programme and strong political interest.
The second edition of the still young trade fair not only seamlessly built on the great success of the premiere in 2023, but also surpassed it in almost all areas – be it in terms of the number of exhibitors, visitor attendance or media interest.
Michael Rambach, Managing Director and shareholder of the organising trade fair company trendfairs, draws an extremely positive conclusion: “What we have experienced here at WOF 2025 in Leipzig is a strong sign for trendfairs. The great success of the première was not only confirmed, but even increased. The enormous response makes me proud and shows that the World of Fireplaces has finally established itself as a permanent meeting point and source of inspiration for the industry – as a place where innovation, dialogue and visions for the future come to life.”
This year’s World of Fireplaces attracted 340 exhibitors, an increase of 41 per cent compared to 2023. The response from trade visitors was also exceptionally high: over 8,600 trade fair visitors from 61 countries were counted at the entrances, with the first two days of the event standing out as particular crowd-pullers. In addition, around 1,200 exhibitor representatives, who were on site every day, ensured a lively trade fair.
Around 63 per cent of visitors came from Germany, in particular from the economically strong state of Bavaria with a particularly large number of trade visitors. Saxony followed in second place, which impressively emphasises Leipzig’s importance as an attractive and strategically important trade fair location. Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia were also well represented.
But the World of Fireplaces also lived up to its name in terms of internationality: trade visitors from the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy were particularly numerous. There were also experts from Denmark, Norway, Slovakia, France and Spain. Guests even travelled to Leipzig from overseas: China in particular should be mentioned here, followed by Australia and the USA as well as other African, Asian and South American countries.
The trade fair once again attracted numerous decision-makers and industry experts: Owners, managing directors and sales managers together made up the largest group of visitors. They were joined by specialists from assembly and customer service, purchasing, marketing, product management and development as well as designers and independent sales representatives – a mix that made the trade fair a high-calibre meeting place for the industry.
The exhibitors – with a focus on pellet, tiled and storage stoves, electric fireplaces, decorative fireplaces, cookers and grills, flue gas systems, control technology, fuels, building materials and software solutions for smart homes – were also enthusiastic. In particular, the diversity of the sectors represented ensured a positive response.
The most important target groups – fireplace and stove manufacturers and specialist studios – were represented by a clear majority of 55 per cent. The breadth of the industry was also reflected: compared to 2023, almost twice as many tiled stove and ventilation builders attended, accounting for 14 per cent of visitors. Chimney sweeps, flue gas technicians, HVAC tradespeople, architects and energy consultants also made intensive use of the trade fair to exchange information and network. Decision-makers from construction and electrical store chains rounded off the visitor spectrum, a clear indicator of the growing relevance of the sector in the construction and energy industry.
Fireplace HUB: Forum for forward-looking topics
The Fireplace HUB was the meeting point for knowledge transfer over the three days of the trade fair. Presentations and interactive discussions focussed on the topics of emissions reduction, energy, particulate matter, trade, hybrid heat and security of supply. Personal encounters and direct interaction between players from business, politics and associations and trade visitors took centre stage.
Major industry associations contributed to the success of the Fireplace HUB. This joint kick-off event is crucial for generating momentum in the political arena. The participating associations include the German Firewood Association, the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ), the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR), the European Fireplaces Association (EFA), the German Stove Builders’ Association (GVOB), the German Association for House, Heating and Kitchen Technology (HKI), the Wood Heat Initiative, the German Chimney Sweep Association (ZIV) and the Straubing Technology and Promotion Centre (TFZ).
Innovative heating solutions at the “Hybrid heat” special show
Topics relating to the energy transition are currently causing a lot of movement in the industry, which is reflected in new technical developments and innovations. WOF took this development into account with the special show “Hybrid Heat” as an important highlight of the trade fair. Visitors were given an overview of the range of innovative heating systems that combine conventional and renewable heating technologies to efficiently supply domestic heating and hot water. From wood-burning stoves with modern heat exchange technology to combinations with solar and photovoltaic systems: the variety of solutions was impressive.
Conclusion and outlook
With its mix of new products, technological innovations and socially relevant topics such as the energy transition, security of supply and emissions reduction, the World of Fireplaces 2025 has impressively proven itself as an indispensable industry meeting place. What began two years ago as an ambitious event has now developed into one of the most dynamic platforms for heating technologies in Europe.
The next World of Fireplaces is already being planned and will take place again in Leipzig from 13 to 15 April 2027.
Images courtesy of trendfairs.