Held in Tampere from September 30 to October 2, 2025, Alihankinta once again confirmed its status as the largest and leading industrial event in the Nordic countries, offering a unique opportunity for stakeholders and decision-makers across the value chain to meet and network.
Over the course of three days, more than 18,000 visitors attended the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre. Including the staff of exhibiting companies, Alihankinta brought together nearly 29,000 professionals from the manufacturing industry. The event’s popularity reinforces the notion that industry and the economy are gradually turning toward growth.
Alihankinta has cemented its role as the leading event for Nordic industry. It is a phenomenon that draws crowds annually and has succeeded in growing in terms of visitors, exhibitors, and content even in challenging market conditions.
"Alihankinta 2025 once again demonstrated how strong collaboration and technological leadership build sustainable competitiveness. Sandvik’s role as the main partner highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation and responsibility. By working together, we are on a path toward a more competitive and sustainable future," says Jani Vilenius, Head of Research and Technology at Sandvik, the event’s main partner.
"At Alihankinta, we met many decision-makers and had high-quality discussions that advanced joint projects. The theme ‘Competitiveness Sustainably’ is critical for the industry right now, and the event’s excellent encounters showed that data-driven, responsible practices are not just enablers but a real competitive advantage," adds Tero Lappalainen, Business Director at theme partner Elisa Industriq.
The event’s popularity was evident as booth spaces sold out months in advance, with additional space sought in areas near the main entrance and other outdoor locations.
"The increased visitor numbers reflect growing confidence in the outlook for both industry and the economy. The lively atmosphere and active presence of companies indicate that the trend is finally upward," summarizes Sami Siurola, Project Manager at Tampere Trade Fairs.
Alihankinta featured a new digital event platform that connects exhibitors and visitors more efficiently before, during, and after the event. Exhibitors can showcase their companies, products, and services comprehensively. Visitors can easily network, plan their schedules, and save interesting companies and products.
The new Alihankinta mobile app provides easy access to the floor plan, program information, exhibitors, and products, all in one place. A particularly popular feature for exhibitors was lead scanning. The completely new event software offers a more comprehensive, intelligent, and impactful way to meet, network, and do business.
Future success stems from the ability to grow and the ambition to aim further. Next year’s Alihankinta theme will explore the manufacturing industry’s opportunities to expand into new markets and prepare for internationalization. Alihankinta 2026 will open doors to international markets, new financing models, and innovative technologies.
The event’s main partner is the Make in Finland ecosystem, led by DIMECC Oy. Make in Finland brings together manufacturing companies of all sizes to strengthen collaboration, accelerate learning, and drive innovation and international growth. Currently, the ecosystem includes 60 partners representing a wide range of the Finnish manufacturing value chain.
"Alihankinta is the flagship event of the MAKE in Finland ecosystem and a key platform for value chain collaboration in Finnish manufacturing. Through our main partnership, we can increase visibility for existing partners and attract new ones to strengthen broader collaboration and growth. The event is a significant meeting place for future talent who could contribute their skills to MAKE companies during their careers. We want to show them and the world the expertise and career opportunities available in Finland," says Clémentine Arpiainen, MAKE Ecosystem Director.
"The fair attracts visitors from around 40 countries, supporting our strategic goal of making Finnish industry and its collaborative power visible internationally. Our vision for 2030 is for MAKE to be recognized globally as the most impactful ecosystem in sustainable and smart manufacturing. This main partnership is undoubtedly a step toward that goal," Arpiainen adds.
"DIMECC Oy’s clients are proven to be among the most successful companies in the industry. MAKE in Finland brings together those aiming to win in the markets of the future," says Harri Kulmala, CEO of DIMECC.
