Marco Weichert, CEO of Performance Days, recognizes the potential of the fair: “We are all very pleased with the positive development of the Performance Days. The combination of sourcing platform and knowledge transfer resonates well, as the concept allows the industry to exchange ideas about real innovations and future trends in a professional yet relaxed environment while also making valuable connections. The dates at the end of October and early March are perfectly chosen to strategically advance the industry and set trends early – exactly what our visitors and partners appreciate. Together, we create a space for future-oriented ideas and reliable partnerships.”

New special areas complete the information offer

Performance Days enhances the trade fair experience by specifically addressing current industry trends and technological innovations. This is evident in the Trend Forum, this year focused on the topic “Colorization – Chemistry is Everywhere,” and the now firmly integrated Innovation Forum featuring previously unseen, truly new projects and approaches, as well as the Sustainability Lounge, which emphasizes exciting sustainable projects and startups.

The newly integrated Bodywear Collective has struck a chord within the industry, as the latest developments in functional underwear, focusing on comfort, design, and performance, are set to increasingly define the market. Nichole de Carle, Founder of the London Contour Experts Group and initiator of this new area, sums it up: “The Bodywear Collective represents a new era of On-Skin base layers. We have curated a fusion of high tech, skin enhancing fabrics. From a combination of underwear new naturals with mindful recycled blends and fully biodegradable fibers – to drive accelerated circularity. To cosmetic skin care enhancing shapewear.”

Since the introduction of the Tech Hub at the spring fair, the platform has become a popular destination for innovative technologies shaping the future of functional textiles. Combined with a dedicated Test Area showcasing testing equipment from James Heal, it provides an ideal place to learn about future digital processes in the industry. Nearby, HDry demonstrated the importance of evaluating both waterproofness and water repellency in shoes in the Footwear Area, using various testing devices.

Workshops, Expert Talks, and the NextGen Education Hub

Charles Ross, who once again delighted attendees as the moderator on the Expert Talks stage, brought a program filled with timely and pressing topics to the forefront. The focus was on new insights into textile dyeing, the durability of textiles, and the trends of tomorrow across footwear, fibers, and colors, as well as groundbreaking innovations that will shape the market in the future. A highlight was the panel discussing the connection between carbon and chemistry, featuring Katy Stevens from EOG, John Murphy from Hohenstein, and Phil Patterson from Colour Connections. The specially created Ohana Workshop Area sought answers to the crucial question: why should textile designers and producers start addressing upcoming EU regulations relevant to textiles now? Assistance was provided for preparing for the forthcoming EU regulations.

For the second time, Accelerating Circularity shone with its workshop special area “Reality Zone.” This program sought to identify the chemical risks associated with chemical recycling and explore how chemical legislation will impact the transition to a circular economy. The premiere of the NextGen Education Hub, in close cooperation with Utah State University, welcomed the next generation of industry professionals to the fair, offering opportunities for further education, networking expansion, and initial potential job connections.

The upcoming Performance Days will take place on March 5 and 6, 2025, at the Messe München venue.