Returning to Fiera Milano from 6-8 October 2026, CPHI Milan is set to bring together more than 62,000 pharmaceutical professionals and 2,400+ exhibitors from across the globe for the world’s largest event dedicated to pharmaceutical ingredients and technology.

Offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and discovery, this year’s show promises an exciting range of new zones which have been introduced to reflect the changing priorities of the pharma industry. We’re introducing zones dedicated to AI & Tech, Cold Chain & Logistics, Contamination Control and Labelling, as well as the inaugural CPHI Sustainability Summit running concurrently over the event’s first two days.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned attendee, the best way to maximise your experience at CPHI Milan is to make sure you’ve planned ahead. That’s why, with a few weeks to go until doors open on this year’s show, we’ve put together this guide to help you secure your visa, travel and accommodation arrangements for pharma’s biggest show.

Securing your visa for CPHI Milan

If you’re an international visitor to CPHI Milan, it’s vital to understand your visa requirements before arranging your flights to Italy. As part of the Schengen Agreement, the country allows visitors from many countries to enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

For those who do require a visa, we strongly recommend that you start your application process as early as possible, since processing times vary significantly by country and can take several weeks or even months. You should confirm specific requirements with your local Italian embassy, as regulations can change; this should also give you sufficient time to gather any specific documentation you need, such as proof of accommodation, travel insurance or a clear purpose of visit.

While we cannot directly issue visa invitation letters, we have partnered with MiCo DMC to ensure that guests have the paperwork they need to attend CPHI Milan from abroad. You can request this documentation online, but please note that this service is only accessible once you have your registration key.

Milan accommodation for this year’s show

Securing a hotel is one of the most critical aspects of planning your CPHI Milan visit, as a show at our scale has a significant impact on hotel demand! We’re thrilled to once again partner with bnetwork to help visitors find accommodation, with specialised booking available to suit all needs and budgets.

Booking through bnetwork provides several advantages, including:

1. Negotiated hotel rates 
2. Conveniently located accommodation 
3. Flexible booking options 
4. Streamlined event planning

You can filter accommodation options by their proximity to the event venue, making your experience even more convenient. Fiera Milano is served by a number of train, bus and subway stations (either Rho-Fiera or Rho-Fiera Milano) with lines running all day.

An added benefit for CPHI Milan attendees, visitors with an Explorer, Leader or Networking Leader pass receive a complimentary public transport pass which is valid across the Milan urban network over the three days of the event, making travel to and from the venue simple and stress-free regardless of where you stay.

Know before you go: the CPHI guide to Milan

Milan in October offers pleasant weather perfect for both business and leisure activities. Expect temperatures ranging from 12°C to 19°C (approximately 54°F to 66°F), with mild days ideal for sightseeing and occasional rain showers. Pack layers, including a light jacket and umbrella, to stay comfortable throughout your visit.

Transportation within Milan is efficient and visitor-friendly. The Metro system remains the most convenient and cost-effective option for traveling between the city center and Fiera Milano. Beyond the complimentary transport pass included with your event registration, Milan offers bike and scooter sharing services widely available throughout the city, providing flexible and sustainable options for short distances. Car sharing services accessible via mobile apps offer convenient independent travel, while taxis are readily available at the venue, major transport hubs, and throughout the city, bookable via phone, mobile apps, or traditional taxi stands.

Milan's food culture is legendary, and October is an excellent time to experience authentic Milanese dining. Don't miss the aperitivo tradition, a cultural institution that transforms early evening into a social celebration. Between approximately 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, bars across Milan set out impressive buffets of olives, focaccia, risotto bites, cheeses, cured meats, bruschetta, and hot dishes—all included with your drink purchase. The Navigli district, with its picturesque canals, offers one of the best aperitivo experiences, especially on pleasant October evenings. Locals often treat aperitivo as dinner itself, making it both a cultural experience and a practical dining option.

For traditional Milanese cuisine, seek out risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto), ossobuco (braised veal shanks), cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet), and don't overlook panettone, which Milans consider a year-round point of civic pride rather than just a Christmas treat. Visit a proper pasticceria to taste the difference between mass-produced versions and authentic artisanal panettone.

Cultural etiquette in Milan emphasizes respect and politeness. When dining, wait for everyone to be served before eating, serve others before yourself, and participate in toasts before drinking. Milan's historical and religious sites deserve respectful behavior, including appropriate dress codes for churches and cathedrals. The city's rhythm tends to be slower than many international business hubs, with many shops closing between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM for the traditional lunch hour (Pausa di Pranzo), then reopening until evening.

CPHI Milan also offers exclusive networking experiences to enhance your visit. The Duomo Experience on October 5, 2026 (7:30 PM - 9:00 PM) provides exclusive after-hours access to Milan's iconic cathedral, including a private organ concert. The Welcome Reception, also on October 5 (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM), offers an opportunity to meet industry leaders, speakers, and fellow attendees before the exhibition officially begins, with drinks, canapés, and live entertainment included for Leaders and Networking Leaders pass holders.

Attending CPHI Milan 2026 represents a significant investment in your pharmaceutical industry network and knowledge. Proper preparation across visas, accommodation, and local logistics will ensure you can focus on what matters most: connecting with industry leaders, discovering innovations, and building partnerships that shape the future of pharma.

Start your visa application process immediately if required, allowing ample time for processing and potential complications. Book your accommodation through the official partner bnetwork or secure alternative lodging as early as possible to ensure availability and competitive rates near Fiera Milano. Take advantage of the complimentary public transport pass included with your event registration, and plan to experience Milan's rich culture, exceptional food scene, and welcoming atmosphere during your visit.

With over 62,000 professionals converging on Milan for this premier pharmaceutical event, early planning distinguishes successful attendees from those scrambling with last-minute arrangements. Review the exhibitor list in advance, schedule meetings before arriving onsite, and build your agenda around must-attend sessions to maximize your three days at CPHI Milan 2026. The combination of world-class pharmaceutical innovation, Milan's sophisticated business environment, and the city's cultural treasures creates an unparalleled professional experience that extends well beyond the exhibition halls of Fiera Milano.