10 Reasons to Attend Formnext

Formnext is an annual trade show dedicated to additive manufacturing. For several years now, it has brought together thousands of players and participants in Frankfurt over four days. Last year, for example, the show attracted 31,851 visitors and 148 conferences and panel discussions. For many people, including the 3Dnatives team, it’s a not-to-be-missed event! But why attend Formnext? What can you expect from such an event? Here are 10 reasons why you should join the community! This year’s event will be taking place from November 19 to 22.

#1: The World’s Largest Trade Fair for Additive Manufacturing

Formnext is quite simply a must attend event in the world of additive manufacturing. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this is the biggest event dedicated to 3D technologies: over 800 exhibitors on average have attended in recent year while, thousands of visitors from all over the world can explore the 54,000 square meters of the event’s halls to find machines, applications and materials. In short, the entire ecosystem meets at Formnext to discuss the opportunities and challenges of 3D printing!

Discover additive manufacturing applications at Formnext (photo credits: 3Dnatives)

#2: Discover Innovations, Product Launches and the Latest Market Trends

If ever there was a time for 3D printing market players to unveil their latest innovations, it’s at Formnext! Product launches, updates, new partnerships, presentations of innovative applications – it’s all there. Many exhibitors take advantage of these four days to give live demonstrations of their innovations. It is an ideal opportunity to test, touch and feel the full potential of 3D technologies. Formnext is also a showcase for the latest market trends, helping attendees to understand which way the sector is heading.

#3: Talk to Industry Experts  

Formnext is the world’s largest trade show dedicated to additive manufacturing, attracting a large number of market players and users of the technology. Coming to Formnext will give attendees the opportunity to meet these specialists, share your experiences and challenges with them, and ask them any questions you may have. What’s more? There are plenty of informal networking opportunities every year.

#4: Show Your Solutions to the Right People

If you’re a professional in the 3D printing sector, we would advise you to reserve a space at Formnext and showcase your solutions! Once again, the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem is attending, so it’s a good time to showcase your machines, materials, services and applications. Exhibitors benefit from international visibility and the opportunity to exchange ideas with their peers. It is an excellent opportunity to meet key investors and partners.

#5: Attend Quality Conferences

The event isn’t just about stands and 3D equipment. It’s also punctuated by a rich program of conferences. Each year, a number of different presentations are scheduled on a variety of themes: plenary sessions, round tables, workshops – there’s no shortage of formats! There are three stages all of which center around a different topic: the Application Stage highlights how additive manufacturing can be used; the Technology Stage is dedicated to the presentation of 3D printing products and solutions; and the Industry Stage is a space for reflection and exchange on the challenges and trends of additive manufacturing. Click here to consult the agenda for this 2024 edition.

Various stages are available for round-table discussions and workshops (photo credits: Mesago/Mathias Kutt).

#6: Discover Diamonds in the Rough  

Every year, Formnext dedicates a space to startups in the 3D printing market. They take part in the “Start-Up Challenge”, a competition aimed at rewarding the most innovative start-ups. This year, the competition has been renamed the Start-up Awards. The conditions for taking part are simple: the company must have been founded less than 5 years ago, have annual sales not exceeding 10 million euros, and have developed at least one marketable product that corresponds to the list of solutions approved for exhibiting at the show. This is an ideal opportunity to meet the young companies who will be shaping the future of the market!

#7: A Country in the Spotlight

The additive manufacturing trade show usually features a country and reserves a space for its players. The 2024 edition focuses on Australia! An opportunity to find out more about the country’s manufacturers, services and distributors, to understand the challenges and see how the market is structured. Australian universities and research centers will also be present, playing a key role in the adoption of 3D technologies in the country. And every year, the show’s organizers host an evening in the country’s colors, with culinary and cultural specialities on offer: a fitting end to the event!

#8: The Formnext Awards

For the first time this year, Formnext presents the “Formnext Awards”, a series of prizes awarded to innovative talents and profiles. Six categories have been created, including startups. These include key current themes such as sustainable development and 3D modeling. You’ll be able to discover innovations, products designed to reduce our environmental impact, futuristic concepts and much more! Every day, participants will be presenting their solutions, the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas with them.

Photo Credits: Mesago / Marc Jacquemin

#9: A Seminar for 3D Printing Beginners

Every year, Formnext hosts “Discover3Dprinting”, a series of workshops designed to give interested participants the opportunity to successfully adopt additive manufacturing for the first time. Conducted by experts from the Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing, this series of workshops covers a range of topics: what can be achieved with today’s technologies? How can 3D printing be applied cost-effectively? How can 3D printing be applied cost-effectively? Four one-hour sessions are scheduled throughout the show – two in German and two in English.

#10: Enjoy Frankfurt

And last but not least, even if the days on the Formnext are busy, enjoy the city of Frankfurt! Apfelwein, German beer, Frankfurter Würstchen, let yourself be tempted by some local specialties. All the more reason to book your ticket this year! We look forward to seeing you there!

Will you be going to Formnext this year? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*Cover Photo Credits: Mesago / Mathias Kutt