September 16, 2026
From 12 to 16 October 2026, Fakuma will return to the Friedrichshafen exhibition grounds for its 30th edition. What began in 1981 with 76 exhibitors at the inaugural event has since developed into a major European platform for plastics processing. At the most recent edition, more than 1,600 companies presented their products and services, with international exhibitors accounting for 47.5 percent of the total.
Built on Industry Expertise
Fakuma grew out of a clear idea for a specific market. In autumn 1980, Paul Eberhard Schall presented Arburg entrepreneur Eugen Hehl with his plan to establish a trade fair for injection moulding specialists in Friedrichshafen. Arburg came on board and became one of the event’s founding partners. According to the story of Fakuma’s origins, as repeatedly confirmed by those involved, this commitment provided the decisive impetus to turn the idea into reality. The episode reflects the qualities that shaped both Fakuma and its founder Paul Eberhard Schall from the very beginning: in-depth industry knowledge, a hands-on approach, direct exchange, a strong network and a keen sense of people, markets and emerging topics.
This year marks the 30th edition of Fakuma in Friedrichshafen. For Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, this continuity reflects a partnership that has developed over decades: “The international trade fair combines technological innovation with face-to-face exchange, has established a strong global presence and fosters a close-knit sense of community within the industry. The fact that the event has been held at our exhibition grounds for 30 editions demonstrates just how important reliable partnerships are to the long-term success of a trade fair.”
A Marketplace for an Industry in Transition
Today, Fakuma covers the full spectrum of plastics processing: from injection moulding, forming and extrusion technology to 3D printing, materials and raw materials, masterbatches, tooling, process technology, automation and recycling.
Another key part of Fakuma’s success is the personal atmosphere that has developed over decades. Dr Christoph Schumacher, Director Global Marketing at Arburg, sums up this aspect of the event: “The trade fair on Lake Constance quickly developed into an important meeting place for the industry, combining a hands-on approach with a high level of technical expertise.” Fakuma is widely regarded as a hands-on working trade fair – a place where technology is demonstrated, personal relationships are cultivated and concrete projects are set in motion.
Economic Impact Beyond the Exhibition Halls
For Friedrichshafen, Fakuma is one of the most economically significant guest events hosted at the exhibition grounds. The demand generated by exhibitors and trade visitors from Germany and abroad benefits hotels, restaurants, transport providers, skilled trades, exhibition stand construction and a wide range of other service sectors. At the same time, the event strengthens Friedrichshafen’s international profile as a venue for industrial trade fairs.
Mayor Simon Blümcke highlights the event’s impact from the city’s perspective: “Fakuma brings international companies, industry professionals and decision-makers to Lake Constance, generating economic momentum that extends far beyond the exhibition grounds. This makes the event exceptionally important for Friedrichshafen and the wider region. At the same time, the internationally focused trade fair benefits from an ideal economic environment at the heart of the strong four-country region comprising Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.”
A Venue at the Heart of Fakuma’s Success Story
Bettina Schall, Managing Director of trade fair organiser P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG, explains why Friedrichshafen has proved such a successful location for Fakuma: “Friedrichshafen stands out not only for its functional exhibition grounds, short distances and professional team, but also for its welcoming and personal atmosphere. The industry feels very much at home here, and we see great potential to continue developing Fakuma successfully in the years ahead.”
The partnership is set to continue for the long term. P. E. Schall and Messe Friedrichshafen have agreed to keep Fakuma at Lake Constance until at least 2030. The 30th edition therefore represents more than continuity: it stands for a trade fair concept shaped around the needs of the industry, an international marketplace that generates economic value for the region, and a partnership that has stood the test of more than four decades. Messe Friedrichshafen provides the reliable setting in which this success story can continue.
