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Platform for the management and construction of sports and golf courses
Live demonstrations, networking and garden machinery in action
With more than 3,300 registrations, Demo Groen 2026 once again proved why the event has become a fixture for professionals in the green sector. On 7, 8 and 9 June 2026, landscaping contractors, municipal green service employees, greenkeepers and other industry specialists gathered at Domain Puyenbroeck in Wachtebeke for three days of demonstrations, training sessions and networking opportunities.
The 17th edition of the biennial trade fair not only showcased the latest machinery and techniques, but also provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and establish new professional contacts.
With 3,335 registrations, 61 exhibition stands, 70 exhibitors and more than 180 represented brands, Demo Groen reaffirmed its position as the leading meeting platform for Belgian green professionals. Unlike traditional indoor trade fairs, the event deliberately embraces an outdoor concept, allowing visitors to see machinery operating in its natural working environment. “Following a successful edition in Werchter, we moved to East Flanders this year,” says organiser Alain Vander Cruys of Fedagrim. “Our exhibitors had ample space to demonstrate their equipment, ranging from mowers and wood chippers to compact tractors, earthmoving machines and equipment for sports grounds and public green spaces.”
Anyone walking around the exhibition grounds could not fail to notice one of the sector’s most significant trends: the continued electrification of professional machinery. Manufacturers are increasingly responding to the growing demand for quieter, low-emission solutions suitable for urban environments and sustainable green management.
According to Alain Vander Cruys, this development is characteristic of the sector. “Visitors can not only look at the machines here, but also see them in operation. This gives them a far more realistic impression of their performance, ease of use and efficiency. It leads to valuable conversations with end users.”
Several exhibitors also used Demo Groen as a platform to announce new technologies. STIHL Benelux, for example, presented its new ALLPRO application alongside a new generation of batteries.
“The new tablet cell technology offers twice the service life and increased power output,” explains Tommy Nagtegaal of STIHL Benelux. “In addition, we introduced a fast charger capable of charging even our largest battery in just nine minutes. This could represent a real breakthrough for professionals who depend on their equipment every day.”
Firma Thomas, the family business from Merchtem celebrating its centenary this year, also looked back on the event with satisfaction. Among the products showcased were wood chippers, stump grinders and compact tractors.
“We simply had to be here again,” says Seb Merckx. “We welcomed a diverse mix of visitors, from landscaping contractors and municipal green services to greenkeepers. Our professional Rayco stump grinders and Timberwolf wood chippers attracted particular interest.”
Demo Groen has long evolved beyond being solely about machinery. Knowledge sharing now occupies a prominent place within the programme. During this edition, visitors could participate in fifteen study sessions covering current issues directly affecting the sector.
Topics included sustainable mineral fertilisers, tree valuation, climate-resilient urban greenery, and the impact of diseases and pests. The phytolicence programme also remained a significant draw. PCLT Roeselare organised accredited refresher courses focusing on the digital spraying register and invasive plant species.
“During this trade fair, we met many cities and municipalities that we can support with training in green management, safety and logistical equipment,” says Kim Vandewiele of PCLT Roeselare. “Our phytolicence sessions were also very well attended.”
For many exhibitors, the biggest advantage once again lay in the quality of the conversations. Although some noticed slightly lower visitor numbers compared with previous editions, the professional relevance of the contacts proved exceptionally high.
“The visitors we spoke with came to us with concrete and technically well-founded questions,” says Isabelle Dedrie of Limagrain. “We had valuable discussions with landscaping contractors, but also with students from horticultural schools.”
Alain Vander Cruys summarises it perfectly: “Exhibitors were extremely satisfied with the new event setting and the attractiveness of the site. Safety-related topics also received considerable attention. Safe working practices with gardening and earthmoving machinery have become a societal priority that our sector can no longer ignore. We intend to continue placing strong emphasis on this in the future.”
