50th anniversary: OTWorld 2026 inspires, connects and transforms global orthopaedic treatment and care
Rethink, connect, change together: OTWorld 2026 will be the global hotspot for technical orthopaedics in Leipzig from 19 to 22 May 2026. In its anniversary year, the World Congress and Trade Show will focus on three key areas: innovations, digital added value in orthopaedic treatment and care, and interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. OTWorld will thus become the central platform for everyone who is actively shaping the treatment of tomorrow – in workshops, clinics or research, from healthcare practice to industry.
A platform with history – and a vision for the future
In 2026, OTWorld will celebrate its 50th anniversary – and will be more future-oriented than ever before. As the world's leading platform for the industry, it combines a trade show and a world congress, brings together international decision-makers, specialists and visionaries, and provides impulses for modern, efficient and people-centred orthopaedic treatment and care. The last edition in May 2024 attracted over 20,000 visitors from 94 countries.
50 years – new impulses: The OTWorld 2026 World Congress
The World Congress in 2026 will be led by Congress Presidents Dr Doris Maier, Chief Physician, and Thomas Münch, CPO. Both have a clear vision: to network expertise in order to improve the quality of care and thus the quality of life. Together with the programme and workshop committee – a 23-member panel of experts they are shaping the World Congress.
The focus is on three key topics:
• Integrative treatment – networking expertise, improving results
• Rehabilitation – holistic approaches for sustainable participation
• Education – ensuring quality, shaping the future
The programme offers experts from prosthetics and orthoticss, orthopaedic footwear technology, medicine, physiotherapy and research in-depth knowledge that strengthens their professional expertise and improves the quality of treatment and care: from prosthetics and orthotics to rehabilitation technology, paediatric and neuro-orthopaedics, digitalisation, materials research, sports orthopaedics and treatment in crisis areas.
The proven formats – symposia, workshops and free paper sessions – offer practical and future-oriented content for the entire treatment team. The anniversary edition will also specifically target young speakers – an opportunity for students, trainees and young professionals to become actively involved in shaping the congress.
Language & Access
The OTWorld World Congress will be held in German and English. Simultaneous translations into both languages will be available.
Trade show: Experience innovation, shape treatment
The trade show is the world's leading platform for presenting innovative orthopaedic treatment and care. Over 550 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are expected to present the latest developments from industry, research and application - including numerous world premieres and significant advances for improved treatment worldwide.
The trade show impressively demonstrates how modern technologies enable partici-pation – whether in everyday life with chronic diseases, in treatment in war and crisis zones or in the field of common diseases, represented by nine treatment areas at OTWorld.
In addition to proven formats, OTWorld 2026 is setting new accents:
• Special exhibition: LIVING WITH NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS – Early intention, professional success: Treatment that makes participation possible
• OTWorld.rehab-technology: The future of rehabilitative treatment
• ‘therapie meets OTWorld’: New platform for physiotherapists and occupational therapists
• OTWorld.shoe-technology & Foot & Shoe Hub: The new stage for orthopaedic footwear technology, centrally located in Hall 1
Get involved now: Call for Papers will be open until 28 September 2025
Experts from all disciplines are invited to submit scientific or technical abstracts, or case studies. After peer review, the contributions will be integrated into the congress programme according to topics. Details on abstract submission and the conditions of participation are available online .
About OTWorld
The German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (BIV-OT) is OTWorld's conceptual partner. The organisers of the Congress and trademark owner is Confairmed GmbH. Leipziger Messe GmbH is responsible for the industry trade show.
