Veronafiere launches SaMoTer Academy ahead of 2026 show

Veronafiere has officially announced the launch of the SaMoTer Academy, a strategic project in collaboration with Engim Veneto set up to support change in the construction machinery sector through qualified training, technical culture and the development of skills.

The initiative will come to life at the 32nd SaMoTer (the triennial International Construction Machinery Exhibition scheduled in Verona, 6-9 May 2026 and organised by Veronafiere in partnership with UNACEA and CECE) and aims to provide effective answers to a crucial challenge in this sector: the gap between supply and demand for qualified operators.

This structural problem affects the market, limits competitiveness not only of exhibitors but also of their clients, the professional visitors attending SaMoTer.

The Italian and wider construction industry is currently at the centre of unprecedented evolution driven by the ecological transition, digitalisation, automation, new European regulations and changes in work models.

Against this background, SaMoTer Academy emerges as a stable training ecosystem, active throughout the year, supporting companies, technicians, and young professionals in the continuous updating process. The project integrates theoretical lectures, practical sessions, and immersive training, thanks to strategic collaborations with ENGIM Veneto and vocational training schools in the Veneto region, as well as technical institutes, training agencies, research institutions, and leading companies in the sector. The aim is to build a bridge between the educational system and the production sector.

The training project is designed to help students make informed decisions after middle school (starting at 15 years of age), guiding them towards a career in the construction equipment sector, while also providing manufacturing companies with the opportunity to train future operators directly on their machinery and equipment. Students will be able to access specific programmes, integrating theoretical lessons with practical sessions and work experiences developed in collaboration with the top figures and technological partners in the sector. At the end of the course, students will earn a professional qualification or diplomas.

The SaMoTer Academy project is exclusively reserved for exhibitors at SaMoTer 2026 who can join through sponsorship. Companies can contribute to educational content by offering internships at their headquarters. SaMoTer Academy is a concrete opportunity to invest in human resources, strengthen employer branding and encourage generational turnover.

“By launching the SaMoTer Academy,” said Matteo Pasinato, SaMoTer event manager at Veronafiere, “We seek to provide a permanent landmark for updates, comparisons and growth for everyone working or preparing to work in this rapidly changing world. The Academy came into being after listening to the needs expressed by the supply chain: companies looking for new skills, young people asking for practical and up-to-date training, and institutions pushing for a more sustainable and digitalised sector. This is why we conceived a project that does not end after the trade fair, as such closes, but continues throughout the year, with training content, special events and strategic collaborations with research institutions, professional schools and companies. It is our contribution towards building together a more competitive, resilient and well-prepared sector for the challenges of the future.”

With the SaMoTer Academy project, Veronafiere confirms its vocation not only to be an exhibition venue but also a cultural, technical and professional accelerator for the entire construction supply chain. A far-sighted project that has already begun to shape the future of a key sector for Italy’s economy, the environment and infrastructures.

Next year will also see the return of SaMoTer Lab as a strategic platform for the sector, fostering dialogue among technology producers, professionals, operators, and construction companies.

Lastly, thanks to our collaboration with the ICE Italian Trade Agency, the SaMoTer 2026 edition will strengthen incoming attendance from Eastern Europe (Balkans area), Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, further enhancing the event’s global reach.