Q&A with Ben Boroewitsch: What to expect from UNITI expo 2026
Published on: Jan 30, 2026
We spoke to Ben Boroewitsch, CEO of com-a-tec and co organizer of UNITI expo, to get an inside look at what the industry can expect from the 2026 edition of the trade fair. With record breaking exhibition space, unprecedented international participation and several new features designed to enhance the visitor experience, UNITI expo 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition to date.
MobilityPlaza. We are three months away from UNITI expo 2026. What can people expect from the next edition of the trade fair?
Boroewitsch. I can confidently say this will be the biggest and best edition we’ve ever organized. Event organizers will normally say this but we have the numbers to back it. We’ve increased the exhibition space by 5,000m2 to a record 45,000m2, we expect over 500 exhibitors, and visitor registrations – only opened some days ago – is already in the thousands. Bigger space, more exhibitors, more visitors, and more international than it’s ever been. We can’t wait for May to come round and get the whole industry – fuel retailers, car wash operators, mobility experts, convenience providers, and suppliers – together for three days of innovation, networking and new business opportunities. Those who have already visited previous editions know that UNITI expo has become the number one meeting point for the global service station and car wash industries.
MP. There’s a lot to unpack there but let’s start with the international scope. How important is the international aspect to UNITI expo?
B. Although the muscle behind this event is the leading association of German service stations, our biggest strength is our global approach. In 2024, the event welcomed 18,000 attendees from 110 countries. We expect to comfortably surpass that number. We have 92 parters around the world between companies, trade publications, associations, and regional events. What does that mean? In the two years that separates one edition from the next, we reach over one million industry professionals across the globe. UNITI expo has become the meeting point for retailers and suppliers from the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
MP. Have there been any changes to the traditional format of the trade show?
B. In 2024, we trialed the Future Mobility Lounge, a space to showcase all the types of energy and equipment that power the transport of today, and tomorrow – ultrafast chargers, hydrogen, biofuels, and e-fuels, among others. Due to the incredible interest in our sector, we have doubled this area and already have over 30 registered exhibitors.
One of the demands from the sector was to have better tools to connect visitors and exhibitors. UNITI expo 2026 will have a digital visitor portal that does just that. Visitors will be able to schedule meetings with exhibitors ahead of time. This ensures professionals with busy schedules can make the most of their time in Stuttgart.
Finally, as we have expanded the overall exhibition space and expect more attendees than ever, there will be more catering options. In addition to the famous GenussGARTEN (a fabulous two-story food court in Hall 1), there will be an expanded catering area in Hall 3, and a brand-new spot in Hall 5. Catering is completely free of charge. At UNITI expo, we take care of people’s appetite so they can focus on growing their business.
MP. How are the different areas of the business represented at UNITI expo?
B. UNITI expo targets the entire service station, car wash and mobility ecosystem — from fuel retailers and car wash operators to convenience specialists, technology providers and alternative fuels innovators. This diversity is reflected in the way the show is structured. UNITI expo will bring together more than 500 exhibitors across its four core areas: shop & convenience, oil companies & fuel retailers, car wash & car care, and technology, payment & logistics. With more than 150 car wash exhibitors, the event has become the largest gathering for the sector outside the United States. These elements ensure every corner of the industry is represented in a comprehensive, international way.
MP. What would you say to those exhibitors and visitors who are still undecided?
B. The message for UNITI expo 2026 is clear: this will be the biggest and most international edition we have ever organized, and demand is higher than ever. For exhibitors, only a few spaces remain, and they are filling quickly. UNITI expo offers unparalleled access to the key decision‑makers, creating a unique opportunity for visibility, partnerships and new business.
For visitors, what’s not to like? Attendance is completely free of charge and includes catering, full access to the conference program, Wi‑Fi and the digital visitor portal. The only costs to plan for are travel and accommodation. One important tip is to book hotels early, as Stuttgart fills up quickly during the event. UNITI expo is built to give visitors maximum value from every minute they spend in Stuttgart.
Finally, like in previous editions, we will once again celebrate our famous networking party on the first night. A fantastic way for people to network, relax, and have fun!
MP. What do you see as the biggest challenges for the industry?
B. Running a service station business is more challenging than ever. Regulations have never been stricter, competition higher, volumes are decreasing, there are huge disruptors like AI and e-mobility, and most countries suffer from staff shortages. At the same time, there is a massive profit pool in food services which retailers are starting to tap into. All those challenges are being met by amazing solutions developed by technology suppliers around the world. Smart checkouts and automated inventory management help employees focus on more important tasks with high profit margins. AI-powered chatbots can help consumers choose the right wine, increasing basket size. And efficient loyalty apps can help bridge the gap between the pump and the store. We are living through a challenging but fascinating time for the industry, reason why UNITI expo is more important than ever. Join us in Stuttgart, and don’t stay behind.
