Maintenance NEXT 2027 – Rotterdam, Netherlands

What to expect

Maintenance NEXT is widely regarded as the most important meeting place for maintenance professionals in the Benelux, and the upcoming edition is set to raise the bar even further. Organized by Rotterdam Ahoy, this event has grown from a regional maintenance fair into a European technology and maintenance expo where innovation, sustainability and collaboration are at the forefront. Visitors can expect a complete overview of the maintenance value chain, from traditional repair and overhaul solutions to the most advanced digital tools that are redefining how assets are managed.

The strength of Maintenance NEXT lies in its dual character. On one hand it is a large-scale commercial exhibition where more than 250 companies demonstrate their products live. On the other hand it is a high-quality knowledge platform with continuous presentations, case studies and strategic discussions. The atmosphere is highly practical. You will see condition monitoring equipment running, NDT inspections being demonstrated, drones performing mock inspections, and asset management software predicting failures in real time. At the same time, you will hear asset owners explain how they reduced downtime and improved safety through smarter maintenance strategies.

For many visitors, the event is the annual moment to benchmark their own maintenance organization, discover new suppliers, and meet existing partners. For exhibitors, it is the number one spot to launch innovations and generate qualified leads, because the audience consists exclusively of professionals who are involved in maintenance, purchasing, asset management and technical operations.

Event dates

• Event Name: Maintenance NEXT 2027 – Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Official Website: https://www.maintenancenext.nl/
• Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Ahoy-weg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Event Dates: April 20 – 22, 2027
• Exhibition Days: Tuesday, 20 April 2027 / Wednesday, 21 April 2027 / Thursday, 22 April 2027
• Frequency: Every 2 years
• Edition: 21st edition
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Organizer: Rotterdam Ahoy nv, Project team Maintenance NEXT

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Rotterdam Ahoy is one of the most iconic and versatile event locations in the Netherlands, and it provides the perfect backdrop for a forward-looking industrial event. The complex consists of spacious exhibition halls, the state-of-the-art Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, known as RACC, and numerous meeting rooms and business facilities. The total exhibition area used for Maintenance NEXT exceeds 16,000 square meters, offering ample space for large machinery, live demonstrations and immersive technology showcases.

The venue is designed for professional B2B events. Wide aisles ensure safe movement even when large equipment is displayed. The halls are equipped with heavy-duty flooring, high power supply capacity, and excellent logistics access for exhibitors. The RACC is directly connected to the exhibition halls via covered walkways, which makes it very easy for visitors to switch between the exhibition and the conference sessions without leaving the building. Inside the halls you will find dedicated catering points, coffee corners, business lounges and service desks.

The location in Rotterdam Zuid is strategically chosen. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port city and a hub for petrochemical, maritime, manufacturing and energy industries, which means many potential visitors and end-users are based in the immediate region. The venue is also known for its professional event organization, clear signage, and strong focus on sustainability and safety.

Full event programme

The programme for Maintenance NEXT is built around three pillars: exhibition, knowledge sharing, and networking. This integrated approach ensures that every visitor, whether technician, engineer, maintenance manager or plant director, finds relevant content.

The exhibition programme runs continuously throughout the opening hours. Exhibitors showcase their latest products, from lubricants and spare parts to advanced robotics and digital twin platforms. Many stands include interactive elements where visitors can test software, operate monitoring devices or experience augmented reality maintenance instructions.

The knowledge programme takes place in the Knowledge Theatre, which is located prominently on the exhibition floor. This is a unique concept where exhibitors themselves become speakers. They give substantive presentations, workshops and best practice lectures. Because the theatre is on the floor, it is free to attend and easy to drop in.

In addition, the high-level conference Meeting More Maintenance Minds is organized in the RACC. This conference brings together C-level speakers from diverse industries who engage in plenary discussions and peer-to-peer learning. Topics include asset management at its best, operational excellence, innovation and compliance, and how to deal with shortages in the technical labour market. The combination of exhibition and conference creates a complete learning journey.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

One of the main reasons professionals attend Maintenance NEXT is the quality of its speakers. The event attracts thought leaders who shape the future of maintenance and asset management in Europe.

You will hear from top executives of major asset owners who explain why maintenance is critical for business continuity and competitiveness. In previous editions, President-Directors of leading energy companies like Shell Nederland emphasized that without maintenance, there would be no reliable industry. Representatives from the Dutch Association for Effective Maintenance, NVDO, regularly share their vision on how maintenance is evolving from hands-on dirty work to a high-tech discipline driven by data and innovation.

Services and Knowledge Directors from companies such as ENGIE discuss the impact of Smart Industry and Industry 4.0, noting that the sector is on the brink of an enormous revolution. Marketing and technology leaders from companies like Ultimo Software Solutions and Vinçotte provide practical insights into how digital tools are implemented on the shop floor and how market intelligence can be gathered effectively.

The Meeting More Maintenance Minds conference features C-level panels where leaders from chemicals, food, energy, and manufacturing sectors exchange experiences across industry boundaries. This cross-sector dialogue is highly valued because many maintenance challenges are universal, even if the assets differ.

Conference sessions & tracks

The conference sessions are organized into thematic tracks that reflect the most important trends and challenges identified by the industry. Each track combines strategic keynotes with practical case studies.

• Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring: This track covers vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, acoustic monitoring, and non-destructive testing. The focus is on moving from time-based to condition-based maintenance.
• Smart Maintenance and Digital Transformation: Here the discussion centers on Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things, big data analytics, asset performance management software, and digital twins. The track shows how data can be turned into actionable maintenance decisions.
• Asset Management and Reliability Engineering: Sessions in this track deal with lifecycle costing, risk-based maintenance, reliability centered maintenance, and standards like ISO 55000. The goal is to achieve operational excellence.
• Sustainability, Energy Transition and Compliance: This track explores how maintenance contributes to sustainability, energy efficiency, circular maintenance, safety compliance, and environmental regulations.
• People, Safety and Workforce Development: A critical track addressing labour market shortages, skills development, safety culture, human factors, and how to attract young talent to technical professions.
• Robotics, Drones and Automation: Focused on inspection robotics, autonomous maintenance solutions, drones for confined space inspection, and automated spare parts handling.

Each track is curated with input from industry associations and end-users to ensure relevance and practical value.

Session times & schedule

The daily schedule is designed to maximize learning and networking opportunities while leaving enough time for exhibition visits. The structure is intentionally flexible, allowing visitors to create their own agenda.

In the morning, the Knowledge Theatre typically opens with an inspiring keynote that sets the theme for the day. This is followed by a series of short, focused presentations from exhibitors. At the same time, the exhibition floor opens and demonstrations begin. The morning is ideal for orientation and first contact with new suppliers.

Around midday, the programme intensifies with parallel workshop rounds and technical deep dives. Visitors can join hands-on workshops that demonstrate how to implement a predictive maintenance strategy or how to use reliability engineering tools. Lunch breaks are deliberately long to allow for extended networking and business meetings in the catering areas and business lounges.

The afternoon features more in-depth conference sessions in the RACC, including panel debates and case study presentations. These sessions are more strategic and aimed at decision makers. In the late afternoon, there are dedicated networking windows where visitors can reconnect with contacts made earlier in the day. For selected audiences, exclusive business dinners and platform networking events are organized in the evening, providing a more informal setting to build relationships.

Ticket types & registration

Maintenance NEXT maintains a visitor-friendly pricing policy that encourages broad industry participation. All prices below are converted to USD. Official pricing for the upcoming edition has not yet been published, so the following is based on the last two editions and is expected to remain similar.

• Trade Visitor Pass – Pre-Registered Online: Free of charge. This is the standard ticket for professionals who register online in advance via the official website. It includes access to the exhibition halls and the Knowledge Theatre.
• Trade Visitor Pass – On-Site Registration: 54 USD. For visitors who arrive without prior registration and register at the entrance desk.
• Conference Delegate Pass – Full Conference: 695 USD. This pass provides access to the full Meeting More Maintenance Minds conference programme in RACC, including plenary sessions, lunch, conference documentation, and access to the business dinner on one evening.
• Conference Day Pass: 375 USD. Provides access to the conference for a single day.
• Business Dinner Ticket: 175 USD. Separate ticket for the exclusive networking dinner for those not holding a full conference pass.
• Student and Young Professional Pass: 25 USD. For students with valid student ID and young professionals under 30, includes exhibition access.
• Exhibitor Passes: Exhibitor badges are included in the mandatory marketing and service package for exhibitors. Additional badges can be ordered at 35 USD per badge.

Every visitor pass includes access to the online visitor planning tool, digital invitation options, and the event app for matchmaking.

Registration deadlines

To ensure smooth organization and access to planning tools, the organizer works with clear registration deadlines. Early registration is strongly recommended because it not only guarantees free entry but also gives access to the matchmaking and meeting scheduling features.

Online pre-registration for free visitor badges remains open until 24 hours before the start of each exhibition day. After that, on-site registration at 54 USD is available. For group registrations of ten or more persons from the same company, the deadline is two weeks before opening to allow for consolidated badge preparation and company listing.

For exhibitors, the participation form must be submitted well in advance. Early bird exhibitor rates are typically valid until December first of the year before the event. The final participation deadline for standard stand allocation is usually three months before opening. Conference early bird discounts of 20 percent are available when booking more than 90 days in advance.

Press accreditation and media registration closes one week before the event to allow for verification.

Exhibitor list & major companies

The exhibitor base is one of the key strengths of Maintenance NEXT, with more than 250 exhibitors in standard editions and over 350 exhibitors in record editions. The previous editions attracted 275 exhibitors and later more than 300, showing steady growth. The event is open to all companies with products or services related to maintenance, asset management, industrial data and reliability.

• Software and Digital Platforms: Market leaders in Enterprise Asset Management and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems, including Ultimo Software Solutions, IBM Maximo partners, SAP partners, and specialized predictive maintenance software providers.
• Condition Monitoring and NDT: Specialists such as Vinçotte, Lagersmit, SKF, Schaeffler, and numerous non-destructive testing equipment suppliers.
• Industrial Services and Contractors: Large technical service providers such as ENGIE, SPIE, Bilfinger, Stork, and EQUANS who present integrated maintenance concepts.
• Rotating Equipment and Transmission: Companies like Hansen Industrial Transmission NV, SEW Eurodrive, and Siemens displaying gearboxes, motors and drive solutions.
• Robotics, Drones and Automation: Inspection drone manufacturers, robotic cleaning systems, and automation solution providers.
• Lubrication, Materials and Spare Parts: Shell, TotalEnergies, Fuchs Lubricants, and specialized materials and sealing technology providers.
• Safety and Environmental Solutions: Companies focusing on industrial cleaning, safety equipment, and environmental protection products.

A complete and searchable exhibitor list is available on the official website and is updated continuously as new companies confirm participation.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

The floor plan of Maintenance NEXT is carefully designed to optimize visitor flow and ensure maximum visibility for all exhibitors. The halls are arranged in an open layout with wide main aisles and clearly marked side aisles. This makes it easy to navigate even when large equipment is displayed.

The Knowledge Theatre occupies a central and elevated position on the exhibition floor, making it visible from all sides. Around it, demonstration zones are placed where live inspections and tool tests take place. An Innovation Boulevard highlights start-ups, new product launches and nominees for innovation awards, giving extra attention to breakthrough technologies.

Premium stand options are available, including 18 square meter Premium corner stands and 30 square meter Luxe corner stands, which offer increased visibility from two sides. The floor plan uses colour coding by product category, so visitors interested in condition monitoring, software, or safety products can quickly find relevant exhibitors. Digital navigation is available via the official website and the Ahoy app, where visitors can create personal routes and bookmark stands.

The RACC conference centre is seamlessly integrated, allowing conference delegates to move between conference rooms and the exhibition within minutes.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is not left to chance at Maintenance NEXT. The organizer actively facilitates connections before, during and after the event.

A key tool is the online visitor registration module which includes matchmaking functionality. Visitors and exhibitors can create profiles, indicate their interests, and request meetings in advance. This ensures that time on the show floor is used efficiently. On-site, dedicated meeting tables and quiet business lounges are available for scheduled appointments.

Beyond one-to-one meetings, the event hosts numerous network activities. Participation in network events of the Maintenance NEXT platform is free for exhibitors and provides year-round visibility. Company excursions are organized to industrial sites in and around Rotterdam, which are especially popular among international visitors who want to see Dutch maintenance practices in real operations.

The exclusive business dinner, organized during the conference, brings together senior leaders in a more relaxed atmosphere. Association gatherings, such as those hosted by NVDO, also take place on-site, further strengthening the community feeling. With thousands of professionals present, the event is an unparalleled opportunity to expand your professional network.

Industry sectors & highlights

Maintenance NEXT is relevant for every industry where physical assets are critical to business success. The visitor profile includes oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical, energy and utilities, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, maritime and offshore, infrastructure, and logistics.

• Product Highlights: The exhibition covers predictive maintenance solutions, condition monitoring systems, reliability engineering tools, maintenance software, industrial automation products, robotics and drones for maintenance, safety and environmental products, lubricants, seals, bearings, and spare parts management.
• Technology Highlights: Artificial intelligence for failure prediction, machine learning for anomaly detection, digital twins for asset health visualization, Industrial IoT platforms for remote monitoring, and augmented reality for guided maintenance execution.
• Sustainability Highlights: Demonstrations of how proper maintenance extends asset life, reduces energy consumption, prevents leaks and emissions, and supports circular economy principles by enabling reuse and refurbishment.
• Workforce Highlights: Solutions for knowledge retention, digital work instructions, and training tools that help address the shortage of technical personnel.

The central message of the event is that maintenance is no longer just about fixing things when they break. It is about ensuring business continuity, safety, sustainability and competitiveness through smart asset management.

Event rules & visitor information

To maintain its professional character, Maintenance NEXT applies clear rules for visitors and exhibitors.

• Professional Admittance: The event is for trade visitors only. Visitors must be professionally active in maintenance, asset management, purchasing or related technical fields. There is a minimum age of 16 years for entry.
• Badge Policy: Every visitor must wear a personal badge visible at all times. Badges are non-transferable and may be checked at entrances to conference areas.
• Code of Conduct: Visitors are expected to behave professionally. The organizer reserves the right to remove anyone who disrupts the event or violates the terms and conditions.
• Photography and Filming: Personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. Commercial filming and photography require prior written permission from the organizer.
• Safety Regulations: Rotterdam Ahoy is a non-smoking venue except in designated outdoor areas. Safety shoes may be required in certain demonstration zones and will be indicated by signage.
• Exhibitor Obligations: Exhibitors must adhere to waste disposal guidelines and stand construction regulations. Excessive waste or non-compliance may result in additional charges.
• General Terms: All participation is subject to the General Terms and Conditions of Rotterdam Ahoy nv, including clauses on liability, insurance and cancellation.

How to get there

Getting to Rotterdam Ahoy is straightforward due to its excellent location and connectivity.

• By Car: The venue is directly accessible via the A15 and A29 motorways. Follow signs for Rotterdam Ahoy or Zuidplein. Navigation address is Ahoy-weg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam. The venue has its own parking facilities with clear on-site guidance during event days.
• By Train: Travel to Rotterdam Central Station by intercity or high-speed train. From there, continue by metro or bus to Zuidplein. The total journey from Central Station to Ahoy is about 20 minutes.
• By Air: Rotterdam The Hague Airport is only 15 minutes away by taxi. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers extensive international connections and is about 45 minutes from Ahoy by train and metro.
• By Water: Rotterdam is famous for its water transport. Water taxi services are available from the city centre to the Charlois area, close to Ahoy.
• Local Signage: During event days, temporary event signage is placed from Zuidplein station and surrounding motorways to guide visitors to the correct parking and entrance.

Public transport & parking

Rotterdam has an efficient and integrated public transport system operated by RET, making Ahoy easily accessible without a car.

• Metro Services: Metro lines D and E stop at Zuidplein station, which is a five-minute walk from Ahoy. These lines provide frequent connections from Rotterdam Central Station, Den Haag and Slinge. During large events, metro frequency is increased.
• Bus and Tram: Bus lines 25, 68, 144, and 183 stop directly at or near Ahoy. Tram line 2 also stops in the vicinity. Zuidplein bus station is a major hub with connections to many parts of the city.
• Parking: Ahoy operates extensive parking lots around the venue. Pre-booking online is recommended and costs approximately 22 USD per day, while on-site payment is around 27 USD per day. Parking permits for the event can be purchased via Ticketmaster and the official Ahoy parking site.
• Park and Ride: For visitors coming from outside Rotterdam, P+R facilities at Slinge and Hoogvliet offer low-cost parking with direct metro connections to Zuidplein.
• Bicycle: Rotterdam is very bicycle-friendly, and secure bicycle parking is available at Ahoy. Many local visitors arrive by bike.

Accommodation areas

Rotterdam offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences, from business hotels to boutique stays.

• Around Ahoy and Charlois: The most convenient option for exhibitors and visitors who want to walk to the venue. Hotels in this area include Van der Valk Hotel Ridderkerk and Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid. These are often fully booked early during large Ahoy events.
• Kop van Zuid and City Centre: This area is about 15 minutes away by metro and offers a vibrant urban experience with restaurants and cultural attractions. Popular business hotels include nhow Rotterdam, Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre, Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, and Hilton Rotterdam.
• Brainpark and Kralingen: Located near Rotterdam Central Station, this area is convenient for international travelers arriving by train and offers good connections to Ahoy.
• Airport Area: For those with early flights, hotels near Rotterdam The Hague Airport provide shuttle services and easy access to the motorway.
• Booking Advice: Hotels in Rotterdam fill quickly when Ahoy hosts major trade fairs. It is advisable to book through the official travel partner linked on the Maintenance NEXT website, which often offers discounted rates and flexible cancellation for event participants.

Previous year’s highlights

The most recent edition of Maintenance NEXT demonstrated why the event is considered the benchmark for industrial maintenance in the region.

The event attracted over 9,300 professional visitors in its 20th edition, while combined editions with EuroMaintenance have reached visitor numbers close to 17,800. The exhibitor count exceeded 350 companies, showcasing a broad spectrum of solutions from sensors and software to heavy equipment and services.

The knowledge programme was a major highlight, with more than one hundred presentations in the Knowledge Theatre and dozens of C-level speakers participating in the Meeting More Maintenance Minds conference. Topics such as tackling technical labour market shortages, operational excellence, innovation and compliance, and asset management at its best were discussed intensively.

Innovation was visible everywhere, with live demonstrations of predictive maintenance tools, digital twin applications, and robotics for inspection and maintenance. The feedback from exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the event as the number one spot to meet new contacts and present their latest innovations to a qualified audience. The strong international presence from Belgium, Germany and the UK confirmed its growing European relevance.

Official registration & tickets

To ensure a secure and valid registration, always use the official channels listed below. Be cautious of third-party fair directories that may send misleading invoices for exhibitor listings.

• Official Event Website: https://www.maintenancenext.nl/
• Visitor Information Page: https://www.maintenancenext.nl/en/visit-maintenance-next
• Exhibitor List: https://www.maintenancenext.nl/en/exhibitors/exhibitor-list
• Registration Contact: Project team Maintenance NEXT, Rotterdam Ahoy nv, P.O. Box 5106, 3008 AC Rotterdam, Netherlands. Email: info@maintenancenext.nl
• Ticket Pricing: Trade visitor entry is free when pre-registered online, otherwise 54 USD on-site. Conference passes range from 375 USD for a day pass to 695 USD for full conference access. Parking is 22 USD pre-booked and 27 USD on-site. Student passes are 25 USD.
• Official Parking Tickets: Available via the official Ahoy parking platform and Ticketmaster Netherlands.

Always verify that you are on the maintenancenext.nl domain before entering personal or payment details.