The 44th edition of MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort kicks off today at Fiera Milano Rho. The international exhibition is a leading event for technologies in air conditioning, heating, energy efficiency, renewable energy and water solutions.
Over 1,600 exhibiting companies from more than 48 countries will be showcasing their products in 12 exhibition halls at Fiera Milano. The exhibition is expected to attract over 120,000 professionals from around the globe. Official delegations of more than 320 selected international buyers from 39 countries are also likely to attend.
Exhibitors and visitors alike will take part in an “evolved” edition of the exhibition inspired by Reinventing MCE 2026’s vision. The project, delivered in partnership with Lombardini22—a design agency that used neuroscientific insights to analyse visitor flows—focused on Halls 2 and 4, dedicated to HVAC components. The aim was to create spaces that enhance the quality of the visitor experience and capitalise on increased attention.
“Over the past ten years, the extended HVAC+R supply chain has played a crucial role in driving growth for the national economy, averaging a 1.4% increase in GDP and a 2.3% rise in employment,” stated Massimiliano Pierini, Managing Director of RX Italy, while introducing one of the key topics for discussion at the event - “When compared to other traditional Made in Italy sectors like food and clothing, the HVAC+R supply chain contributes similarly to GDP.
Additionally, it has a significant impact on employment levels, matching those of the food industry and exceeding the clothing sector by 1.4 percentage points.
”The research commissioned to TEHA Group (The European House-Ambrosetti) highlights the challenges facing the HVAC-R supply chain during the energy transition. Presented today, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview and strategic synthesis of the evolving
trends and scenarios in the energy sector. It outlines the key development pathways and policy actions required to support the industry's growth, integrating elements of market intelligence and forward-looking analysis.
The Energy & Strategy Group at the Polytechnic University of Milan will focus on the implications of industrial energy consumption for management and development in a series of contributions. This initiative consists of five meetings during the exhibition, designed to support Italian companies that currently stand at a critical crossroads. They are facing the challenge of balancing competitiveness with the demands of sustainability, as well as managing the costs associated with energy and environmental transitions.
“Sustainability policies, industrialisation, and increasing urbanisation are key strategic drivers that extend well beyond the Italian market,” Pierini explains. “These factors are shaping the future outlook of countries like Japan, which has been designated as the ‘Country Partner’ this year. This initiative aims to promote engagement between exhibiting companies and decision-makers from particularly promising international markets. As these rapidly evolving
global markets demand advanced solutions, specialised expertise, and strategic vision, they simultaneously create new opportunities for business growth.”
