The bioeconomy is gaining increasing attention across Europe. Following the launch of the renewed EU Bioeconomy Strategy in November 2025, the topic returns to the spotlight in 2026. 

Throughout the year, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other key stakeholders will come together to discuss forest governance, bioeconomy innovation, future thinking and regional collaboration. 

Below is an ongoing list of bioeconomy-related events taking place in 2026.  

In addition, we will soon announce the Bioregions Facility’s 2026 event calendar. If you want to see all the events in chronological order, check out our website.

Wood 

Wood from Finland Conference 

4–5 February | Helsinki, Finland 

One of the most respected softwood conferences globally takes place in Helsinki, Finland. 

DACH+HOLZ International 

24–27 February | Cologne, Germany 

Experts – from roofers to architects – come together and network at the leading trade fair and online on the DACH+HOLZ platform, while discovering future trends and new products. Here you will find all the key information about the trade fair, the platform, highlights, and more. 

2nd International Wood BioEconomy Forum (WBE)

4–5 March | Rosenheim, Germany

The 2nd International Wood BioEconomy Forum (WBE) will take place at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

Wood Day (Puupäivä) 

12 November | Helsinki, Finland 

The Wood Day event will take place in Helsinki, Finland. More information coming soon. 

Bio-based innovation 

BIO2REG Connect – Unlocking Regional Pathways for the Bioeconomy 

3 February | Brussels, Belgium 

BIO2REG supports European regions in accelerating their transition to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. The event provides practical tools, guidance and peer-learning opportunities to discover how regions can bring bioeconomy solutions to life. 

Congrés BIT 2026

25–26 March | Vic, Spain

The fifth edition of the Congrés BIT, a leading congress in Catalonia for bioeconomy, innovation, and technology, has the theme “forest bioeconomy and agrifood.”

Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 

20–21 October | Dublin, Ireland 

The event brings together political leaders, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and civil society worldwide to accelerate sustainable, bio-based innovation and solutions. 

Sustainability, futures & systems thinking 

26th Futures Conference: Sustainability, Temporalities and Futures 

9–10 June | Turku, Finland 

An opportunity to meet, exchange, and debate current topics in futures studies and foresight. 

Young Leadership Programme: Future Forests, Future Leaders 

24–28 August | Joensuu, Finland 

EFI’s Young Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026 focuses on adding value locally, drawing on the example of Northern Europe, a region shaped by forests, knowledge and innovation, yet facing significant changes. 

Urban forestry 

Global Summit: Advancing sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches 

23–25 February | Online and Vienna, Austria 

Austria is hosting the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Country and Organisation-Led Initiative (COLI) Global Summit: Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches. The event brings together leaders from government, science, industry, civil society, and Major Groups to advance innovative and inclusive bioeconomy solutions that put sustainable forest management at the core. 

European Forum on Urban Forestry 

26–29 May | Mälmö, Sweden 

The EFUF2026 overall theme is Diversity in Urban Forestry – Bringing People, Trees and Ideas Together. EFUF2026 is open to all interested in urban forest management, policy, planning and decision-making. EFI is one of the co-organisers of this event. 

19th European Congress (FOGE)

7–8 October | Cologne, Germany

The event will focus on efficient construction with wood in urban areas.

Forest-based industries 

Iberoamerican Congress on Pulp and Paper Research (CIADICYP) 2026 

7–10 July | Graz, Austria

This edition focuses on “Bridging Biomass and Innovation – The Future of Pulp, Paper and Beyond,” aiming to connect the diverse ecosystems within the sector and across continents.

^{Featured image: Towfiqu barbhuiya from Pexels} 

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