Formnext 2026 runs from Tuesday 17 to Friday 20 November 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, Germany. The trade fair for additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing) is open 9:00 to 18:00 CET on the first three days and 9:00 to 16:00 on Friday. As of 30 October 2026, a one-day pass costs €109 and a four-day Expo Pass €169 with the info service (€142 and €219 without).
Formnext 2026 dates and opening hours
According to the organiser's dates page, visitor hours (Central European Time, UTC+1) are:
- Tuesday 17 November: 9:00-18:00
- Wednesday 18 November: 9:00-18:00
- Thursday 19 November: 9:00-18:00
- Friday 20 November: 9:00-16:00
The organiser, Mesago, expects more than 800 exhibitors and more than 38,000 visitors this year. The 2027 edition is already listed for 26-29 October 2027. The United Kingdom is the partner country.
Formnext ticket prices (as of 30 October 2026)
Prices below come from the official visitor information page, checked on 30 October 2026. The early-bird rate ended on 22 October, so the regular prices now apply. Each ticket exists in two versions: with or without the "info service", a registration for event updates and ticket offers. The with-service version is cheaper.
- Day-Pass (one day): €109 with info service, €142 without.
- Expo-Pass (four days): €169 with info service, €219 without.
- Student Expo Pass: €9 with info service, €12 without (the organiser attaches conditions, so read them in the shop).
- Premium Pass (limited offer): €299 with info service, €389 without. It adds VIP parking, the VIP Lounge and entry to the Formnext Party.
- Networking Pass for the Formnext Party: €109 with info service, €142 without; the party is on 19 November from 18:00 and the pass works together with a valid fair ticket.
Prices can change before the show, so confirm the final amount in the ticket shop before paying. Passes with the RMV symbol also cover local public transport in the Rhine-Main network for the day or the days of the fair.
Are there free Formnext tickets?
The organiser's visitor page lists no free ticket category for general visitors. One exception is stated there: a person accompanying a visitor who needs assistance is admitted free. Exhibitors sometimes hand out their own invitations, but those terms are set by each company, not by Mesago, so ask the exhibitors you want to meet. Treat third-party "free ticket" listings with caution.
Start-ups to see at Formnext
The Start-up Area is in Hall 11.0 (stands D62B, D62E, D62G). The Formnext Awards Showcase, where finalists present their projects, is nearby at Hall 11.0, F60. According to the awards page, the Start-up Award finalists include:
- additiveStream4D (Berlin, founded 2022): retrofit hardware and software that lets existing metal laser powder bed machines work on pre-made parts and repairs. Hall 12.0, D101.
- Aumatis: the AX-150, which casts metal parts from 3D-printed plastic patterns, a plug-in machine that needs no lasers or powder. Hall 12.1, D71.
- Hydra Manufacturing: a ceramic and hardmetal printing platform combining paste extrusion, machining and inspection. Start-up Area D62E and Hall 12.0, F139.
- QH BUILD: robotics, simulation and a digital twin for directed-energy-deposition metal printing. Start-up Area D62B.
- sallea AG: 3D-printed, water-removable temporary cores for lightweight parts with complex shapes. Start-up Area D62G.
The Rookie Award, for founders who have not yet incorporated or did so within the past year, lists cAIclone (AI-optimised 3D-printed hydrocyclones, with battery recycling as the first market), FlexCycle Solutions (copper powder made from electronic waste without melting or chemicals) and Spaceform (a metal printing method originally conceived for microgravity) among its finalists.
The award winners will be announced on Thursday 19 November from 16:10 CET on the Industry & Application Stage (Hall 11.0, D72). Public voting closes the same day at 12:00 CET. For the exhibitor list by product group, use the organiser's exhibitor search.
Getting to Messe Frankfurt
From Frankfurt Central Station, S-Bahn lines S3, S4, S5 and S6 reach "Frankfurt (Main) Messe" in two stops, and the Torhaus entrance leads to the halls. The U4 goes one stop to "Festhalle/Messe" (City Entrance, with a free shuttle to the Formnext halls), and trams 16 and 17 stop there too. The organiser's travel page also lists rail and flight discounts.
Who it suits and what else to plan
Formnext is a manufacturing show, so most start-ups there sell machines, materials and software to industry rather than consumer devices. For hardware founders and makers, it pairs well with a wider look at European makers and with start-up news. To compare dates across the continent, see our calendar of European startup and tech conferences, or browse more conferences.
Frequently asked questions
When is Formnext 2026?
17-20 November 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, open 9:00-18:00 CET Tuesday to Thursday and 9:00-16:00 on Friday.
How much is a Formnext 2026 ticket?
As of 30 October 2026, the one-day pass is €109 and the four-day Expo Pass €169 with the info service (€142 and €219 without). The early-bird rates ended on 22 October.
Where is the Formnext start-up area?
In Hall 11.0 (stands D62B, D62E and D62G, per the organiser's awards page). Award finalists present at the Formnext Awards Showcase, Hall 11.0, F60.
Does a Formnext ticket include public transport?
Tickets with the RMV symbol include free travel in the RMV network during the fair, per the organiser.
