Significant international presence expected for Venditalia 2026

Venditalia 2026 (6-8 May 2026) is shaping up to be a record-breaking edition: featuring over 300 expected brands (including industry leaders), 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, 8 halls, growing international visibility, and a well-established network of relationships with the market’s key players.

The trade show, taking place for the first time at the modern Rimini Expo Centre already confirms its role as an international platform and the leading European event for the vending industry.

As of today, more than 50% of the exhibition spaces are already occupied, and non-Italian exhibitors account for 41% of the total—a record for the event.

Venditalia will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the ecosystem that brings together all the key players in the vending supply chain: technology manufacturers, operators, product suppliers, and stakeholders, creating real business and networking opportunities through a program of conferences and workshops (including sessions in English) on the most relevant topics in the vending industry.

Never before has the vending sector experienced such a technological acceleration, impacting the entire value chain: from machine design to remote management, digital payments, and customer experience.

At Venditalia 2026, EVA SmartLink will make its world premiere—the new communication protocol between vending machines, payment systems, and management software, developed by the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA). The goal is to create a more connected, efficient system that is ready for the future.

“The vending sector is undergoing a true ‘Digital Revolution,’”- explains Ernesto Piloni, CEO of Venditalia – “With connectivity, a vending machine can be managed remotely, adjusting settings and parameters in real time and analysing big data. The integration of AI will make many processes more efficient. And let’s not forget consumer-facing innovations: from touchscreens to cashless digital payment systems, and the rapidly growing payment apps—33% of the more than 800,000 vending machines installed across Italy are equipped with them, and for 1 in 4 consumers, it’s the preferred payment method. Vending technology also has exceptional potential beyond the traditional channel: it can provide 24/7 service in multiple sectors, from retail to hospitality.”

New consumption models will take center stage in this edition, under the claim “Think Automatic”: vending machines are entering unconventional spaces (from coworking hubs to smart hotels, from equipped camper areas to retail) to diversify, expand, and differentiate the offering in non-food sectors (fashion, tech, personal care, health & pharma), going beyond traditional vending.

An exhibition area will be dedicated to emerging products and technologies from start-ups and young entrepreneurial ventures, both Italian and international, while workshops on trends and innovations in the vending sector will complete the programme.

www.venditalia.com