IAA Drivers and Family Weekend at IAA TRANSPORTATION: A Wide Range of Highlights, Activities, Games, and Fun for All Ages

In celebration of World Children’s Day, the IAA Drivers and Family Weekend on September 19 and 20, 2026, will offer a varied program for the entire family at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Designed especially for professional drivers, truck enthusiasts, and children, the event combines entertainment and hands-on activities with fascinating insights into the world of commercial vehicles.

“With our Drivers and Family Weekend, we want to recognize first and foremost the people whose daily work keeps the economies of Germany and Europe moving. The fact is that around 80 percent of all goods are transported by road. It is a vital but often demanding job for professional drivers. Across Germany, for instance, there are not enough suitable parking spaces where drivers can take their required rest breaks. On top of that, the job often means spending long stretches away from their families. That is why we want the Drivers and Family Weekend to give professional drivers and families a special experience at IAA TRANSPORTATION, timed to coincide with World Children’s Day on September 20. We warmly invite people of all ages from throughout the region to experience the innovations and excitement of the commercial vehicle industry,” said VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel.

Something for the Entire Family
Visitors can look forward to a varied program featuring numerous hands-on activities. Highlights include two days of live stage entertainment with music, a giant bounce house, a go-kart track, and a forklift course where children can earn their very own forklift operator’s license. The life-size table soccer tournaments will also bring plenty of excitement: In “Kids vs. Truckers,” the youngest participants will face off against professional drivers.

The IAA Experience Area will feature even more special attractions, including four racing trucks. Another highlight will be a mini-truck convoy featuring 30 fully operational scale-model trucks. Accompanied by a marching drum band, the convoy will make its way across the exhibition grounds several times a day, delighting visitors of all ages.

Numerous exhibitors are taking part in the weekend, offering additional activities and fascinating insights. Special highlights include the presentation of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Actros L Art Edition and a live art performance by artist Sven Liesy. Other exhibitors will also provide entertainment and memorable experiences at their booths through a diverse range of interactive activities.

Rounding out the program are TIAA, the IAA mascot, and television host Willi Weitzel. Best known for the children’s educational TV series Willi wills wissen, Weitzel will explore IAA TRANSPORTATION with his trademark curiosity while also raising awareness of road safety.

Drivers’ area Puts Appreciation for the Profession Front and Center
IAA TRANSPORTATION will also feature a dedicated Drivers’ area focused on recognizing and celebrating the profession. Created in partnership with the German Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) e. V. , the PROFI initiative, and DocStop, the area will offer professional drivers a place to connect, access information, and celebrate their vital contribution. The Drivers’ area is another integral part of the wide-ranging Drivers and Family Weekend, helping make the event an unforgettable experience for the entire family.