More than presenting news and trends for the production sector, Expo+Indústria 2026 will be an environment to transform contacts into business. Among the highlights of the fair's program, promoted by the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep), co-hosted by Sesi, Senai and IEL, which takes place from August 25th to 27th, at the Expotrade Convention Center, in Pinhais, are the national and international business rounds, which will bring together purchasing companies and potential suppliers in quick, previously scheduled meetings, with a focus on generating commercial partnerships. Rounds are structured to make the prospecting process more efficient. Before the event, each participant informs their profile and commercial interests. Based on this information, a personalized meeting agenda is created between companies with business potential. Throughout the program, buyers and suppliers take turns at the negotiation tables, presenting products, services, demands and solutions, expanding the contact network and initiating commercial negotiations. In addition to conversations, suppliers can bring samples, prototypes or demonstrations of their products and portfolios, making meetings more objective and facilitating evaluation by buyers. "A business round shortens paths. In a few hours, the company can talk to several potential clients or partners that it would be difficult to find in a conventional agenda. It is an opportunity to open markets, strengthen relationships and start negotiations in a very targeted way", says Ariane Hinça, manager of Fiep's Thematic, Sectoral and Regional Councils. In both national and international rounds, meetings with buyers have the potential to close deals instantly. Disclosure/Gelson Bampi. Three strategic sectors The national rounds, promoted in partnership with Sebrae/PR, will take place in the Metalworking, Food and Beverage and Clothing accessories and leather goods sectors, with free registration and places limited to up to 20 purchasing companies and 30 suppliers in each round. Meetings last an average of 10 minutes. In the Food and Beverage sector, industries will be able to participate both as suppliers and buyers, as long as they register separately for each profile. In the Clothing round, suppliers of clothing, gifts and accessories will participate, while buyers include department stores, large industries and commercial representatives. The highlight of the metalworking sector is the participation of potential suppliers in the automotive chain. Buying companies, suppliers, industries, distributors, traders, service providers and, when foreseen by the round organization, startups, can participate, as long as they operate in segments compatible with the theme of each round. International connections In addition to the national rounds, Expo+Indústria will promote an International Business Round, coordinated by Fiep's International Business Center (CIN/PR). The action will be held on August 26th, from 2pm to 8pm, and will be aimed exclusively at industries in Paraná that supply machinery and equipment for the food and beverage sector. The initiative will bring together six international buyers from Peru, Chile, Colombia and Paraguay in meetings that last around 20 minutes. Places are limited to 30 companies and registration is now open. According to the International Relations manager, Higor Menezes, the difference in the round is the preparation carried out even before the event. "As soon as companies sign up, our team begins to identify which buyers are most interested in that type of product. This allows us to set up much more assertive meeting agendas. On the day of the round, each company participates in individual meetings with international buyers who really have the potential to close deals or start a commercial partnership", he explains. She highlights that the search has already begun and recommends that companies not leave registration until the last minute. "We already have around a third of the vacancies filled. The sooner the industry signs up, the greater the chances of us finding the most suitable buyer for your product and structuring a meeting agenda aligned with your export profile", he states. Confirmed schedule In addition to the business rounds, Expo+Indústria 2026 will bring together a program aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness, with lectures and thematic panels on trends and challenges in the sector, an Innovation Square with startups presenting solutions for the industry, practical demonstrations of technologies and equipment at the Technological Experience and an exhibition area with suppliers of products, services and solutions for the productive sector. The official opening of the fair will be held on August 25th, at 2 pm, with a lecture by economist Ricardo Amorim on the topic “How to gain competitiveness in a more challenging global scenario”. The presentation will address the impacts of the international economic environment on Brazilian industry, in addition to topics linked to productivity, operational efficiency, innovation and adaptation of companies in an increasingly competitive market. The complete schedule and registration for business rounds and other activities are available at www.expomaisindustria.com.br.