At Performance Days, the October programme links sourcing with technology, regulation and industry developments. Expert Talks, the new Breakout Stage and the Sustainability Exchange bring experts, innovators and the textile industry together for knowledge sharing and practical exchange.

The event takes place on October 13 and 14, 2026, at Messe München. For the first time, Performance Days will expand into three halls, A4 to A6. With approximately 27,500 square metres of exhibition space and more than 590 exhibitors expected, it will be the largest edition yet. Available space is already nearly sold out. The international exhibitor base is growing, with companies including W. L. Gore & Associates, Niber Technologies, Acelon Chemicals & Fiber and Linz Textil exhibiting in Munich for the first time.

Marco Weichert, CEO of Performance Days, attributes the expansion to demand: “Performance Days is currently experiencing the strongest demand in its history. Expanding into three halls reflects the importance the platform has gained within the international industry. Companies are looking for orientation, innovation, and meaningful face-to-face exchange, and that is exactly what Performance Days stands for.”

A programme built around change

The Focus Topic is “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”. Expert Talks will address bio-synthetic materials, fossil-free performance, waterproof performance beyond PFAS, cellulosic materials, repairability and European fine wool. The programme also includes Forum Insights 2028/29, Performance Colors, Bodywear Trend Intelligence and digital colour communication. Performance Days CEO Marco Weichert will join Dominik Fuss of The Natural Laboratory and Satish Tailor of Vollebak to discuss the road towards fossil-free performance.

The Breakout Stage in Hall A6 adds short sessions in the Silent Conference format. Topics include the Digital Design Journey with CLO Virtual Fashion, textile circularity, cellulose, odour management, wearable technology, electrospinning for PFAS-free textiles and bio-enzymatic recycling. The latest Performance Award winners and their products will be presented live on Tuesday, October 13.

The Sustainability Exchange focuses on EU legislation and compliance, biodiversity, circularity, product data, DPP readiness, EPR, collection and sorting, and the scaling of bio-based materials. Workshops cover human rights due diligence, nature-positive strategies and credible sustainability communication. A session on EmpCo examines how suppliers, ingredient brands and consumer-facing brands can align sustainability messaging in light of new regulatory requirements.