2026 is shaping up to be a particularly busy year for those working, studying or interested in ecological and social transition. Trade fairs, conferences and festivals are increasingly emerging as places of strategic discussion, where technological innovation, public policy and the social dimension intertwine to shape possible futures.

Every year the landscape of events is enriched and evolves, complicating the choice of which events to put on your calendar. For this reason, Renewable Matter has selected as media partners a shortlist of national and international events that in 2026 will stand out for the relevance of their topics, the quality of their content and their ability to influence the debate on the ecological transition.

Among the year's main novelties is the debut of BEX – Beyond Exploration, the new European hub dedicated to the space economy launched by IEG. From 23 to 25 September, at the Rimini Exhibition Centre, the new expo-conference will focus on the space economy and commercial space flight, offering an unprecedented front for reflection on the connections between technological innovation, sustainability and industrial development. 

Below is an overview of the events not to be missed in 2026, divided by sector: renewable energy, green economy, sustainable living and social & governance.

Events on renewable energy

The calendar kicks off, as per tradition, with KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, scheduled from 4 to 6 March at the Rimini Exhibition Centre. The 2026 edition will be structured in seven interconnected themed areas – photovoltaics, wind energy, storage, energy efficiency, electric mobility, sustainable cities and the Innovation District – to which will be added an entire pavilion dedicated to EPC and finance, strategic levers for accelerating the energy transition.

From the Italian scene we then move to the European arena with WindEurope, from 21 to 23 April 2026 in Madrid, at IFEMA. The event is one of the main reference points for the wind energy sector and represents a privileged opportunity for key stakeholders to meet. In this setting, the winner of the Fast & Fair Renewable Grids award will also be announced. The award honours projects that combine the development of renewables, social justice and the involvement of local communities. 

In June, the European Sustainable Energy Week celebrates its 20th anniversary with a hybrid event, from 9 to 11 June in Brussels and online. The theme ‘A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union’ recalls the urgency of strengthening a European energy system that is capable of integrating security, sustainability and economic competitiveness.

Still in Europe, but moving to the Netherlands, the 34th European Biomass Conference will be held in The Hague: the travelling event will gather companies, researchers and public decision-makers committed to the development of a biobased economy, promoting increasingly sustainable value chains.

Events on green economy

With the start of the year, MyPlant & Garden, the reference exhibition for economic operators, professionals and institutions in the living and designed green sectors, returns. Now in its tenth edition, the fair offers a renewed schedule and an increasingly pronounced international presence.

Among the novelties of 2026 is the Padova Climate Action Week that, in the wake of the London experience, brings together institutions, associations and citizens to foster a constructive dialogue and speed up climate action. The topics range from urban adaptation to sustainable mobility, from energy to industrial decarbonisation, and the key role of civil society.

From 19 to 21 May, Bologna will host Waste Management Europe, the trade fair devoted to the circular economy and waste management. Three days of debate between policy makers, industry leaders, start-ups and investors to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges.

As every autumn, then, Ecomondo is confirmed as an unmissable appointment. The Green Technology Expo will return from 3 to 6 November 2026 in Rimini, providing a global platform to create alliances, explore new opportunities and help design the future of the green economy.

Closing the year will be Accadueo, the trade fair entirely dedicated to the water sector, scheduled for 26 and 27 November in Bari at the Nuova Fiera del Levante. The event will centre on the civil and industrial water supply chain, promoting discussion between institutions, associations and companies on one of the most strategic sectors for the resilience of territories.

Events on sustainable living

In the construction sector, the year starts with Klimahouse, in Bolzano from 28 to 31 January 2026. Among the presentation of exemplary interventions on the territory and the awarding of the Wood Architecture Prize, the fair represents a privileged vantage point on the transformations of sustainable building.

Staying in Trentino, Rebuild will be held on 12 and 13 May 2026 in Riva del Garda. From decarbonisation to off-site building, passing through city making, the event addresses the future of building with the support of a solid scientific committee and a systemic look.

And finally, let's take a look at the international context with the Smart City Expo World Congress, scheduled to take place in Barcelona from 3 to 5 November. At the heart, liveability and urban sustainability, between technologies, automation and new models of city governance.

Events on social & governance

From 3 to 7 June the 29th edition of CinemAmbiente, an international reference festival for environmental cinema, will be held in Turin. In addition to screenings, the event contributes to the dissemination of environmental culture and promotes the involvement of the younger generations, including by means of the CinemAmbiente Junior competition, aimed at schools.

In 2026 Riverberi will change venue and move to Mosso, also in Milan. On 6 June the Festival of Sustainability and Awareness will be held, a day designed to “sow awareness” and spread change through innovative languages and formats.

The Salone della CSR e dell'innovazione sociale, Italy's leading event dedicated to corporate social responsibility, will return from 6 to 8 October at the Bocconi University in Milan. Devised and hosted by Rossella Sobrero, the Salone has been uniting companies, organisations and professionals who put people and values at the centre of the transition for over ten years.

After the success of the first two editions, Climax is finally confirmed again in 2026. The event conceived by Davide Franzago and Enrico Chiari will continue to combine entertainment and information, with guests capable of conveying emotions and awareness on the most urgent issues of transition.

Cover: Envato image