Ticket sales open for Formnext 2026
Organizers rework the Frankfurt show's exhibition layout and have added a new Defence Summit
Formnext organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH has expanded the trade show’s 2026 program with a new Formnext Defence Summit and a dedicated post-processing exhibition, along with a Partner Country slot for the United Kingdom.
Visitor ticket sales for the event, set for Nov. 17-20 in Frankfurt, Germany, have also opened with an early bird discount running through October 22.
Around 800 exhibitors are expected to attend, covering the additive manufacturing value chain. For 2026, the organizer has consolidated the exhibition into Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1, rather than spreading it across four hall levels, while maintaining nearly the same total exhibition space, a change intended to reduce walking distances and improve navigation.
“Especially in the current market environment, the importance of exchange, market orientation, and access to innovation has become increasingly evident,” said Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “Formnext brings together the industry’s key stakeholders and provides the framework where new momentum for the industrial adoption of Additive Manufacturing can emerge.”
New defense and post-processing content
The Formnext Defence Summit will address current developments and requirements in security and defense-related manufacturing. A separate special exhibition dedicated to post-processing will cover that step of the industrial value chain, with accompanying showcases and guided tours.
The United Kingdom will serve as Partner Country, presenting its manufacturing sector and role in AM. Separately, ASTM International will organize the AM Innovation and Standards Summit on the day before the exhibition opens.
Conference program and returning formats
The show’s free conference program will cover cross-industry topics and application examples on an Industry and Application Stage, complemented by a Technology Stage where exhibitors present their own technology. Returning formats include the Formnext Awards, the Discover3DPrinting seminars for newcomers, and the Start-up Area and Pitchnext.
“While Additive Manufacturing has already become an established production technology in many industries, the technologies remain complex and require expertise, as well as the identification of viable business models and growth opportunities,” said Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “Through a variety of program formats, we aim to facilitate exactly this exchange, including across different industries.”
