Formnext
Organizes the world's leading annual additive manufacturing trade fair (formnext, Frankfurt) and a global portfolio of regional AM events, year-round media, and knowledge platforms, connecting the entire AM ecosystem.
- CEO / Founder
- Petra Haarburger (President)
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Active
Technology & Products
Key Products
Formnext (leading annual additive manufacturing trade fair in Frankfurt), global portfolio of regional AM events, year-round media, and knowledge platforms.
Technological Advantage
Largest dedicated international AM trade show by scale and brand recognition; 10-year first-mover advantage (est. 2015); integrated media ecosystem (magazine, TV, webinars) creates year-round touchpoints; expanding global footprint (Chicago, Shenzhen) extends monetization beyond Frankfurt.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides the AM industry's primary annual venue for technology showcasing, deal-making, and knowledge exchange; connects 800+ exhibitors with 38,000+ visitors at the Frankfurt fair, supplemented by global events and year-round digital content.
How They Differentiate
Largest dedicated international AM trade fair by scale; broader global ecosystem (media, webinars, satellite events) versus TCT Show (UK-focused) and Rapid + TCT (North America-focused); Frankfurt location in heart of European industry.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
AM hardware/software/materials companies (exhibitors seeking customer acquisition); industrial AM buyers and engineers (visitors); AM ecosystem players seeking industry intelligence and deal-making.
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing; Industrial 3D Printing; Aerospace/Defense; Automotive; Medical; Consumer Products; Electronics
Competitors
TCT Show, Rapid + TCT
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
2025 (10th anniversary): 803 exhibitors, ~50,000 m² gross space, record visitors; 2026 registrations: 527 companies from 34 countries by March 2026; global expansion: Formnext Chicago (April 2025), Formnext + TCT Asia (Shenzhen); parent Mesago GmbH ~170 employees Stuttgart.
Major Milestones
2015: First Formnext event held in Frankfurt (282 exhibitors); 2019: Record 855 exhibitors, 34,532 visitors; 2021: Successful in-person return post-COVID; 2023: Most diverse supporting program, 3 conference stages; 2025: 10th anniversary edition, 803+ exhibitors, ~50,000 m² exhibition space; April 2025: First Formnext Chicago (USA)
Notable Customers
EOS GmbH; Nikon SLM Solutions; Trumpf; Stratasys; Desktop Metal; 3D Systems; Materialise; Renishaw; HP Inc. (exhibitors); PERFI Technologies (Start-up Award 2025)