Precision Fair marks 25th anniversary with world firsts, Big Science and innovation on the exhibition floor

Over the past 25 years, the field of precision technology has changed significantly. Systems have become more complex, tolerances tighter, and disciplines such as mechatronics, photonics, metrology, vacuum technology and software increasingly interconnected. At the same time, close collaboration across the high-tech supply chain has become ever more important. These developments have been reflected at the Precision Fair throughout its history and will once again be a central theme of the anniversary edition.

Ten exhibitors there from the very first edition

A distinctive feature of the 25th edition is the presence of ten exhibitors that have been part of the event since the very first Precision Fair. Ceratec Technical Ceramics, ZEISS, Demcon high-tech systems, Etchform, Renishaw Benelux, IBS Precision Engineering, Heidenhain, LouwersHanique, IKO Nippon and Hembrug all exhibited at the inaugural edition in 2001, have taken part in every Precision Fair since, and will once again be present on the exhibition floor for the 2026 anniversary edition.

Their continued presence illustrates how much both the event and the high-tech industry have evolved over that period. Technologies, markets and production processes have changed dramatically, while the demands placed on accuracy, reliability and systems integration have continued to rise.

The dedicated 25 Years Area will take visitors through the development of the Precision Fair over the years. A memory lane will highlight key moments, images and developments from 25 years of exhibition history, linking the event’s past with the technology of today and tomorrow.

TNO presents UltraAir

One of the programme highlights is TNO’s keynote on UltraAir. Developed together with Airbus, this airborne laser communication terminal enables optical communication between a moving aircraft and a geostationary satellite at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres.

Achieving this requires optics, mechatronics and control engineering to work together with extreme precision: from a moving platform, a laser link must be acquired, tracked and maintained across tens of thousands of kilometres. The keynote will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the technology and the precision-engineering challenges that had to be overcome.

Einstein Telescope brings science and industry together

Big Science will once again have a prominent place at the Precision Fair. The Einstein Telescope will be a key focus: the planned underground observatory is designed to measure gravitational waves with unprecedented precision.

In his presentation, Albert van Dorssen will discuss the upcoming subprojects surrounding the Einstein Telescope and the technological challenges they will create. The session will also highlight the opportunities that international scientific programmes of this scale can offer Dutch high-tech companies and specialist suppliers.

Big Science features elsewhere in the programme too. Gabby Aitink-Kroes of SRON will present The Eyes of LISA, exploring the highly sensitive measurement solutions being developed for ESA’s future LISA space observatory.

From AI to a rollercoaster in the Brabanthallen

At the Precision Fair, new technology is not only discussed but brought to life. In the AI Experience Area, visitors can explore applications of artificial intelligence in engineering and high-tech manufacturing, and see how AI is becoming increasingly integrated into design, production and measurement.

The stands will also feature a range of new developments and eye-catching demonstrations. MTA Group and rollercoaster manufacturer Vecoma will, for example, present technology for a dark ride system. Using a rail unit, the companies will demonstrate how motion, positioning and control come together in this type of attraction. In a joint keynote, they will take a closer look at the engineering behind the system.

This gives precision technology some unexpected applications on the exhibition floor. The same expertise in motion, mechatronics and systems integration used in semiconductor and medical systems also plays a role in the development of complex entertainment technology.

Precision with a lighter touch

HYKOR shows that an anniversary edition can also make room for a less technical innovation. The exhibitor has created a beer especially for the occasion: The Royal HYKening. It will be served at the stand and during the networking drinks, under the motto: “Every great partnership starts somewhere. Ours starts with a beer.”

The initiative also reflects an important part of the Precision Fair. Alongside technology and knowledge, the event has spent 25 years bringing people together across the high-tech supply chain. Engineers, OEMs, suppliers, research institutes and technology partners often return year after year to meet one another.

The next generation and international connections

The forward-looking character of the anniversary edition is also reflected elsewhere in the programme. In the Next Generation Area, young technical teams and emerging talent will showcase the technologies they are working on. Fifteen start-ups will also be exhibiting in the Next Generation Area, giving new companies and emerging technologies a dedicated place within the high-tech exhibition. In addition, the Dutch Precision Week International Lounge will strengthen links between the Dutch precision ecosystem and international companies and delegations.

Together with developments in photonics, Big Science, new production and measurement technologies and more than forty technical sessions, the anniversary edition demonstrates just how broad the field of modern precision technology has become.

High Tech Marketing Meet-up on the exhibition floor

A special edition of the High Tech Marketing Meet-up will also take place during the Precision Fair on 18 November, focusing on closer alignment between marketing and sales in high-tech companies. The programme includes a keynote by Pieter Kopmels, and a panel featuring, among others, Jean-Pierre Noten of Precision Fair exhibitor MTA Group and Marco Leeggangers of Techwell Group | Sentech. The closing Stand Talks will use the exhibition floor itself to show how exhibitors use their presence at the fair to bring marketing and sales into closer alignment.

25 years on, precision remains a human endeavour

Although technology has changed considerably over the past quarter-century, one thing remains constant: complex technological challenges are rarely solved by a single organisation or discipline. As requirements for accuracy, speed, stability and manufacturability increase, collaboration and knowledge sharing become essential.

After 25 years, that remains at the heart of the Precision Fair: not simply demonstrating what is technically possible, but bringing together the people and organisations that can push the next technological boundary together.

The 25th Precision Fair will take place on 18 and 19 November 2026 at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. More than 400 exhibitors and over 6,500 professionals from the Dutch and international high-tech and ultra-precision industries are expected to attend the anniversary edition.

More information on:

• Exhibitors: https://precisiebeurs.nl/en/exhibitor-list/

• Programme 18 November: https://precisiebeurs.nl/en/program/program-day-1/

• Programma 19 November: https://precisiebeurs.nl/en/program/program-day-2/

• Visit registration: https://precisiebeurs.nl/en/register/