Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The SEPAWA CONGRESS is a leading event in the personal care, home care, and cosmetics industries, taking place from October 14 to 16, 2026, at the Estrel Congress Center in Berlin, Germany. This congress brings together industry professionals, researchers, and decision-makers to explore the latest innovations and trends.
With over 300 exhibitors, attendees will have the opportunity to network, attend presentations, and discover new products and technologies. SEPAWA CONGRESS takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: SEPAWA CONGRESS takes place from October 14 to 16, 2026, at Estrel Congress Center, Berlin, Germany.
- 2Scale and Focus: This congress is a key event for the personal care, home care, and cosmetics industries, featuring over 300 exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by SEPAWA eVent GmbH, with registration available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry professionals, researchers, and decision-makers from the personal care and cosmetics sectors.
- 5Entry: Registration is required; details can be found on the official registration page.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators. The congress features a comprehensive program of presentations and workshops, providing insights into the latest trends and developments in personal care and cosmetics. Visitors can also explore a wide range of products and solutions from leading exhibitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the SEPAWA CONGRESS offers companies the chance to showcase their latest products and innovations to a targeted audience of industry professionals. Exhibitors can engage directly with potential clients and partners, enhancing their visibility and market presence. The event also provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into industry trends.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Industry professionals from personal care and cosmetics sectors
Researchers and scientists in the field of detergents
Marketing and product development specialists
Regulatory affairs experts
Sustainability and environmental compliance officers
Supply chain and logistics managers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of personal care products
Suppliers of raw materials for cosmetics
Packaging solution providers
Technology and equipment suppliers for production
Consultants in regulatory compliance
Distributors and wholesalers in the personal care industry
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Personal care products and formulations
Home care cleaning products
Cosmetic ingredients and raw materials
Packaging solutions for cosmetics
Sustainable and eco-friendly products
Innovative cleaning technologies
Location & Facilities
Venue
Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Facilities
Parking
Estrel Congress Center Berlin in Berlin 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: Estrel Congress Center Berlin in Berlin 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 Estrel Congress Center Berlin for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
SEPAWA eVent GmbH
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Berlin, Germany
Why it matters
Attending SEPAWA CONGRESS on 2026-10-14 to 2026-10-16 in Berlin 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.
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.
Berlin Brandenburg
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Apartmenthaus Berlin Neukölln
apartment
NeuköllnApartment option sleeping three, listed around EUR 72; suitable for small teams preferring self-catering. USD band is approximate for October congress dates.
Mercure Hotel Berlin Tempelhof
4-star
TempelhofGuest rating 4.1. Approximate USD nightly band for the congress period; Tempelhof is a short ride from Neukölln.
HOLI City Apart Hotel Berlin
apart-hotel
BerlinFree parking; guest rating 4.3. Approximate USD nightly band, suitable for small teams with a vehicle.
Motel Plus Berlin Neukölln
budget
NeuköllnPet-friendly, parking available; guest rating 4.4. Approximate USD nightly band for October dates.
Pegasus Hostel Berlin
hostel
BerlinGuest rating 3.5; budget option. Approximate USD nightly band, confirm room type and shared facilities.
Sunflower Hostel Berlin am Julius
hostel
BerlinGuest rating 4.1; lowest listed nightly rate in the search capture. Approximate USD band for the congress period.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forBerlin Brandenburg (BER) to Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Berlin has no flat airport-to-city taxi tariff. Journey time is roughly 35-55 minutes depending on traffic; use the official taxi rank at BER.
rail (FEX or regional train plus S-Bahn/U-Bahn)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 4.40 single ABC ticket, confirm BVG/VBB fare
Best forBerlin Brandenburg (BER) to Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Take the FEX or a regional train to Berlin Hbf or Ostkreuz, then change to S-Bahn or U-Bahn toward Neukölln. Allow 45-60 minutes door to door.
metro / S-Bahn
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.50 single AB ticket, confirm BVG/VBB fare
Best forCentral Berlin hotels to Estrel Congress Center Berlin
S-Bahn Ring lines S41/S42 serve Sonnenallee, about a 10-12 minute walk from Estrel. U8 Hermannplatz connects to bus M41 for the final stretch.
bus
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.50 single AB ticket, confirm BVG/VBB fare
Best forHermannplatz to Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Local buses run along Sonnenallee; check the BVG app for the closest stop and current timetable.
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
October 2026 in Berlin is typically changeable and autumnal: daytime highs around 14-15 C, nighttime lows around 7-8 C, and roughly 8-9 rain days in the month. Mornings and evenings can feel colder, especially near the Spree and in open areas around the venue. Pack layers, a water-resistant jacket and comfortable shoes for transit and walking. Forecasts beyond 10 days are indicative; check a local Berlin forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Berlin has broad 4G and 5G coverage from German operators. Travellers with EU SIM cards can use roaming under EU rules; visitors from outside the EU should compare an eSIM or a prepaid German SIM for data. Estrel Congress Center typically provides venue Wi-Fi for attendees; confirm the network name and password at registration. Mobile data is useful for BVG/VBB transit apps, ride-hail and congress updates.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business introductions
Berlin business culture is direct but polite. Use titles and surnames until invited otherwise, and bring business cards for meetings at Estrel Congress Center.
Punctuality
Arrive on time for lectures and scheduled meetings. Registration queues and security checks can add 10-15 minutes on the first morning.
Cash and cards
Cards are widely accepted in Berlin, but some small cafes, bakeries and kiosks prefer cash. Keep a small amount of euros for incidental purchases.
Sunday closures
Many shops close on Sundays. Plan grocery, pharmacy and shopping errands for Saturday if you are staying through the weekend.
Transit etiquette
Validate BVG/VBB tickets before boarding and keep them until you exit. Keep noise low in quiet carriages and give way to passengers exiting trains.
Waste separation
Germany separates packaging, paper and general waste. Follow labelled bins at the venue and hotel, especially for coffee cups and food packaging.
Language
German is the local language, but English is widely spoken in the congress and hotel sectors. A few German phrases are appreciated in taxis, cafes and neighbourhood shops.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BER
Book flights once the SEPAWA 2026 programme and registration dates are confirmed. Search for Berlin Brandenburg (BER) rather than the former Tegel or Schönefeld codes. Sample Google Flights captures show short-haul connections from London from about EUR 71, Milan from about EUR 43 and Paris from about EUR 89, plus a Dubai-Berlin one-stop itinerary from about EUR 313; these are indicative samples, not quotes. Allow 45-60 minutes from BER to Estrel Congress Center and keep a buffer before the first session.
Visa
A Schengen short-stay visa (business category) is required for visa-national travellers to Germany; visa-exempt nationalities may attend the congress without a visa for short trips, with ETIAS pre-travel registration planned.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
German mission pages also publish an EES digital entry registration page and an ETIAS information page for visa-exempt travellers; review before booking.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Berlin Brandenburg (BER). Allow road or rail time to Estrel Congress Center Berlin; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Estrel Congress Center Berlin: Neukölln: Apartmenthaus Berlin Neukölln; Tempelhof: Mercure Hotel Berlin Tempelhof; Berlin: HOLI City Apart Hotel Berlin.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FreeNow operate in Berlin. Use the signed ride-hail pickup area at BER and confirm the drop-off point with the driver, as Estrel Congress Center has multiple entrances. Fares vary with demand; expect an approximate EUR 35-55 trip from BER to Neukölln outside surge pricing. Confirm the app, car type and price before starting the journey.
Public transit: Berlin's BVG/VBB network connects BER, central hotels and Neukölln. From the airport, take the FEX or a regional train to Berlin Hbf or Ostkreuz, then S-Bahn or U-Bahn toward Neukölln. S-Bahn Ring lines S41/S42 stop at Sonnenallee, about a 10-12 minute walk from Estrel Congress Center. U8 Hermannplatz connects to bus M41. Single AB tickets are approximately EUR 3.50 and ABC tickets approximately EUR 4.40; validate before boarding and confirm current fares in the BVG or VBB app.
Parking: Estrel Berlin has an on-site parking garage; confirm the current daily rate, height restrictions and availability with the venue. Drop-off zones are available for taxis and coaches. Public street parking in Neukölln is limited, so S-Bahn or U-Bahn is often easier during the congress. Allow extra time on the first morning for parking and walking to the registration desk.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs around 14-15 C, nighttime lows around 7-8 C; wind and rain can make it feel colder near the venue and along the Spree.
Seasonality: October is changeable in Berlin with roughly 8-9 rain days in the month. Showers can arrive quickly, and mornings are often damp or misty. Check a local forecast within 48 hours of travel and carry a compact umbrella or water-resistant jacket.
Packing: Pack layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons: a warm mid-layer, a water-resistant outer jacket, an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for transit and the exhibition floor, and business casual clothing for lectures and supplier meetings. Bring a small day bag for a notebook, charger and business cards.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SEPAWA CONGRESS usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your SEPAWA registration category and download the current congress programme from sepawa.com.
T-2
Check passport validity, Schengen entry rules and whether you need a visa or ETIAS authorisation before booking flights.
T-3
Book a refundable hotel in Neukölln, Mitte or Tempelhof and confirm the cancellation deadline.
T-4
Reserve flights to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) and plan a 45-60 minute transfer to Estrel Congress Center Berlin.
T-5
Buy BVG/VBB transit tickets or set up a local transit app for S-Bahn, U-Bahn and bus journeys.
T-6
Review the exhibitor list and lecture programme, then request meetings with surfactant, fragrance, packaging and testing suppliers.
T-7
Prepare a one-page company profile and business cards for networking.
T-8
Check the congress dress code and pack layered clothing for changeable October weather.
T-9
Download the venue floor plan and note registration desk hours, hall locations and exhibitor stands.
T-10
Confirm mobile data, EU roaming or an eSIM before travel.
T-11
Arrange currency and a backup payment card; some Berlin venues and cafes still prefer cash for small purchases.
T-12
Save the organiser contact and venue address in your phone for arrival day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2SEPAWA CONGRESS registration concourse
Estrel Congress Center Berlin
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Estrel Congress Center Berlin
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 SEPAWA CONGRESS 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.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is SEPAWA Congress?
SEPAWA Congress is the annual meeting of the German detergents, cosmetics and fragrance industry, combining technical lectures, poster sessions, an exhibitor show and professional networking at Estrel Congress Center Berlin.
When is SEPAWA Congress 2026?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 2026 in Berlin; confirm the exact dates, lecture programme and registration deadlines on sepawa.com.
Where is SEPAWA Congress held?
The venue is Estrel Congress Center Berlin, Sonnenallee 225 in the Neukölln district of Berlin, Germany.
Is SEPAWA Congress trade-only?
It is a professional industry congress aimed at chemists, formulators, suppliers, brand owners, researchers and students in detergents, cosmetics and fragrance; confirm visitor category and badge rules with the organiser when registering.
How do I register for SEPAWA Congress?
Register through the official sepawa.com registration page, select the congress pass and any social or exhibitor events, and check early-bird, cancellation and payment terms before booking travel.
Who exhibits at SEPAWA Congress?
Exhibitors typically include suppliers of surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, preservatives, fragrance ingredients, actives, testing services, packaging and production equipment for the detergents and cosmetics sectors.
Are the congress sessions in German or English?
The SEPAWA programme includes contributions in German and English; check language labels and any translation arrangements in the official programme before planning your schedule.
Can I present a poster at SEPAWA Congress?
SEPAWA includes poster sessions; check the call for papers and poster submission deadlines on the official site if you want to present research.
How do I get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the venue?
Take the FEX or a regional train from BER to Berlin Hbf or Ostkreuz, then continue by S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Neukölln; allow 45-60 minutes. A taxi or ride-hail takes roughly 35-55 minutes depending on traffic.
Where should I stay for SEPAWA Congress?
Neukölln hotels are closest to Estrel Congress Center, while Mitte, Tempelhof and central Berlin offer more choice within a 15-40 minute transit ride; book early because October is a busy congress period.
Is there parking at Estrel Congress Center Berlin?
Estrel Berlin has an on-site parking garage; confirm the current daily rate, height restrictions and availability with the venue, and note that public parking in Neukölln is limited.
Can students attend SEPAWA Congress?
Students and early-career scientists are part of the SEPAWA audience; check the registration page for student categories, poster opportunities and any reduced rates.
Glossary
- Surfactant
- Surface-active ingredient that lowers surface tension and enables cleaning, foaming, emulsification or wetting; SEPAWA exhibitors present anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric types for detergents and personal care.
- Emulsifier
- Ingredient that stabilises a mixture of oil and water phases; in cosmetics and detergents it determines texture, stability and sensory feel, a core formulation topic at SEPAWA.
- Rheology modifier
- Additive that adjusts flow and viscosity, such as thickeners and gelling agents used in creams, lotions, shower gels and household cleaners.
- Hydrotrope
- Solubiliser that improves the clarity and stability of concentrated surfactant systems, relevant to liquid detergents and hard-surface cleaners.
- Chelating agent
- Molecule that binds metal ions to improve cleaning performance, product stability and colour protection; builders and chelators are discussed in detergent sessions.
- Preservative
- Ingredient that protects water-containing cosmetics from microbial growth; selection balances efficacy, pH, packaging and regulatory limits.
- Fragrance allergen
- A fragrance component subject to labelling or declaration requirements; allergen management is part of fragrance and cosmetic regulatory compliance.
- Claim substantiation
- Evidence file behind a marketing claim such as mildness, efficacy or sustainability; testing methods and consumer perception are covered in SEPAWA technical sessions.
- In-vitro method
- Laboratory test that replaces or reduces animal testing, for example skin compatibility, eye irritation or efficacy assays used in cosmetic and detergent development.
- Refillable packaging
- Packaging system designed for reuse or refilling; linked to packaging waste regulation, lifecycle assessment and consumer acceptance in the cosmetics and detergent sectors.
- EU Cosmetics Regulation
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 governing cosmetic products in the EU, including safety assessment, labelling, prohibited substances and claims.
- EU Detergents Regulation
- EU rules on detergent ingredients, biodegradability, labelling and safe use; reform discussions are relevant to surfactant suppliers and brand owners.
- Life cycle assessment
- Method to quantify environmental impacts across a product's life, increasingly used to support sustainability claims for ingredients and packaging.
- Mildness
- Skin compatibility of a formulation or surfactant system; assessed through clinical, instrumental and consumer tests, especially for personal care and hand dishwash products.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- SEPAWA Congress
- Berlin Congress
- Personal Care Event
- SEPAWA CONGRESS 2026
- SEPAWA 2026
- CONGRESS 2026
- SEPAWA CONGRESS Berlin
- SEPAWA CONGRESS Berlin 2026
- SEPAWA
- SEPAWA Berlin
9 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.