At a time when the manufacturing industry is facing increasing challenges, the industrial valve and flow control sector stands at the centre of more demanding technological and operational challenges. In this context, the sixth edition of IVS – Industrial Valve Summit serves as an international point of reference for companies, buyers, decision-makers and professionals across the supply chain.
Less than two months to go to IVS 2026. The Summit will take place at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre, in Italy, from May 19th to 21st, confirming its steady growth path. Its objective remains to provide the sector with a structured forum for dialogue, professional development and networking, meeting the growing demand for specialised content and high-level engagement among global stakeholders.
The 2026 edition will further evolve the event format. The exhibition area will expand with two additional halls, bringing the total to four, while the program will run over three full days open to the public, effectively shaping a dedicated “Valve Week.” From Tuesday, 19 May, the scientific sessions will begin in parallel with the official opening of the exhibition area.
Thanks to the scientific contribution of VALVEcampus – the Association dedicated to training industrial valve manufacturers and a long-standing partner of the Summit – IVS 2026 will offer a technical programme designed to address the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Special focus will be placed on emerging technologies and on opportunities offered by new application markets such as hydrogen, water management, CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) and LNG, all key strategic drivers for industrial development.
The programme will be structured around six main thematic areas: standardisation and standard development; digital technologies applied to valves, actuations and control; valve design and materials for severe services; advanced sealing solutions for industrial valves; AI applied to mechanical design, procurement and manufacturing; and additive manufacturing.
Alongside these sessions, four highly specialised round tables will address complex topics, including subsea valve actuation in deepwater environments, the use of choke valves in high-pressure systems, the performance and safety of control valves in critical applications, and surface treatment technologies to enhance component resistance to erosion and corrosion. Additional broader conferences are also currently being defined, focusing on applications and market trends in the industrial valve sector.
Visitors can get a free pass to join the event through the official IVS – Industrial Valve Summit website.
The international standing of the Summit is reflected in the results of the previous edition, held from May 14th to 16th, 2024, which recorded 15,000 visitors (+25% compared to 2022) from 69 countries and 325 exhibiting companies (+13%) from 14 nations. Particularly noteworthy was the growth in international attendance, which doubled compared to the fourth edition.
This expansion has also been supported by the city’s range of services and by a rich programme of side events, offering an experience that combines quality of life, cultural heritage, food and wine excellence. Bergamo stands out for its unique blend of liveability and beauty, with its historic centre, conveniently connected to the fairground by a free shuttle service provided by IVS. The Upper Town can be easily reached by funicular and, together with museums and theatres, completes an immersive cultural experience. The event will be enhanced by a gala dinner and, as in past editions, the “Bergamo Valve Week” will conclude with the exclusive IVS Invitational Golf Tournament, held at the magnificent “L’Albenza” Golf Club.