Published on: December 1, 2024 / Update from: December 1, 2024 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Europe trade fairs for XR technologies (Extended, Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality; Metaverse) 2025 – Image: Xpert.Digital
Extended Reality Highlights - from AR to Metaverse: The most exciting XR events in Europe in 2025
Experience the future: The most important XR trade fairs in Europe in 2025
Extended Reality (XR), a collective term for Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and the Metaverse, has emerged as a key area of technological innovation in recent years. The importance of XR technologies is growing not only in entertainment, but also in areas such as education, medicine, architecture and industry. Trade fairs play a central role in presenting new technologies, exchanging knowledge and building networks. In 2025, Europe will offer an impressive range of events specifically focused on XR technologies. Below you will find a detailed look at the most important events.
1. SIEX (Social Immersive Entertainment Expo) 2025
Location: London, UK
Date: January 14th to 16th, 2025
SIEX 2025 is celebrating its premiere in London and promises to be a highlight in the XR industry calendar. The focus is on immersive entertainment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). Particular attention is paid to the connection between technology and social interaction. The trade fair stands out for its wide range of topics, ranging from gaming and eSports to social platforms that use XR. In addition to interactive demos and lectures, there will be special panels on the ethical and social impacts of immersive technologies.
A unique selling point of SIEX is the integration of artists and creatives who show how XR can revolutionize the art world. The trade fair offers a special zone for start-ups where young companies can present their innovative ideas.
2. Laval Virtual 2025
Location: Laval, France
Date: April 9th to 11th, 2025
Laval Virtual is Europe's oldest and most renowned trade fair for immersive technologies. Since its founding in 1999, the event has established itself as a leading platform for the presentation of new applications and developments. The trade fair offers a diverse program that ranges from specialist conferences to workshops and impressive XR demos.
The 2025 edition focuses on industrial applications including training, maintenance and design using XR technologies. Laval Virtual has a reputation for innovation, particularly in the interface between science and business. Every year, universities and research institutes present their latest prototypes, while large companies present their XR strategies and solutions.
Another highlight of the trade fair is the “ReVolution” competition, in which start-ups from all over the world can present their projects to an international audience and potential investors.
3rd XR EXPO 2025
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Date: May 8-9, 2025
XR EXPO is a compact but highly influential event focused on the B2B market. With Stuttgart as its location, the trade fair is in the heart of the German technology and automotive industries, making it an ideal location for companies interested in industrial applications of XR technologies.
The event includes an exhibition with leading technology providers as well as a conference with top-class lectures. The topics range from the use of XR in mechanical engineering to the implementation of AR solutions in logistics.
A particularly interesting feature of XR EXPO 2025 is the focus on practice-oriented workshops. Visitors have the opportunity to try out state-of-the-art hardware for themselves and gain insights into real use cases.
4. XR Salento 2025
Location: Otranto, Italy
Date: June 17-20, 2025
XR Salento offers a unique experience by bringing together scientists, engineers and companies in a relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere. This conference specializes in promoting collaboration between research and industry and provides a platform to present new ideas and projects in the field of XR.
A focus of the event is on the creative and cultural applications of XR. For example, there are panels on the integration of augmented reality in museums and cultural sites as well as on the use of virtual reality in film production.
Another highlight of the XR Salento is the academic exchange. Scientists from all over the world present their latest studies and young talents have the opportunity to present their projects to a specialist audience.
5th AWE Europe 2025
Location: Vienna, Austria
Date: November 19-20, 2025
The Augmented World Expo (AWE) is a global event that has been considered a reference point for XR technologies for years. The European edition in Vienna attracts experts, developers and industry leaders from around the world.
AWE Europe 2025 will focus on technological innovation and how XR can change everyday life. A wide spectrum is covered, from improving customer interaction through AR to new possibilities in healthcare.
The trade fair is known for its interactive presentations, where visitors can experience the latest developments up close. There will also be top-class keynote speakers and panel discussions where industry thought leaders share their visions.
A special highlight is the “AWE Playground”, an interactive area where participants can experiment with the latest devices and applications. Start-ups also benefit from the opportunity to present themselves to a broad audience on the “Start-up Pitch Sessions” stage.
6. NEW: Hidden Champion Extended Reality Munich (HiCerm)
Location: Munich, Germany
Date: November 27th to 28th, 2025
HiCerm also stands for Hyper-Integrated Collaboration for Enhanced Reality Modeling.
It's about further development for innovative collaboration on platforms with technologies that enable collaborative work in augmented or virtual reality, e.g. B. for design processes or architectural projects.
The rapid development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offers revolutionary opportunities for collaborative work processes in various industries. These technologies enable novel approaches to complex projects, particularly in the areas of architecture, design and engineering.
This expert meeting is dedicated to platforms and technologies that promote collaborative work processes in immersive virtual environments. The focus is on solutions that connect teams regardless of location and enable efficient collaboration through interactive 3D models, real-time visualizations and intuitive interfaces.
Experts discuss how AR and VR technologies can overcome the limitations of traditional ways of working. Topics such as integration into existing workflows, innovative application possibilities and the challenges in implementation are highlighted, as are best practice examples from real life.
The meeting is aimed at experts in the fields of architecture, design, construction, software development and technology. It offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, present groundbreaking projects and work together to develop future-oriented findings.
Key points of the meeting:
- Presentation of current AR and VR platforms for collaborative work
- Possible applications in architecture and design processes
- Practical examples: Successful implementations and lessons learned
- Technological trends and future developments
- Discussion about challenges in the areas of hardware, software and user acceptance
Why these trade fairs are important
XR technologies have the potential to revolutionize numerous industries. From improving medical training through VR surgeries to optimizing manufacturing processes through AR maintenance instructions, the possibilities are almost endless. The above-mentioned trade fairs not only provide the opportunity to see these technologies in action, but also to exchange ideas with the leading minds in the industry.
In addition, these events serve as platforms for innovation and inspiration. They promote exchange between science, industry and creative sectors and help advance the development of new applications.
The importance of XR trade fairs in Europe
The trade fairs presented here are more than just events; they are catalysts for innovation and growth in the XR industry. They offer:
Innovation platforms
Companies can showcase their latest technologies and applications, driving the development of the industry.
Knowledge transfer
Through lectures and workshops, participants have the opportunity to learn from leading experts and find out about the latest research results.
Networking opportunities
The events promote exchange between professionals, leading to collaborations, partnerships and business opportunities.
Market development
Through international orientation, companies can open up new markets and strengthen their global presence.
The future of XR technologies
The continuous development of XR technologies has the potential to fundamentally change numerous industries. From education to healthcare to industrial production, these technologies offer innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Trade fairs and conferences play a crucial role by promoting dialogue between developers, users and decision-makers. They make it possible to identify trends at an early stage, discuss regulatory framework conditions and develop common standards.
Each of these events offers a unique program
The trade fairs in 2025 underline the increasing importance of XR technologies and their influence on various areas of life. Each of these events offers a unique program tailored specifically to the needs and interests of participants. For companies, researchers and enthusiasts of XR technologies, these trade fairs are essential events to stay up to date and actively shape the future.
Plan your 2025 calendar accordingly and be part of these groundbreaking developments - the world of extended reality is waiting for you!
Suitable for: