The exhibition space dedicated to the rapidly growing Shop & convenience segment has been expanded to 13,000 m² for the 2026 edition.
[25 November 2025] – Building on the dynamic growth of Shop & convenience at service stations, UNITI expo 2026 is expanding its exhibition space for this segment in Hall 1 of Messe Stuttgart. With this step, the leading European trade fair for the service station and car wash industries is creating even more room to offer greater visibility and opportunities for companies and innovations in the field, reinforcing its role as a key hub where industry leaders come together to shape the sector’s future.
“We have been following the growth and transformation of the Shop & convenience sector with UNITI expo for many years, and recently we’ve seen significant interest coming especially from across Europe. That’s why we expanded the exhibition space for this themed area to 13,000 m², more than ever before, and based on the strong demand, we expect around 150 exhibitors. Even with the expansion, 90% of the exhibition space is already booked. Anyone wishing to book a booth should act quickly to secure one of the last available spaces via the trade fair website,” says Ben Boroewitsch, CEO of com-a-tec GmbH and co-organiser of UNITI expo.
The expanded exhibition area is not the only new feature for the Shop & convenience themed area: for 2026 it will also include a dedicated space for exhibitors of vapes (e-cigarettes) and e-liquids. Additionally, foodservice and shop equipment exhibitors will showcase innovative developments and products. UNITI expo visitors will gain an impressive insight into how modern self-service journeys are being created for customers.
“Service station stores are increasingly developing into multi-service hubs. This evolution makes the Shop & convenience area a key revenue driver and strengthens the competitiveness of service station operators in the quick-service and retail sectors,” explains Elmar Kühn, Managing Director of UNITI Services GmbH and organiser of the trade fair.
The GenussGARTEN FOODCOURT, where participants once again enjoy complimentary catering, will be expanded by an entire additional floor in 2026, further enhancing the unique visitor experience. Alongside the GenussGARTEN, all long-standing cooperation partners will also be represented at the leading trade fair, including on-the-go supply specialist Lekkerland: “We have been part of UNITI expo’s impressive development since day one. We are especially pleased to see how much the Shop & convenience segment has grown in importance, and that attendees now extend far beyond the traditional service station industry. Today, UNITI expo is a fantastic and well-established platform for exchange within our sector,” adds Philipp Pauly, Chief Sales Officer of Lekkerland SE.
All product innovations from the Shop & convenience and Oil companies & fuel retailers themed areas will be on display in Hall 1 of Messe Stuttgart. Halls 3 and 5 will host the Car wash & Car care and Technology, payment & logistics themed areas respectively.
