When a trade show reveals its program, it also reveals the questions the industry is asking. For its 2026 edition, which takes place from 17 to 20 November in Frankfurt, Formnext’s supporting program focuses on what it takes to make it work in production.
According to the organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the AM industry is in a “dynamic industrialization phase” with growth momentum in aerospace, defense, energy, medical technology and semiconductors.
According to Mesago, Formnext’s exhibitor advisory board points to a sentiment that would be more positive than in previous years, as more companies increasingly shed light on industrial applications and new projects.
That said, industrialization does not remove complexity. “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,” explains Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext. “Through a variety of program formats, we aim to facilitate exactly this exchange, including across different industries.”
The Formnext Defence Summit
Announced during the summer, the new Formnext Defence Summit will explore current developments and requirements in security- and defense-related manufacturing environments. While defense applications were already visible at previous editions, this is the first time the show dedicates a full summit to the topic.
Post-processing moves center stage
Last year already, post-processing was a key highlight of the show. This 2026 edition will underscore the importance of this part of the process chain that often determines whether a part is production-ready, and whether its business case holds.
Standards before the doors open
On the day before the exhibition opens, ASTM International will organize the AM Innovation and Standards Summit. For industries where qualification and certification remain key adoption hurdles, it is a timely way to start the week.
Applications across sectors
The freely accessible conference program will run on two stages. The Industry & Application Stage will address cross-industry topics and concrete application examples, while exhibitors will present their latest technologies on the Technology Stage.
Sector-specific showcases complete the picture: the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group will focus on AM in mechanical engineering, while the BE-AM showcase and symposium will address AM in construction. The United Kingdom, this year’s Partner Country, will highlight its manufacturing sector and AM ecosystem.
Skills, newcomers and start-ups
Career@Formnext will feature a job wall, personalized career consulting and networking opportunities, while the Discover3DPrinting seminars will give newcomers practical insights into AM. The Formnext Awards, the Start-up Area and Pitchnext return to connect innovators with investors and strategic partners.
A more compact layout
Around 800 exhibitors are expected. The show will be consolidated into Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1 rather than spread across four hall levels, with nearly the same total exhibition space. According to Mesago, this should reduce walking distances and improve navigation.
Tickets
Visitor ticket sales are now open via the online ticket shop at www.formnext.com/visitors, with an early bird discount available until 22 October 2026.
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