Kicking off the exhibitor campaign for XPONENTIAL Europe, Messe Düsseldorf today presented its first fully AI-generated video at the Rheinische Post Forum in Düsseldorf. The premiere marks another step in the company’s digital transformation strategy, which is anchored in artificial intelligence at its core. With AI also being a key driver of autonomous technologies, XPONENTIAL Europe, Europe’s leading trade show for autonomous systems and robotics, was ideally suited for this pilot project.
One of the central themes at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026, artificial intelligence permeates all dimensions of the trade show platform, from air, land, maritime and space-based autonomy to defense and security solutions. As a key technology for the next stage in autonomous system development, AI is shaping applications and strategic debates alike – at the trade show and in the concurrent conference program. And AI is more than a trend at Messe Düsseldorf, too; it’s been part of everyday practice for two and a half years. “We recognized and implemented the potential of AI early on – both internally in our processes and externally in digital tools for our customers. The goal is to rethink communication, streamline processes and use the opportunities offered by generative technologies creatively and responsibly,” explained Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. “For Messe Düsseldorf, artificial intelligence is more than just a technical tool – it’s an integral part of our digital transformation strategy.”
Strong partners pooled their expertise for this project: Messe Düsseldorf as the source of inspiration and ideas, the Rheinische Post Mediengruppe as the host of the event, and the creative agency JungPro_ORT as the creative implementer. Together, they developed the cinematic concept for the film, the prompt design and the overall strategy – thus creating a pioneering pilot project through which Messe Düsseldorf sets a visible sign for the creative use of artificial intelligence in the trade fair industry.
The result is a genuine “learning project” with partners working as equals, illustrating how editorial strength and technological curiosity can interact productively in AI-supported brand communication. The framework of the event was deliberately designed as a space for dialogue: Messe Düsseldorf and Rheinische Post Mediengruppe are each pursuing their own AI initiatives and use formats like this to learn from each other, break new ground in communication and explore the potential of generative technologies in a concrete and application-oriented manner.
Produced entirely on the basis of generative AI, the 1:08-minute video entitled “What if” reflects the main themes covered by XPONENTIAL Europe 2026.
“The campaign is aimed specifically at supporting international exhibitor acquisition – with eye-catching visuals and emotional storytelling that sparks interest and generates reach. At a high-tech event like XPONENTIAL Europe, we demonstrate live and in person what technology can do – not only at the actual show but also throughout the entire preparation phase,” explained Malte Seifert, Director of XPONENTIAL Europe.
In addition to the main film shown, two additional AI-generated videos were created as part of the campaign. They specifically address key XPONENTIAL Europe topics, with one featuring a cinematic look at space technologies and the other exploring the role of AI and autonomous systems in security. Both clips expand the world of visual storytelling at XPONENTIAL Europe and reveal the diverse ways in which autonomous technologies are already being deployed today. Find the videos and additional information at: www.xponential-europe.com/AI_video
About XPONENTIAL Europe 2026
XPONENTIAL Europe is the new leading trade show for uncrewed systems and robotics across all domains of autonomous technology. Following its successful premiere in 2025, it will once again bring together experts and executives from around the world in Düsseldorf from March 24 to 26, 2026 – everyone from developers to decision-makers from industry, research and politics.
Combining an international trade exhibition, a world-class conference program, practical demonstrations and targeted networking, XPONENTIAL Europe is the leading platform for the future of autonomy – and a one-of-a-kind meeting place for visions, applications and the previously fragmented international industry.
Access complete information about the event’s key topics and program highlights on the industry portal: www.xponential-europe.com
