Dates

    28–29 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Bremen, Germany

    Venue

    Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

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    Event overview

    Overview

    ITHEC 2026 is the 8th International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites, taking place in Bremen, Germany. This biennial event connects industry experts and researchers to discuss the latest advancements in thermoplastic composite technologies.

    With over 300 participants and 40+ exhibitors, ITHEC fosters collaboration and innovation in the field, making it a must-attend for professionals looking to network and explore new technologies. ITHEC takes place in Bremen, Germany.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: ITHEC 2026 runs 28-29 October 2026 at Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) in Bremen, Germany.
    2. 2Focus: The 9th International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites covers materials, automated processing, joining and recycling for thermoplastic composite structures.
    3. 3Format: A two-day technical conference paired with an exhibition floor where material producers, machine builders and research institutes present aerospace, automotive and industrial lightweighting solutions.
    4. 4Who Attends: Engineers, materials scientists, OEM and tier supply-chain specialists, institute researchers and procurement leads working on thermoplastic composite parts and processes.
    5. 5Entry: Visitor, exhibitor, speaker, student and conference-dinner tickets are sold through the organiser; register via ithec.de before travelling.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain insights from leading experts in the thermoplastic composites sector, participate in engaging sessions, and network with peers. Dates and Venue: ITHEC 2026 takes place from 28 to 29 October 2026 at Congress Centrum Bremen, Germany. Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry experts, researchers, and professionals from the thermoplastic composites field.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies to a targeted audience of industry professionals. Scale and Focus: The event will host over 300 participants and feature 40+ exhibitors in the thermoplastic composites sector. Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry experts, researchers, and professionals from the thermoplastic composites field.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Aerospace stress, design and manufacturing engineers evaluating thermoplastic composite structures for aircraft primary and secondary parts
    Automotive body, chassis and battery-enclosure engineers assessing organosheets, unidirectional tapes and overmoulding for high-volume lightweighting
    Materials and process engineers working with PEEK, PEKK, PA6, PA12 and other thermoplastic matrices, including fibre sizing and tape qualification
    Automation and production engineers responsible for automated tape laying (ATL), automated fibre placement (AFP), press forming and welding cells
    Joining and assembly specialists comparing ultrasonic, laser, resistance and induction welding for thermoplastic composite joints
    Recycling and circularity engineers looking at reclamation, re-compounding and closed-loop routes for thermoplastic composite scrap
    Research institute scientists and PhD researchers presenting composite design, testing and simulation work
    Procurement and supply-chain leads sourcing thermoplastic tapes, organosheets, tooling, testing services and production equipment

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Producers of thermoplastic UD tapes, slit tapes and towpregs for aerospace, automotive and industrial applications
    Suppliers of organosheets, consolidated laminates and reinforced thermoplastic compounds
    Machine builders for automated tape laying, fibre placement, press forming and overmoulding systems
    Welding and joining equipment suppliers for ultrasonic, laser, resistance and induction thermoplastic composite assembly
    Testing, inspection and simulation software providers for composite design, process modelling and quality assurance
    Research institutes, universities and technology centres presenting thermoplastic composite process and material development
    Recycling and circular-economy technology suppliers serving composite manufacturing scrap and end-of-life parts
    Tooling, mould and consumable suppliers for thermoplastic composite processing

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Thermoplastic composite materials, including PEEK, PEKK, PA6, PA12 and other matrix systems
    Unidirectional tapes, slit tapes and towpregs for automated lay-up processes
    Organosheets, consolidated laminates and fibre-reinforced thermoplastic blanks
    Automated tape laying (ATL), automated fibre placement (AFP) and robotic lay-up equipment
    Press forming, overmoulding and thermoforming systems for thermoplastic composite parts
    Welding and joining technologies, including ultrasonic, laser, resistance and induction processes
    Testing, metrology, simulation and quality assurance tools for composite structures
    Recycling, re-compounding and circular-economy technologies for thermoplastic composites
    Tooling, moulds, release agents and process consumables for thermoplastic composite manufacturing

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    Bremen, Germany

    Facilities

    Parking

    Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) in Bremen 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 dining

    Parking: Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) in Bremen 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 Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    28 – 29 October 2026:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
    • Conference

      900
    • Speaker

      450
    • Exhibitor

      450
    • Student

      85
    • Dinner

      80
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Messe Bremen

    Congress Bremen

    Bremen Fibre Institute (Faserinstitut Bremen e. V.)

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2024

    Completed

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Edition recap

    ITHEC is the International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites held in Bremen. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show was ITHEC 2024, with Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) as the venue. Congress Bremen lists ITHEC among its own conferences, but the captured search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor counts for the prior edition.

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    ITHEC is the International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites held in Bremen. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show was ITHEC 2024, with Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) as the venue. Congress Bremen lists ITHEC among its own conferences, but the captured search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor counts for the prior edition.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    ITHEC is the International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites held in Bremen. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show was ITHEC 2024, with Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) as the venue. Congress Bremen lists ITHEC among its own conferences, but the captured search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor counts for the prior edition.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    ITHEC is the International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites held in Bremen. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show was ITHEC 2024, with Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) as the venue. Congress Bremen lists ITHEC among its own conferences, but the captured search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor counts for the prior edition.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    Bremen, Germany

    Why it matters

    Attending ITHEC on 2026-10-28 to 2026-10-29 in Bremen lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    Germany Thermoplastic Composites Market Outlook, Demand & Future

    Read

    Annual Growth in Germany Thermoplastic Composites Market: A ... - LinkedIn

    Read

    RE Expands German Research Infrastructure for Circular Thermoplastic ...

    Read

    Germany Thermoplastic Composites Market (2025-2031) Outlook | Size ...

    Read

    Germany Thermoplastic Composites Market Size & Share Report 2035

    Read

    HPCFK Consortium Launches RE:LIGHT for Recyclable Composite Structures

    Read

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

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

    BRE

    Bremen Airport

    Closest airport to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB). Confirm current tram timetables and taxi fares on arrival

    TBA

    to venue

    About 10-15 minutes by taxi to the city centre; tram line 6 connects the airport with Bremen Hauptbahnhof and the city

    by car

    HAM

    Hamburg Airport

    Larger international gateway with more long-haul connections; allow extra time for the train or road transfer to Bremen

    TBA

    to venue

    About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on traffic and connections

    by car

    HAJ

    Hannover Airport

    Alternative German hub with rail links to Bremen; confirm Deutsche Bahn connections before booking

    TBA

    to venue

    About 1 hour 15 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on connections

    by car

    Hotel tiers

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

    a&o Hostel Bremen Hauptbahnhof

    budget
    Bremen Hauptbahnhof

    3.6

    Flemings Hotel Bremen-Hauptbahnhof

    midscale
    Bremen Hauptbahnhof

    4.1

    Prize by Radisson, Bremen City

    midscale
    Bremen city centre

    4.2

    Hotel Westfalia, Friedrich Vette & Sohn GmbH

    midscale
    Bremen city centre

    4.2

    MEININGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof

    budget
    Bremen Hauptbahnhof (about 590 m from CCB)

    4.2

    B&B HOTEL Bremen-City

    budget
    Bremen city centre

    4.0

    ibis budget Bremen City Center

    budget
    Bremen city centre

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Tram

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLine 6 from Bremen Airport (BRE) toward the city centre and Hauptbahnhof

    Train

    Estimated costEUR 10-22 airport or regional rail single journey
    Best forDeutsche Bahn regional services into Bremen Hauptbahnhof, then tram or walk to the CCB

    Taxi

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBremen Airport (BRE) to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    About 10-15 minutes by taxi to the city centre; tram line 6 connects the airport with Bremen Hauptbahnhof and the city; Closest airport to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB). Confirm current tram timetables and taxi fares on arrival.

    Car

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forOn-site and nearby parking around the CCB, pre-bookable via parking aggregators

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forHamburg Airport (HAM) to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on traffic and connections; Larger international gateway with more long-haul connections; allow extra time for the train or road transfer to Bremen.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forHannover Airport (HAJ) to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    About 1 hour 15 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on connections; Alternative German hub with rail links to Bremen; confirm Deutsche Bahn connections before booking.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    Late October in Bremen brings cool, changeable weather with frequent rain showers, so plan indoor transfer options and carry rain gear between hotels and the CCB.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Germany uses standard EU mobile coverage; visitors from outside the EU should arrange roaming or a local SIM/eSIM for data during the conference days in Bremen.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Hanseatic city character

    Bremen is a historic Hanseatic city. The Marktplatz, the Roland statue and the Bremen Town Hall (UNESCO World Heritage) are within walking distance of the city centre hotels and a short tram ride from the CCB.

    Language and business etiquette

    German is the working language of most local businesses, though trade fair and conference staff generally speak English. A polite greeting and punctuality are appreciated in meetings.

    Payments and Sunday closures

    Many shops and some restaurants close on Sundays, and smaller businesses may prefer cash or Girocard over credit cards. Carry some euros and confirm opening hours before planning evening meals.

    Local food and drink

    Bremen is known for its maritime food culture, including fish dishes and local beers. Reservations are advisable for larger groups during trade fair and conference weeks.

    Weather and clothing

    Late October in Bremen is cool and changeable, with frequent rain showers and temperatures typically in the single digits to low teens Celsius. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking between hotels and the CCB.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: BRE

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Bremen; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Schengen short-stay rules apply for Germany. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for business visits of up to 90 days; others need a Schengen business visa arranged before travel.

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Check your nationality against the Federal Foreign Office visa pages and apply at the German mission in your country of residence; bring an ITHEC invitation and hotel booking to the appointment.

    Official

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Bremen Airport (BRE): About 10-15 minutes by taxi to the city centre; tram line 6 connects the airport with Bremen Hauptbahnhof and the city; Hamburg Airport (HAM): About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on traffic and connections; Hannover Airport (HAJ): About 1 hour 15 minutes by car or train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof, depending on connections. Allow road or rail time to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB); on-site parking is usu

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB): Bremen Hauptbahnhof: a&o Hostel Bremen Hauptbahnhof; Bremen Hauptbahnhof: Flemings Hotel Bremen-Hauptbahnhof; Bremen city centre: Prize by Radisson, Bremen City.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Bremen; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Bremen's tram and bus network links the Hauptbahnhof and city centre to the Congress Centrum Bremen; tram line 6 also connects Bremen Airport (BRE) directly with the city. The organiser getting-here page sets out the recommended tram and walking routes to the CCB.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October 2026

    Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 13-15 C, with nights near 6-8 C

    Seasonality: October is an unsettled, often damp month in Bremen with frequent showers and breezy North Sea weather; pack for wet days.

    Packing: Bring a waterproof shell or umbrella, layers for cool mornings, and comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets around the CCB and city centre.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at ITHEC usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    T-1

    14 days before: Confirm your registration on ithec.de and check whether your ticket is a conference pass, exhibition pass or student pass.

    T-2

    14 days before: Book a hotel near Bremen Hauptbahnhof or the city centre, and confirm the cancellation policy for late-October travel.

    T-3

    12 days before: Check your nationality's Schengen entry requirements for Germany and, if a visa is needed, confirm your appointment and travel insurance.

    T-4

    10 days before: Download the ITHEC programme and shortlist conference sessions and exhibitors that match your thermoplastic composite interests.

    T-5

    10 days before: Request a letter of invitation from the organiser if you need one for a visa or internal travel approval.

    T-6

    7 days before: Plan your route to Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB); Bremen Airport (BRE) connects to the city by tram line 6, and the Hauptbahnhof is a short tram or walk from the venue.

    T-7

    7 days before: If travelling by train, book Deutsche Bahn tickets to Bremen Hauptbahnhof and allow time for the tram or walk to the CCB.

    T-8

    5 days before: Arrange printed or digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance and hotel confirmation.

    T-9

    3 days before: Check the late-October Bremen weather forecast and pack rain gear and layers for cool, changeable conditions.

    T-10

    2 days before: Confirm your arrival time and badge collection details, and set aside time for security checks on the first morning.

    T-11

    1 day before: Charge devices and download offline maps for Bremen's tram and bus network; note that many German businesses still prefer cash or Girocard.

    T-12

    On arrival: Collect your badge, pick up the show guide and use the first morning to orient yourself across the conference rooms and exhibition floor.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    ITHEC registration concourse

    Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB)

    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.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Conference

    EUR 900 / per person

    organiser_published

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Speaker

    EUR 450 / per person

    organiser_published

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Exhibitor

    EUR 450 / per person

    organiser_published

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Student

    EUR 85 / per person

    organiser_published

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Dinner

    EUR 80 / per person

    organiser_published

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether ITHEC fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

    Best for

    Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

    Min. budget

    $400.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

    Risks

    Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

    Best for

    Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

    Risks

    Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.

    skip

    Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

    Best for

    Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is ITHEC 2026 taking place?
    ITHEC 2026 runs 28-29 October 2026 at Congress Centrum Bremen (CCB) in Bremen, Germany.
    What is ITHEC focused on?
    ITHEC is a conference and exhibition dedicated to thermoplastic composites, covering materials, automated processing, welding and joining, testing, and recycling for lightweight structures.
    How do I register as a visitor or delegate?
    Registration runs through the official ithec.de ticketing platform; the final conference programme and ticketing details are published on the organiser site.
    How do I reach Congress Centrum Bremen?
    Bremen Airport (BRE) connects to the city by tram line 6, and Bremen Hauptbahnhof is within a short tram ride or walk of the CCB; the organiser getting-here page lists the routes.

    Glossary

    1
    Thermoplastic composite
    A composite material in which the matrix is a thermoplastic polymer (for example PEEK, PEKK, PA6 or PA12) rather than a thermoset resin. The matrix can be melted and re-formed, which enables welding, forming and recycling.
    2
    Unidirectional (UD) tape
    A thin, continuous-fibre reinforcement tape with fibres aligned in one direction, pre-impregnated with thermoplastic polymer. UD tapes are the feedstock for automated tape laying and fibre placement processes.
    3
    Organosheet
    A consolidated, flat thermoplastic composite sheet, typically glass-fibre or carbon-fibre reinforced, used as a blank for press forming and overmoulding of structural parts.
    4
    Automated tape laying (ATL)
    A robotic or gantry process that places wide, unidirectional thermoplastic tapes onto a tool or laminate surface, typically for large, relatively flat aerospace structures.
    5
    Automated fibre placement (AFP)
    A process that lays narrow, tows or slit tapes along curved paths to build complex, contoured thermoplastic composite structures, often used for aerospace and high-performance parts.
    6
    Consolidation
    The step in thermoplastic composite processing where heat and pressure are applied to melt the polymer, remove voids and bond tape plies or laminate layers into a dense part.
    7
    Thermoplastic welding
    A family of joining methods, including ultrasonic, laser, resistance and induction welding, in which the thermoplastic matrix at the interface is melted and re-solidified to form a bond without adhesives.
    8
    Overmoulding
    A process in which a thermoplastic composite insert, such as an organosheet, is placed in a mould and encapsulated or reinforced with injection-moulded thermoplastic polymer, often to add ribs, bosses or functional features.
    9
    In-situ consolidation
    A tape-laying or fibre-placement approach where the thermoplastic laminate is consolidated directly as it is laid, reducing or eliminating a separate autoclave or press step.
    10
    PEEK and PEKK
    High-performance thermoplastic polymers used as composite matrices for aerospace and high-temperature applications, valued for strength, chemical resistance and melt-processability.
    11
    LFT (long-fibre thermoplastic)
    A thermoplastic compound reinforced with relatively long fibres, typically processed by injection moulding or compression moulding for structural and semi-structural parts.
    12
    Thermoplastic composite recycling
    Recovery routes for thermoplastic composite production scrap and end-of-life parts, including regrinding, re-compounding and re-moulding, which exploit the re-meltable nature of the matrix.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • ITHEC
    • ITHEC 2026
    • ITHEC Bremen
    • Conference
    • Conference Bremen
    • Bremen tech expo 2026

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