SaMoTer 2026: Italy Becomes Europe’s Construction Machinery Powerhouse
The 32nd triennial International Construction Equipment Exhibition (SaMoTer) returns to the spotlight in Rome, signaling a historic shift in the European market. Scheduled for 6–9 May 2026 at the Verona Exhibition Centre, the event brings together 526 exhibitors from 23 countries to showcase the “Construction Site of the Future”.
Italy Overtakes France as Europe’s Third-Largest Market
New research from CER-Unacea reveals a remarkable period of growth for the Italian construction machinery sector. While Europe faced a 9.4% average market decline between 2019 and 2025, Italy surged by 38.8%.
- Market Share: Italy now accounts for approximately 15% of the European market, up from 9.6% in 2019.
- Sales Volume: In 2025, Italy sold 26,000 units, effectively doubling its 2017 sales figures.
- Economic Impact: The sector is valued at 4 billion euros and supports 85,000 employees.
- Export Excellence: With a strong international vocation, 70% of production is exported, totaling 3.2 billion euros in 2025.
SaMoTer 2026: A Global B2B Platform
Organized by Veronafiere in partnership with Unacea and Cece, SaMoTer 2026 spans 52,000 square metres across 6 show halls and 3 outdoor demo areas.
The event acts as a critical hub for international trade, inviting over 60 top international buyers from regions including Scandinavia, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. Through collaboration with the ITA-Italian Trade Agency, an additional 40 specialized operators have been selected to facilitate high-profile business meetings.
Innovation at the “Construction Site of the Future”
SaMoTer 2026 places a heavy focus on the technological evolution of the industry, particularly Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainable infrastructure.
Key Exhibition Highlights:
- SaMoTer Lab: A high-tech exhibition area providing a full-immersion experience of the most advanced digital solutions.
- The Digital Construction Site: A live demonstration space showing how digital tools improve site efficiency, safety, and productivity.
- SaMoTer Academy: A new strategic project launched in 2026 to address the shortage of qualified operators through year-round technical and professional training.
- Comprehensive Supply Chain: The exhibition covers everything from earthmoving and drilling to ICT solutions, engine components, and logistics.
Addressing Industry Challenges through Knowledge
With 56 scheduled events, including workshops and conferences, SaMoTer 2026 serves as an educational ecosystem for the sector. Notable sessions include discussions on hydrogeological risk in Italy and the evolving role of construction machinery in global production chains.
As the only major European market to surpass its pre-Covid dimensions, Italy’s construction sector continues to outpace its neighbors—France, Germany, and the UK—all of which experienced setbacks between 2019 and 2025. SaMoTer 2026 is the premier venue to witness the technology and trade driving this unprecedented expansion.
