Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum 2026 brings together industry leaders to explore the future of clinical supply chains. Gain insights into AI, digital tools, sustainability, and patient-centric models that drive efficiency and resilience.
Discover innovative strategies for risk management, compliance, smart packaging, and more. Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum takes place in Frankfurt, Germany.
Venue: Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum takes place on 21st-22nd October 2026 at Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South, Germany.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event unites industry leaders to discuss innovations in clinical supply chains and regulatory compliance.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by BrainLinx, known for their expertise in clinical trial supply chain management.
- 4Entry: Registration is available online, with a two-day pass priced at £1990.
Why visit
Clinical Trial Supply Forum is built for teams responsible for getting investigational products to sites and patients on time.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their latest innovations to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the clinical trial supply sector. This event unites industry leaders to discuss innovations in clinical supply chains and regulatory compliance. Attendees include supply chain managers, clinical trial directors, and decision-makers in the pharmaceutical sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Clinical Supply Chain Directors and Managers
Clinical Operations Leads and Trial Managers
Investigational Product and Comparator Sourcing Specialists
Clinical Logistics and Distribution Managers
Quality Assurance and GxP Compliance Leads
IRT/RTSM and eClinical Systems Leads
CRO Clinical Supply and Depot Managers
Packaging, Labeling and Kitting Managers
Site Pharmacy and Clinical Trial Pharmacists
Regulatory and Customs Specialists for Clinical Materials
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Temperature-controlled logistics and courier providers
Clinical trial supply depots and global distribution networks
Comparator and ancillary sourcing specialists
IRT/RTSM and eClinical software vendors
Packaging, labeling, kitting and blinding service providers
Cold-chain monitoring, shippers and validation technology suppliers
GxP quality, regulatory and customs consultancies
CROs with clinical supply services
Direct-to-patient and home nursing logistics providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Temperature-controlled air and road freight for IMPs
IRT/RTSM randomization and drug supply software
Comparator and ancillary sourcing services
Primary and secondary packaging with blinded labeling
Cold-chain shippers, data loggers and validation systems
Clinical depot and global distribution networks
Direct-to-patient and site resupply logistics
GxP quality, customs and import license support
Location & Facilities
Venue
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Frankfurt, Germany
Facilities
Parking
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South in Frankfurt typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South in Frankfurt typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
BrainLinx
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Frankfurt, Germany
Why it matters
On 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-22, Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum in Frankfurt covering Temperature-controlled air and road freight for IMPs, IRT/RTSM randomization and drug supply software, Comparator and an gives packaging buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Frankfurt Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn - the niu, Coin Frankfurt Ostend by IHG
midscale
Frankfurt Ostend3.8
Holiday Inn - the niu, Charly Frankfurt City by IHG
midscale
Frankfurt city centre4.1
Best Western Conference Airporthotel Frankfurt Moerfelden
midscale
Moerfelden, near Frankfurt Airport3.8
B&B Hotel Frankfurt-Airport
budget
Frankfurt Airport corridor4.3
Lindner Hotel Frankfurt Sportpark - JDV by Hyatt
upscale
Frankfurt Sportpark4.3
Park Inn by Radisson Frankfurt Airport Hotel
midscale
Frankfurt Airport3.9
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn / regional train
Estimated costApprox. EUR 6.50 single RMV airport ticket
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
S8 and S9 trains connect FRA to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in roughly 11-15 min. Buy and validate an RMV ticket before boarding; confirm live fares on the RMV app.
U-Bahn / tram
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.40 single inner-city RMV ticket
Best forFrankfurt city centre to Frankfurt City South venue
Use the RMV network from Hauptbahnhof or Südbahnhof with a short tram, U-Bahn, or bus connection to the City South district. Confirm the closest stop to the venue entrance.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 35-45 metered taxi
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Journey time is typically 20-30 min depending on traffic. Use the official taxi rank at FRA and confirm the fare estimate with the driver before departure.
ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. EUR 30-42 app quote
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Uber, Bolt, and FREE NOW may be available in Frankfurt. Compare the app quote with a metered taxi and use designated pick-up zones at FRA and the venue.
parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20-30 per 24 hours
Best forVenue hotel and nearby city-centre garages
Parking at the venue hotel may be limited. Reserve a space if driving and confirm height restrictions, overnight rules, and whether the hotel validates garage tickets.
Weather
October is mid-autumn in Frankfurt: cool and changeable, with daytime highs near 13-15 C and morning lows around 6-8 C. Rain is common, so pack a compact umbrella and a waterproof layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Frankfurt has strong 4G and 5G coverage from German networks. EU visitors can use roaming under EU rules; non-EU attendees should arrange an eSIM or a prepaid SIM before arrival. Venue Wi-Fi may require registration, so confirm access at check-in and keep a mobile data backup for transit apps and meeting schedules.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Frankfurt business culture is punctual and direct. Arrive on time, keep meetings agenda-led, and exchange business cards at the start of introductions.
Language
German is the local language, but English is widely spoken in pharmaceutical, logistics, and business settings. Carry key addresses in both English and German for taxi drivers.
Tipping
Service is usually included in restaurant bills. Rounding up or adding 5-10 percent for good service is common.
Sunday and evening planning
Many shops close on Sundays. Plan pharmacy, grocery, and office-supply needs ahead, especially if you arrive over a weekend.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: FRA
For October 2026, Google Flights captures show nonstop London LHR-FRA in about 1 hr 40-45 min, Dubai DXB-FRA on Emirates in about 6 hr 45-50 min, New York JFK-FRA in about 7 hr 50-8 hr, and Tokyo NRT-FRA in about 14 hr 10 min. Fares were flagged as high for several origins in that capture, so book early and compare one-stop routings via Istanbul, Doha, Bahrain, London, or Charlotte. FRA is the closest major airport; allow 20-30 min by taxi or 25-40 min by S-Bahn plus transfer to the City South venue.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Allow road or rail time to Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South: Frankfurt Ostend: Holiday Inn - the niu, Coin Frankfurt Ostend by IHG; Frankfurt city centre: Holiday Inn - the niu, Charly Frankfurt City by IHG; Moerfelden, near Frankfurt Airport: Best Western Conference Airporthotel Frankfurt Moerfelden.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and FREE NOW may be available in Frankfurt. Use designated pick-up zones at Frankfurt Airport and the venue hotel, and compare the app quote with a metered taxi during peak trade-fair hours.
Public transit: Frankfurt's RMV network covers S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, and bus. For the City South venue, plan a connection via Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or Südbahnhof followed by a short tram, bus, or taxi. Buy and validate a ticket before boarding; the RMV app shows live routes and fare zones.
Parking: Parking at the venue hotel may be limited. Reserve a space if driving and expect city-centre rates of approx. EUR 20-30 per 24 hours at nearby garages. Confirm height restrictions and whether the hotel validates garage tickets.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 7-15 C; daytime highs around 13-15 C and cooler mornings and evenings
Seasonality: Autumn is unsettled with frequent light rain and cloudy days. Check a short-range forecast before travel and keep a compact umbrella in your bag.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for tram and metro transfers, and business casual clothing for sessions. Bring a universal adapter for Germany Type F sockets.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Register for Clinical Trial Supply Forum and confirm whether your pass is sponsor, vendor, CRO, or speaker category.
T-2
Check the published schedule and shortlist sessions on comparator sourcing, cold chain, IRT/RTSM, depots, and GxP.
T-3
Book a refundable hotel near Frankfurt City South, Hauptbahnhof, or the airport corridor depending on your arrival time.
T-4
Hold flights into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and allow 25-45 min by road or S-Bahn plus transfer to the venue.
T-5
Check Schengen visa requirements for your nationality and request an organiser invitation letter only if the policy allows it.
T-6
Prepare two current clinical supply problems to discuss, such as a country import delay, a temperature excursion, or a comparator shortage.
T-7
Review your trial portfolio and note which products, geographies, and trial phases need vendor support.
T-8
Download the event app or agenda and request meetings with target suppliers before arrival.
T-9
Confirm your registration confirmation, ID, and any health or security requirements with the venue.
T-10
Plan a business casual wardrobe with comfortable shoes and a waterproof layer for Frankfurt autumn weather.
T-11
Arrange mobile data or an eSIM for maps, RMV transit tickets, and ride-hailing apps.
T-12
Leave buffer time on arrival day for immigration, baggage, and S-Bahn transfers.
T-13
Set a follow-up system for business cards, QR scans, and meeting notes.
T-14
Check the cancellation and transfer rules for your travel and hotel bookings before departure.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum registration concourse
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Temperature-Controlled Logistics Solutions and Clinical Trial Supply Chain Manag solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum in Frankfurt.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Temperature-Controlled Logistics Solutions and Clinical Trial Supply Chain Manag products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Frankfurt show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP)
- The study drug or biological being tested in a clinical trial. Its supply must be labeled, shipped, stored, and accounted for under GxP and trial-protocol rules.
- IRT/RTSM
- Interactive Response Technology or Randomization and Trial Supply Management. These systems randomize participants and manage drug kit assignment, resupply, and unblinding.
- Cold chain
- A temperature-controlled supply chain for products that must stay within a defined range, often 2-8 C, from manufacture through depot, site, and patient.
- Comparator sourcing
- The process of finding, qualifying, and supplying comparator drugs or placebo for a trial, often across multiple countries and regulatory regimes.
- Clinical supply depot
- A regional or global warehouse that receives, stores, labels, and distributes IMPs and ancillary supplies to trial sites or direct-to-patient channels.
- Temperature excursion
- A deviation where a product is exposed to temperatures outside its allowed range. Teams must assess impact, document the event, and decide whether stock can still be used.
- Kit and label design
- The packaging, blinded labeling, and kit configuration that let sites dispense the right treatment without breaking the blind. Errors here can halt randomization or trigger recalls.
- Direct-to-patient (DTP)
- Shipping trial medication directly to participants rather than through a site pharmacy. It requires home delivery logistics, temperature control, and patient support.
- Ancillary supplies
- Non-IMP items needed to run a trial, such as syringes, swabs, diaries, return kits, and shipping materials. They must be planned alongside the drug supply.
- Demand planning and forecasting
- Estimating how much drug and ancillary stock each site will need by period, based on enrollment, randomization, dropouts, and expiry. Poor forecasts create stock-outs or waste.
- GxP
- The family of good practice regulations for medicines, including GMP, GCP, GDP, and GVP. Clinical supply vendors must show inspection-ready processes and documentation.
- Import/export license and customs
- The permits and paperwork that allow clinical materials to cross borders. Timelines vary by country and can delay site activation if not planned early.
- Randomization and unblinding
- The process of assigning participants to treatment arms and, when necessary, revealing treatment assignment for safety or analysis. Supply systems must protect the blind until an authorized unblinding.
- Site pharmacy
- The hospital or clinic pharmacy that receives, stores, dispenses, and reconciles trial medication. Its capacity and processes directly affect enrollment speed and compliance.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Clinical Trials Conference Frankfurt 2026
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Forum
- Clinical Supply Chain Management
- Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum 2026
- Global Clinical Trial Supply Forum Frankfurt 2026
- Global Clinical Trial Supply 2026
- Global Clinical Trial Supply Frankfurt 2026
- Frankfurt Germany
- Healthcare Frankfurt 2026
- Pharmaceuticals
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.