As the world turns the page to 2026, the global industrial calendar is already brimming with anticipation. Industry professionals, tech enthusiasts, and investors alike are setting their sights on a slew of international trade fairs, conferences, and innovation showcases scheduled throughout the year. From the iconic CES in Las Vegas to specialized gatherings like the NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop, the coming months promise a whirlwind of networking, discovery, and, perhaps, a few surprises along the way.
January traditionally kicks off the industrial event season with a bang, and 2026 is no exception. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held from January 6 to 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, remains the crown jewel for technology aficionados. According to a practical guide published on January 5, 2026, CES is the first major stop for exhibitors, buyers, and professionals eager to explore new opportunities and stay ahead of the latest trends.
This year, CES will be further energized by the presence of SES AI Corporation, a global leader in AI-enhanced Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries. SES AI, headquartered in Boston with operations stretching from Singapore to Shanghai and Seoul, is making waves with its innovative approach to battery technology. As reported by Business Wire, SES AI is the first battery company to accelerate its pace of innovation by utilizing superintelligent AI across its entire business spectrum—from research and development to materials sourcing, cell design, engineering, manufacturing, and even battery health and safety monitoring.
For those interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and electrochemistry, SES AI’s January calendar is especially noteworthy. On January 6, concurrently with CES’s opening day, Dr. Kang Xu, SES AI’s Chief Technology Officer, will present at the Gordon Research Conference on Electrochemistry in Ventura, California. His talk, titled “Material Discovery for Electrolytes in the AI Era,” is expected to delve into how AI is reshaping the way scientists discover and optimize materials crucial for next-generation batteries.
But SES AI’s January schedule doesn’t end there. The company’s founder and CEO, Dr. Qichao Hu, will take the virtual stage at the 28th Annual Needham Growth Conference on January 16. Starting at 8:00 a.m. ET, Dr. Hu will share the latest on SES AI’s developments in drone battery technology, energy storage systems (ESS), and advanced materials. Investors and industry watchers can tune in via a dedicated webcast to catch Dr. Hu’s insights and participate in investor meetings scheduled throughout the day. For those who want to dig deeper, SES AI encourages monitoring its website, www.ses.ai, where financial and material company information is routinely posted.
Later in the month, from January 20 to 22, SES AI will participate in the NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This event, a gathering point for experts in aerospace battery technology, underscores SES AI’s growing influence beyond terrestrial transportation and into the realm of space exploration. Attendees interested in scheduling meetings with SES AI representatives during the workshop are encouraged to reach out directly to the company’s team—a testament to the organization’s open-door approach to collaboration and partnership.
Of course, CES and SES AI’s activities are just the tip of the iceberg in a year packed with industrial events. February will see the staging of Fieragricola, the World Health Expo (WHX Dubai), and FIMA—each catering to distinct sectors and drawing international audiences. March promises a dense lineup: BIEMH (International Machine Tool Biennial), Mobile World Congress (MWC Barcelona), Mecspe, Logimat, Expocomfort (MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort), Analytica, and Global Industrie all vie for attention as key platforms for innovation and business development.
April’s highlights include Global Industrie, the sprawling Canton Fair in China, the renowned Hannover Messe in Germany, iSaloni / Salone del Mobile for design enthusiasts, and Exposanità for the healthcare sector. May brings IFAT, Optatec, and Interpack, each offering a unique window into environmental technology, optical technologies, and packaging, respectively.
As the summer heats up, June’s marquee event is VivaTech, a Paris-based celebration of startups and emerging technologies. After a brief mid-year lull, the autumn months ramp up again. September features the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), InnoTrans for the transportation industry, and EMO Hannover, a magnet for the metalworking world.
October and November round out the year with a flurry of activity. October’s Sommet de l’Élevage, Motek, and the Year in Infrastructure by Bentley Systems provide platforms for agriculture, automation, and infrastructure innovation. November is especially jam-packed, with Ecomondo, EuroTier, EIMA, MEDICA, the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), BeverTech, SPS (Smart Production Solutions), and Automation Fair all appearing on the calendar.
For industry professionals plotting their course through this busy landscape, a few practical tips stand out. First, always verify event dates on official show websites, as schedules can shift unexpectedly. Bookmarking trade directories such as TradeFairDates.com or the official pages of specific events can help keep plans current. And with travel, logistics, and exhibitor deadlines often set months in advance, early preparation is key to making the most of each opportunity.
According to the event guide published at the start of the year, these gatherings are more than just business meetings—they’re essential forums for connecting with partners, exploring new markets, and gaining firsthand insight into the trends shaping tomorrow’s industries. Whether one is a seasoned exhibitor, a first-time visitor, or an investor scouting the next big thing, the 2026 industrial calendar offers a roadmap to staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
For SES AI, this busy January is both a showcase and a statement of intent. By engaging with audiences at CES, scientific peers at the Gordon Research Conference, investors at the Needham Growth Conference, and aerospace experts at the NASA workshop, SES AI is positioning itself at the crossroads of innovation, industry, and investment. As the company puts it, "SES AI is powering the future of global electric transportation on land and in the air with the world’s most advanced Li-Metal batteries." That’s a bold claim, but if the company’s packed event calendar is any indication, it’s one they’re eager to back up—one conference, one partnership, and one breakthrough at a time.
With 2026 only just beginning, the stage is set for a year of discovery, collaboration, and technological leaps—both for SES AI and the broader industrial community. For those willing to follow the action, and perhaps make a few connections of their own, the journey promises to be as rewarding as it is eventful.