XPO Exhibitions Partners with Hannover Fairs Australia to Launch Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT
Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand’s largest exhibition organiser, XPO Exhibitions, recently announced a landmark joint venture with global exhibition powerhouse Hannover Fairs Australia (part of Deutsche Messe AG) to launch a new, pan-industry trade show: Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT.
This new exhibition will debut in November 2026 at the Auckland Showgrounds, bringing together world-leading logistics, automation, robotics, intralogistics, warehousing, and supply chain management solutions under one roof.
A New Era for Logistics Innovation in New Zealand
XPO’s Managing Director Brent Spillane explains that with the rapid growth of high-tech logistics and automation, the time is right to give the sector its own dedicated platform.
“We are seeing a transformational technology expansion and growth of products delivering Robotics, Automation, Intralogistics, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management and Materials Handling. This cutting-edge technology is changing rapidly, yet it’s becoming more accessible and affordable for industry to bolt-on products and enjoy instant gains in productivity.”
CeMAT is a world-renowned leader of exhibitions in this space, with deep relationships across the biggest brands whose R&D is redefining logistics automation across the globe.
As Mike Nissen, Commercial Director of Hannover Fairs Australia, explains: “This Joint Venture partnership with respected local organiser XPO, introduces new international brands into New Zealand. Brands that loyally participate across CeMAT exhibitions in Germany, North America,
Australia and Asia Pacific. That international participation creates buzz and more value for domestic exhibiting brands – something we are evidencing in other markets we are entering.”
XPO have traditionally served the Materials Handling & Logistics NZ sector most notably alongside Foodtech Packtech, and while that industry (food manufacturing) have been early adopters, XPO’s Managing Director Brent Spillane says the time has come to broaden the scope to all industries where automation can play a pivotal role in streamlining processes, driving efficiencies, and improving health and safety practices. He adds, “Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT brings together a far wider attendance of pan-industry sectors.”
“This is a must attend for any business with a warehouse, moving product from A to B, or looking to better understand how a new era in supply chain management and logistics technology can give them that competitive advantage.”
XPO have a database of tens of thousands of these very businesses – some already attending and/or exhibiting at other B2B trade shows they run including: EMEX, BuildNZ, Fine Food New Zealand, NZ Gift & Homewares Fairs, Facilities Integrate, The National Safety Show, SouthMACH, Foodtech Packtech and more.
“The robotics and automation at this show have the potential to transform entire industry sectors overnight. Importantly it’s not only large-scale operations that will benefit. SMEs can affordably begin the automation journey and get an edge over competitors.”
The organiser points to technology that delivers efficiency with incredible accuracy, so products are processed, picked and packed and sent to customers swiftly and on a scale never seen before. With New Zealand exports fast approaching $72B the challenge is set to reduce the tyranny of distance from important export markets.
Nissen explains: “Every hour counts between an order received and delivery when international customers have closer options available and this stretches across the entire supply chain.”
“If New Zealand is serious about competing as a nation, it needs to rapidly adopt end-to-end logistics tech and advance our supply chain management. This show powered by CeMAT promises to deliver on that goal.”
XPO says it’s already working with Hannover Fairs Australia on an international line-up of speakers, content and features including the NZ Forklift Championships which will run in 2026.
And other tech? Well, get ready to see driverless EV forklifts, robotic arms, and even humanoid robots. “Get ready, New Zealand - the robots are coming!”
Insights from Asia-Pacific
During a recent visit to Shanghai’s CeMAT Asia, Spillane witnessed the scale of innovation across more than 80,000sqm of exhibiting Chinese and global suppliers.
From humanoid manufactured robots capable of complex load-handling tasks to high-speed pick-and-pack and warehouse racking systems, autonomous trucks and vans and so forth; the innovation pipeline is accelerating. Suppliers were increasingly talking about Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific as fertile ground for expansion, especially with the US market becoming more difficult to sell into with protectionist tariffs.
“The launch of Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT into New Zealand provides local industry here a huge opportunity to gain preferential access to the very latest technology and a relative advantage to other nations in terms of supply management and logistics.”
A Global Trend in Joint Ventures
Joint ventures between Germany’s largest exhibition (and venue) organisers “The Messe’s”— and other local market event organisers are part of an emerging trend in the global exhibition industry. These partnerships are in part a strategic response to new market dynamics and a means of global expansion. Driven by the desire for market access, combined expertise, and digital integration, JVs are injecting new energy into trade shows worldwide.
Deutsche Messe AG, through many of its exhibition's brands, has already demonstrated the success of such collaborations in Europe, MEA, Asia and beyond. This new JV with XPO continues that momentum in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring New Zealand need not wait to access world-class brands, innovations and global networks.
The German connection is already strong with XPO reporting many of its trade shows hosting “Made In Germany” pavilions, championed by the German New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. As Spillane explains: “With new regulatory support to open New Zealand’s doors to European build and construction materials we are seeing a wider European influence citing a new Poland pavilion opening at our BuildNZ expo in 2026.”
Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT – November 2026
The new show will target sectors within XPO’s active database of more than 300,000 trade visitors, ensuring strong attendance and engagement. From AI-driven robotics to zero-human warehouse automation, the event promises to be a game-changer for New Zealand businesses seeking to boost productivity and embrace the future of logistics.
“This event will literally lift the productivity of industry in New Zealand,” Spillane concludes. “This Joint Venture will deliver the world’s best logistics innovations to New Zealand and strong interest from businesses looking for that competitive edge.”
Who is XPO Exhibitions:
XPO is a privately owned exhibitions organiser established in 2009 through the acquisition of 8 of DMG World Media’s New Zealand shows. XPO has grown to what is now as portfolio of 19 of New Zealand’s largest trade and consumer shows with its head office operating out of Westhaven Auckland.
Who is Hannover Fairs Australia:
Hannover Fairs Australia is part of Deutsche Messe AG and has operated in Australia since 2000.
Deutsche Messe was founded in 1947 with the Hannover Export Fair, but has grown to become a globally significant events business operating events and venues around the world. The business operates 9 subsidiary offices including in the US, across the EU, Middle East, China and Southeast Asia, hosts events in over 48 locations, with sales activities in 110 countries. The company is owned by the State of Lower Saxony and the City of Hannover.
The Australian subsidiary was established in 2000 and has grown to own and operate 15 significant events across a wide range of industry landscapes.