Key Points
In an interview with 2Firsts, Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fairs and Trade Fair Services at Messe Dortmund, outlined the following points on EVO NXT 2026:
· Relocation: EVO NXT 2026 will be held in Prague on April 17–18, marking the event’s first edition in the Czech capital.
· Market Growth: The move reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for nicotine pouches, heated tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
· Event Format: EVO NXT is described as not a traditional trade fair but a business festival focused on exchange and knowledge-sharing.
2Firsts, February 3, 2026
EVO NXT will be held in Prague on April 17–18 for the first time, a move organisers say reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for alternative nicotine products and a broader shift away from the traditional trade fair model.
In an interview with 2Firsts, Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fairs and Trade Fair Services at Messe Dortmund, said EVO NXT was conceived as a “business festival” designed to support exchange, knowledge-sharing and decision-making in a fast-changing next-generation products (NGP) industry.
“It is precisely the dynamic development of this industry, and of the external factors influencing it, that have shaped the EVO NXT format from the very beginning,” Bauer told 2Firsts.
Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fairs and Trade Fair Services at Messe Dortmund. (Photo: Messe Dortmund)
From trade fair to business festival
Bauer said EVO NXT was never intended to follow the classic exhibition format. Instead, it was built around the idea of creating space for intensive exchange in what she described as an inspiring environment for both exhibitors and trade visitors.
“EVO NXT is not a traditional trade fair,” she said. “Our goal has always been to make every participant leave with the greatest possible benefit for the development of their business.”
Since its inaugural edition in 2023, the event has continued to develop its professional programme alongside the exhibition. Bauer said the diversity of products on display is complemented by a high-level conference agenda that has been expanded and refined year by year.
She added that partners have played an increasingly important role in shaping both the trade fair itself and its programme. “We’ve gained more and more partners which contribute to developing the trade fair and its programme with their deep understanding of the industry,” Bauer said.
Changing expectations for industry events
Bauer said EVO NXT reflects a broader shift in how nicotine-related industry events are evolving globally, as visitors increasingly look for more than product showcases.
“Today, trade fair visitors are looking for an immersive experience when attending an event,” she said. “It is no longer just about pure product showcasing.”
According to Bauer, networking and direct exchange have become central elements of event value. EVO NXT was designed to facilitate connections between exhibitors and visitors, supported by dedicated networking formats such as the “Get Together” event.
“It is about events where visitors and exhibitors can connect and network,” Bauer said. “It is about creating a relaxed atmosphere and space for exchange with other industry professionals.”
Value, she added, is now the key benchmark for meaningful industry events. “Visitors want to return from a trade fair with tangible benefits,” Bauer said, pointing to EVO NXT’s extensive professional programme of presentations and interactive workshops.
“These are designed to provide knowledge and insights that help participants advance their own businesses,” she said.
Why Eastern Europe, why Prague
Bauer said the decision to hold EVO NXT 2026 in Eastern Europe was a deliberate one, based on market developments in the region.
“The decision for Eastern Europe was a conscious one – a decision for a growing market in the field of alternative nicotine products,” she told 2Firsts.
According to Bauer, products such as nicotine pouches, heated tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems are experiencing strong growth in markets including Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania.
She said multinational organisations and startups alike have identified Eastern Europe as a strategic market and are investing heavily in local manufacturing, marketing, distribution and research initiatives.
“This influx of investment is enabling greater accessibility whilst fostering innovation tailored to regional preferences,” Bauer said.
She also pointed to regulatory diversity in the region as a factor. “The regulatory environment in Eastern Europe is diverse and therefore reflects the international situation,” Bauer said, adding that this was another reason Prague offered suitable conditions for the event.
Shifting exhibitor and visitor dynamics
Bauer said the move to Prague is expected to influence both the composition of exhibitors and the overall dynamics of EVO NXT.
“Precisely because of this strong growth in Eastern Europe, it is our goal to specifically target companies from these countries,” she said.
For those companies, EVO NXT provides a platform to engage with a large international professional audience with concrete purchasing or investment intentions, Bauer said.
“All target groups are gathered here in one place – manufacturers, retailers, distributors, industry experts, as well as end customers,” she added.
Beyond commercial exchange, Bauer highlighted the role of the conference programme in offering participants a knowledge advantage. She said attendees would have the opportunity to learn directly from international market leaders and industry associations.
“In a high-calibre conference programme, top manufacturers and industry experts from around the world will share their knowledge on future trends and offer practical solutions for companies,” Bauer said.
A platform for dialogue in a changing industry
Looking ahead, Bauer said EVO NXT is intended to function as a platform for dialogue in an industry marked by rapid innovation and evolving regulation.
“The NGP industry is in a constant state of flux,” she said, noting that new trends and innovations emerge quickly while regulatory frameworks continue to change.
According to Bauer, EVO NXT was launched to support this dynamic environment by promoting dialogue among all industry players and by acting as a central hub for early access to essential information.
“In our opinion, important steps towards innovation and progress are networking, inspiration, opening up, listening to other and different views or opinions,” Bauer said. “And where would you find that if not at a trade show that brings together the concentrated competence and knowledge of a whole industry in one place?”
As EVO NXT 2026 approaches, 2Firsts, an event’s official media partner for four consecutive years, will continue to provide updates and coverage related to the event.
About EVO NXT
EVO NXT is an event format that has been specially developed for the next-generation products industry and breaks new ground. As an innovative business festival, EVO NXT combines in-depth information, practical content and high-quality networking in an environment that deliberately goes beyond the classic trade fair concept. This is where manufacturers, brands, decision-makers and industry experts come together to jointly shape current developments, trends and challenges in the NGP world.
In four thematically structured zones, EVO NXT offers a comprehensive overview of new products, market trends and forms of communication in the industry. Keynotes, summits, panels and workshops provide in-depth insights, concrete solutions and valuable inspiration – from product development and regulation to brand management and sales. Direct exchange with renowned speakers and experts makes it possible to clarify open questions and prepare decisions efficiently.
Find more details at: https://www.evo-nxt.com
