IVS 2026 sets new benchmarks for the global industrial valve industry

With record attendance, expanded international participation and a strengthened technical programme, the sixth edition of IVS – Industrial Valve Summit has confirmed its status as the world's leading event dedicated to industrial valve technologies and flow control solutions.

Held from May 19 to 21 at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre, the Summit attracted 20,400 visitors from 72 countries across five continents, marking a 36% increase compared to the previous edition. The result reflects not only the growing importance of the event itself, but also the strategic relevance of an industry that sits at the heart of the global energy and process sectors.

The figures of the exhibition

Organized by Servizi Confindustria Bergamo and Promoberg, IVS 2026 welcomed 420 exhibitors, including a quarter from abroad, representing 20 countries. The exhibition occupied over 21,400 square metres across four halls, a 40% increase over 2024, highlighting the steady growth of a platform that has become a key meeting point for manufacturers, end users, EPC contractors, researchers and industry experts.

This year’s edition also marked an important evolution in format. Expanded to three days, the Summit hosted 68 conferences, roundtables and technical sessions - 30% more than in the previous edition - offering in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Topics such as artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, industrial innovation and market transformation reflected the industry's efforts to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape.

The Oil & Gas Valve Industry in Italy 2026

Beyond the exhibition floor, IVS once again demonstrated its role as a strategic observatory for the sector. The presentation of the latest IVS–Prometeia Observatory, The Oil & Gas Valve Industry in Italy 2026, highlighted the strength of a sector that remains a cornerstone of Italian manufacturing. Italy continues to lead Europe in Oil & Gas valve production, accounting for nearly 40% of total EU output, while the Bergamo area remains the industry's beating heart, generating almost 70% of national sector revenues.

The report also confirmed the international competitiveness of Italian manufacturers. In 2025, exports exceeded €4 billion, reinforcing Italy's position as the world's third-largest exporter of Oil & Gas valves. Companies have successfully expanded their presence in high-growth markets - North America and the Middle East - while maintaining strong relationships across Europe.

A significant contributor to the Summit's success was its extensive network of international partnerships and organizations, including ICE – Italian Trade Agency, UNIDO ITPO Italy and numerous global industry associations. Among them, BVAA played a particularly important role, helping increase the number of UK exhibitors at IVS 2026 to 15. Together, these collaborations brought qualified buyers, institutional representatives and business leaders to Bergamo, fostering new commercial opportunities and strategic dialogue throughout the global supply chain.

With the next edition already scheduled for May 16–18, 2028, IVS leaves Bergamo having achieved its most successful edition to date and having further consolidated its position as a global forum for innovation, expertise and industrial growth.

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