The idea may have been unconventional, but it was convincing: a trade fair for the industry in East Westphalia-Lippe that brings together the strongly represented mechanical engineering sector with well-known and new suppliers, thereby promoting regional networking. This was the birth of the FMB – Trade Fair for Mechanical Engineering in 2005. Initially, there were around 60 exhibitors; today there are more than 350, and the FMB has long since grown beyond the region. The exhibitors come from all over Germany and neighboring countries, while the visitors are predominantly from Northwest Germany.
The steady growth of the fair is due to a special concept: The FMB represents the entire spectrum of suppliers in mechanical engineering, but in a compact form. Regional specialists are represented on the exhibition floor alongside global market leaders – and for all, the focus is not on presentation, but on professional exchange with visitors.
Another special feature of the FMB is the "Easy Entry" concept with free admission, free parking, complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as the easy exchange of contact information via the Smart Badge that each visitor receives upon entry. Alexander Petrusch, Head of Events FMB: "Visitors should be able to take away maximum information and contacts with minimal effort and cost. This is our goal every year – and probably also the recipe for success of the FMB."
When the FMB celebrates its 20th anniversary this year – from November 4 to 6, 2025 – the organizer Easyfairs and its partners, especially the owl maschinenbau association, can look back on a success story.
However, the focus of the fair will not be on looking back, but on looking forward. The "fair makers" have come up with some new formats for the FMB anniversary – for example, the Connector PARK. In this themed pavilion, component and system manufacturers present their innovations for the transmission of energy, data, and signals in machines and systems: plugs, connectors, cables…
Alexander Petrusch: "The Connector PARK fits perfectly with the FMB and OWL: After all, today’s hotspot for industrial automation once started as the "Terminal Valley", a world-renowned center for electrical connection technology. The FMB has accompanied this success story for 20 years."
Other themed pavilions at the fair showcase a concentrated offering from manufacturers and providers of industrial software: this is the Digital HUB. The focus on special machine builders, who present themselves in the SoMa CLUB, is already well established.
Also new at the 20th FMB are additional formats in the supporting program. Alexander Petrusch: "In addition to the classic lecture sessions on four trend topics in mechanical engineering, there will be a first-time "Innovation Stage" with panel discussions, power pitches, and workshops. We are currently in the midst of preparations. Visitors can look forward to it."
The 20th FMB – Trade Fair for Mechanical Engineering will take place from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the Messezentrum Bad Salzuflen.
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