FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE

Event overview

Overview

FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE is the German-speaking world's leading trade fair for facade design, interior finishing and the painting and plastering trades. The next edition runs 7–10 March 2028 at Messe Stuttgart, moved from the planned April 2027 slot in Cologne.

Around 300 exhibitors present paints and coatings, plaster and drywall systems, facade and insulation technology, floor and wall coverings, tools and site equipment. Visitors are painters, varnishers, plasterers, drywallers, floor layers, interior designers, planners and architects, plus building and housing companies.

The 2028 edition is co-located with DACH+HOLZ International, and one ticket covers both fairs.

TL;DR

17–10 March 2028 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany (moved from April 2027 in Cologne).
2Leading German-speaking fair for paint, facade, plaster, drywall and interior finishing.
32024 edition drew 305 exhibitors from 24 countries and 34,151 visitors.
4Co-located with DACH+HOLZ International; one ticket admits to both fairs.
52028 ticket prices and stand tariffs are not yet published; plan with estimates.

Why visit

FAF packs the full finishing chain into a few halls: coatings and colour systems, plaster and drywall, facade and insulation, floors, walls and ceilings, plus tools and site safety. Visitors can compare systems hands-on, see live application areas and meet technical advisers from manufacturers serving Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The 2028 co-location adds roofing and timber-construction suppliers at no extra ticket cost.

Why exhibit

Exhibiting puts products in front of painters, plasterers, drywallers, floor layers, interior designers and architects who specify and buy for renovation projects. The 2024 edition reported 56% of visitors as decision-makers and 93% exhibitor satisfaction with visitor technical competence. Co-location with DACH+HOLZ International adds four trades and shared visitor traffic.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Painting and varnishing contractors seeking coatings, colour systems and application equipment.

Plasterers, drywallers and facade specialists comparing systems, insulation and rendering.

Floor layers and interior fitters sourcing coverings, profiles and installation materials.

Interior designers, planners and architects specifying finishes for residential and commercial projects.

Building companies, housing associations and distributors scanning the German-speaking supply chain.

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Paint, lacquer and coating manufacturers showing colour systems, primers and industrial finishes.

Plaster, render, drywall and facade-system suppliers with application demonstrations.

Insulation and building-protection brands addressing energy-efficiency retrofit demand.

Floor, wall and ceiling covering producers plus interior-finishing accessory suppliers.

Tool, machine, scaffold and occupational-safety suppliers serving the trades.

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Paints, lacquers, varnishes and colour-mixing systems

Plaster, render, stucco and drywall systems

Facade cladding, thermal insulation and building protection

Wallpapers, wall coverings and decorative finishes

Floor coverings and floor-laying materials

Ceiling systems, acoustic panels and interior fit-out

Tools, spray equipment, scaffolding and site technology

Adhesives, sealants, auxiliaries and occupational safety

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Messe Stuttgart

Messe Stuttgart, Messepiazza 1, 70629 Stuttgart, Germany

Facilities

Parking

On-site parking at the exhibition centre; tariffs not captured.

Accessibility

Messe Stuttgart states the grounds and halls are barrier-free; assistance is available at the north and east security posts.

Cloakroom

Cloakroom in the entrance areas; about EUR 3 per item, no lockers.

Luggage storage

Staffed cloakroom only; lockers are not provided for security reasons.

Parking: Messe Stuttgart has on-site parking; use the official venue site for current tariffs and live occupancy.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Tue–Thu9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket info

Badge collection

Ticket shop not yet open; check the official site for the 2028 shop launch and badge collection details.

Ticket notes

No 2028 ticket prices have been published. The official visitor page says tickets will be available through the Ticket Shop and that availability will be announced there. Tickets also cover the parallel DACH+HOLZ International.

Who runs the show

Organisers

GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH

Organiser

Call Website

Bundesverband Farbe Gestaltung Bautenschutz

Ideeller Träger (sponsoring association)

Website

Bundesverband Ausbau und Fassade

Ideeller Träger (sponsoring association)

Website

What's on

Programme

Topic tracks

Paint, Colour and CoatingsFacade, Plaster and DrywallInterior Finishing and Business

Co-located events

DACH+HOLZ International

Free with ticket

Roofing and timber-construction trade fair held at the same time as FAF 2028; visitor tickets are valid for both events.

Same dates and venue, Messe Stuttgart.

Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2024

Completed

Visitors: 34,151

Exhibitors: 305

Exhibitor countries: 24

Visitor countries: 18

This edition

2028

Forecast — not final

Visitors: 36,000

Exhibitors: 320

Next edition

Not announced yet

Edition recap

FAF returned to Cologne from 23 to 26 April 2024 after a five-year break. Official figures: 305 exhibitors from 24 countries and 34,151 visitors across Halls 7 and 8 of Koelnmesse. The organiser reported that 56% of visitors were decision-makers, 87% would recommend the fair and 86% of exhibitors called their participation successful.

New this edition

1
Co-location with DACH+HOLZ International
FAF 2028 runs at the same time as DACH+HOLZ International in Stuttgart; visitor tickets are valid for both fairs, adding roofing and timber-construction trades.
Source
2
New formats for skills, interior design and business futures
The organiser announced new formats around next-generation recruitment, room design and future business topics alongside the established paint, facade and finishing core.
Source

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

FAF is a focused, trade-only fair rather than a mass-consumer event. Its value comes from concentrated buyer quality in the German-speaking finishing trades: roughly 34,000 visitors over four days, a majority of them decision-makers, and about 300 exhibitors. The 2028 move to Stuttgart and co-location with DACH+HOLZ International should widen reach to roofing and timber trades, but it also resets the show's Cologne-era attendance pattern, so 2024 figures are context rather than a forecast.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The audience is experienced trade buyers: painters, plasterers, drywallers, floor layers, interior designers and architects, with distributors and building companies. Organiser-reported 2024 data put decision-makers at 56% and exhibitor satisfaction with visitor technical competence at 93%. These are organiser claims, not an independent audit. Volume is moderate, so exhibitors should target named accounts and pre-book meetings rather than rely on walk-up lead volume.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

A stand is easiest to justify for suppliers with a clear German-speaking distribution or specification story. The 2024 show delivered about 34,151 visitors across roughly 300 exhibitors, implying a favourable visitor-to-exhibitor ratio, but the 2028 venue change means the 2024 mix may not repeat. Budget for a 9–18 sqm stand, plan demonstrations around application and training, and treat the parallel DACH+HOLZ audience as incremental reach rather than guaranteed volume.

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Germany and the German-speaking DACH market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), with growing international participation.

Why it matters

Germany has one of Europe's largest renovation and retrofit markets. Energy-efficiency rules, an ageing building stock and the push to replace fossil heating are driving demand for facade insulation, renders, drywall and interior finishes. The trades that install these systems are fragmented small firms, so manufacturers use FAF to reach owners, specification teams and distributors in one place. The 2028 move to Stuttgart puts the fair in one of Germany's strongest construction and craft regions and next to DACH+HOLZ International.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Energy-efficiency retrofit and facade systems

Insulation, renders and building-protection systems remain the core growth area as owners upgrade ageing facades and heating systems.

What it changes: Exhibitors with certified systems and application support can win specification and contractor loyalty.

Source

Skills shortage and next-generation recruitment

The crafts face a demographic squeeze; FAF uses youth days, training areas and school partnerships to bring apprentices into the pipeline.

What it changes: Suppliers that support training and easy application build long-term brand preference.

Source

Digital specification and social selling

Painters and plasterers increasingly research products online and through trade influencers before specifying.

What it changes: A fair presence must connect to year-round digital content and dealer locators.

Source

Cross-trade co-location

FAF 2028 runs alongside DACH+HOLZ International, letting one ticket reach painting, plastering, roofing and timber-construction trades.

What it changes: Suppliers can meet four trades in one trip, but must design stands for a broader audience.

Source

German construction and finishing circuit, 2027–2028

January 2027 to March 2028

FAF sits in a dense German construction-calendar window. BAU in Munich is the big multi-trade building fair, DACH+HOLZ International is the roofing and timber counterpart in Stuttgart, and FAF covers paint, finishing and facade. Dates should be rechecked against official calendars before booking travel.

11–15 Jan 2027

BAU Munich

Munich, Germany

Public calendar dates; recheck before booking.

website

7–10 Mar 2028

DACH+HOLZ International

Stuttgart, Germany

Same dates as FAF 2028 per AUMA announcement.

website

7–10 Mar 2028

FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE

Stuttgart, Germany

Current listing.

website

March 2028 Stuttgart double-header

FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADEDACH+HOLZ International

One travel window, two fairs, shared tickets.

January 2027 specification season

BAU Munich

Separate winter trip for architecture and specification audiences.

FAF and DACH+HOLZ dates from official/AUMA pages; BAU date is public-calendar data and is flagged for rechecking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · EUR

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

STR

Stuttgart Airport

S2/S3 serve Flughafen/Messe; the Messe stop is about 200 m or an eight-minute walk from the entrance.

Adjacent to the exhibition centre at the Flughafen/Messe transport hub

to venue

About 5–10 minutes by taxi; one short S-Bahn ride

by car

FRA

Frankfurt Airport

Long-haul fallback; ICE trains connect Frankfurt airport to Stuttgart.

About 200 km

to venue

About 2 hours by train to Stuttgart Hbf

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

budget

Airport / Flughafen and eastern Stuttgart

USD 130–180 / night

Planning estimate for March 2028; airport-area chains and budget business hotels.

source

mid

Stuttgart city centre / Hauptbahnhof

USD 190–260 / night

Planning estimate; convenient for S-Bahn S2/S3 to the fair.

source

premium

Messe Stuttgart and city-centre upscale

USD 280–380 / night

Planning estimate; walkable or one-stop options during a trade week.

source

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

S-Bahn

Estimated costEUR 2.90–4.50 single

Best forStuttgart Hbf → Flughafen/Messe on S2 or S3

About 27 minutes; Messe stop is about 200 m from the entrance.

Stadtbahn

Estimated costEUR 2.90–4.50 single

Best forU6 to Flughafen/Messe

About six minutes' walk from the east entrance.

Taxi / rideshare

Estimated costEUR 25–40

Best forStuttgart Hbf or airport → Messe Stuttgart

Planning estimate; allow extra time at peak trade-fair hours.

Car

Estimated costParking charged on site

Best forA8 / B27 to Messe Stuttgart

On-site parking; check live occupancy and tariffs before driving.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)	Visitors from countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement, including India and many Asian and African states.	$100.00	Around 15 working days; apply up to six months ahead
Visa-free Schengen entry	nationals of the EU/EEA, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and other visa-waiver countries, for stays up to 90 days in any 180.	—	None, but ETIAS registration may apply when operational

EU/EEA citizens travel freely. Many other passport holders can enter visa-free for short business trips; Indian and Chinese passport holders normally need a Schengen visa.

Germany accepts ATA Carnets for temporary exhibition goods. List machinery and samples on the carnet and confirm the handling agent with the organiser.

Official visa page

Weather

Early March in Stuttgart is late winter: roughly 2–12°C, with rain, sleet or occasional snow. Pack layers and waterproof shoes.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Mobile coverage is good across Stuttgart. Check Messe Stuttgart and the FAF site for official Wi-Fi availability; do not rely on free hall Wi-Fi for live demos.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Punctuality and appointments

German business meetings start on time; confirm stand appointments in writing and allow buffer for S-Bahn delays.

German-language business

The fair is German-first. Bring German-language product sheets and, where possible, a German-speaking stand colleague.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Book 8–12 weeks ahead for March trade week. Compare STR against Frankfurt with ICE rail; Stuttgart Hbf to the fair is a 27-minute S-Bahn ride.

Visa

Germany is in the Schengen area. EU/EEA citizens and many visa-waiver nationals can enter for short business trips; Indian and many other passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa.

Estimated cost: USD 100 (EUR 90 adult visa fee), plus travel insurance and biometrics appointment costs

Processing: Around 15 working days, longer in peak season

Apply up to six months before travel and not later than 15 working days before departure. Carry an invitation letter from the exhibitor or organiser and proof of accommodation.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: STR sits at the Flughafen/Messe hub; take S2/S3 one short stop or walk about eight minutes from the Messe stop to the entrance. A taxi takes about 5–10 minutes.

Hotel → venue: From Stuttgart Hbf, S2/S3 reach Flughafen/Messe in about 27 minutes; the U6 also serves the fair. Allow 40 minutes door to door.

Ride-hail: Taxis and rideshare are available; expect EUR 25–40 from the centre and surcharges at peak times.

Public transit: VVS tickets cover S-Bahn, U-Bahn and buses; a single ride is about EUR 2.90–4.50. Buy through the VVS app or machines.

Parking: On-site parking at Messe Stuttgart; pre-book or arrive early during the parallel DACH+HOLZ fair.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: March

Temperature: 2–12°C

Seasonality: Late-winter showers, sleet and occasional snow; wind chill on the open exhibition grounds.

Packing: Waterproof coat, warm layers, comfortable shoes and an umbrella. Indoor halls are heated but transit between halls is exposed.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Wednesday 8 March 2028

Mid-week has the fullest exhibitor staffing and programme, avoids the opening-day crush and leaves Thursday for follow-ups. Friday closes at 17:00, so it is a poor choice for a first visit.

T-14

Register for the ticket shop and book the S-Bahn-friendly hotel before the DACH+HOLZ double-header fills rooms. — Check whether one ticket covers both fairs.

T-10

Shortlist 12 exhibitors across coatings, facade systems and interior finishing; book stand meetings. — Use the exhibitor directory once published.

T-7

Confirm travel, Schengen visa or ETIAS status, insurance and a German-language product wish list. — Carry an invitation letter if applying for a visa.

T-2

Download the hall plan and map a route by hall; check opening hours and last-day early close. — Friday closes at 17:00.

T-1

Pack business cards, comfortable shoes, waterproof layer and a charged phone for badge scanning. — Cloakroom costs about EUR 3 per item; no lockers.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day