SimRacing Expo 2026, held from 16 to 18 October at Messe Frankfurt, is the premier event for SimRacing enthusiasts, featuring the latest innovations in racing technology.
Dates
16–18 Oct 2026
City / country
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Venue
Messe Frankfurt
Time
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Event overview
The SimRacing Expo is the ultimate event for SimRacing fans, showcasing cutting-edge hardware and software in the world of virtual motorsports. With over 70 exhibitors and a vast exhibition space, attendees can experience the latest in racing technology firsthand.
The event also features a comprehensive stage program with industry leaders and renowned personalities sharing insights into the future of SimRacing. SimRacing Expo takes place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
TL;DR
Experience the latest SimRacing technologies and innovations firsthand. Network with industry leaders and fellow enthusiasts. Attend engaging panels and discussions featuring top personalities in the racing world. Test cutting-edge hardware and software before it hits the market. Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere celebrating the passion for SimRacing.
Gain direct access to thousands of passionate SimRacing fans. Showcase your products in a dedicated environment focused on innovation and community. Benefit from on-site sales opportunities and extensive media coverage. Engage with content creators and industry professionals to enhance brand visibility. Participate in live demonstrations and panel discussions to connect with your target audience.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt am Main 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: Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt am Main 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 Messe Frankfurt for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Who runs the show
South West Vision GmbH
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025 · Dortmund
Visitors: 24,000
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
The 2025 edition in Dortmund set a new attendance record with more than 24,000 visitors. Coverage described the show as outgrowing its niche and reported record visitor numbers ahead of the 2026 expansion. Exhibitor and community recaps highlighted strong interest in sim racing hardware and the event's growing reach. The 2025 edition brought together 24,000+ visitors at Messe Frankfurt.
Audience quality
The 2025 edition drew 24,000+ visitors across hobbyist and trade audiences. The 2025 edition in Dortmund set a new attendance record with more than 24,000 visitors. Coverage described the show as outgrowing its niche and reported record visitor numbers ahead of the 2026 expansion. Exhibitor and community recaps highlighted strong interest in sim racing hardware and the event's growing reach.
Exhibitor outcomes
The 2025 edition in Dortmund set a new attendance record with more than 24,000 visitors. Coverage described the show as outgrowing its niche and reported record visitor numbers ahead of the 2026 expansion. Exhibitor and community recaps highlighted strong interest in sim racing hardware and the event's growing reach.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending SimRacing Expo on 2026-10-16 to 2026-10-18 in Frankfurt am Main 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.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
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
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Frankfurt Airport
to venue
by car
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn
S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 run from the airport to Frankfurt Messe; journey about 15-20 minutes. Buy tickets at machines or in the RMV app.
U-Bahn / tram
Use U-Bahn or tram services to Messe stops; a day ticket may be better value if you make several trips.
Taxi
Taxi ranks at Terminals 1 and 2; journey 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Ride-hail
Uber and Bolt operate in Frankfurt. Use designated pickup zones at the airport and expect surge pricing during trade-fair peak hours.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Weather
Frankfurt am Main in mid-October is mid-autumn. Typical daytime highs sit around 13-17 C, with nighttime lows around 6-10 C. Rain is possible on several days, and mornings can feel chilly. Layer clothing for the walk between Messe halls and transport stops, and keep a compact umbrella in your bag. Check a live forecast close to 16-18 October 2026.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Germany has broad 4G and 5G coverage. EU roaming rules apply for travellers with EU SIM cards; visitors from outside the EU should check roaming charges or buy a prepaid eSIM for data during the show. Messe Frankfurt halls and the Frankfurt Messe S-Bahn station have dense mobile coverage, but exhibitor demo areas can be crowded, so download maps and tickets before entering. Public Wi-Fi may be available at the venue; confirm login details on site.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Sim racing demo etiquette
Ask before touching a rig, keep queues moving and follow exhibitor instructions on wheel strength and pedal settings. Demo sessions are often short, so have your questions ready.
Frankfurt business hours
Most shops close on Sundays, so buy essentials on Saturday. Many restaurants and bars stay open later around Hauptbahnhof and Sachsenhausen.
Cash and cards
Cards are widely accepted in Frankfurt, but some small kiosks and bakeries prefer cash. Keep a few euros for lockers, snacks or transit machines.
Public transport punctuality
RMV trains and trams run frequently, but trade-fair crowds can slow boarding. Validate tickets where required and keep the RMV app handy for live delays.
Tipping
In restaurants, rounding up or adding 5-10 percent is common; say the total you want to pay when handing over the card or cash.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: FRA
Book flights to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for the shortest transfer to Messe Frankfurt. Compare morning arrivals on 15 or 16 October 2026 to allow time for badge collection. If you fly into another German hub, allow for a Deutsche Bahn train to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and a short U-Bahn or tram ride to the fairground. Confirm baggage rules if you plan to bring simulator hardware or demo equipment.
Germany is a Schengen state. Many non-EU visitors need a Schengen short-stay business visa; EU/EEA citizens and several visa-waiver nationalities do not. Check your nationality on the Federal Foreign Office visa pages before booking flights.
Estimated cost: EU-set Schengen short-stay visa fee plus any service-centre charges; confirm the current amount with your German mission.
Processing: Allow several weeks from appointment booking to passport return at the German mission responsible for your place of residence; confirm current timelines before booking.
Carry an exhibitor or organiser invitation, hotel confirmation and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance. Visa-waiver travellers should verify ETIAS status before departure.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-10-15
Check-out (recommended)
2026-10-19
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Allow road or rail time to Messe Frankfurt; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Frankfurt: Messe Frankfurt / Europaviertel: B&B HOTEL Frankfurt-Messe; Messe Frankfurt / city centre: Mercure Hotel Frankfurt City Messe.
Ride-hail: Uber and Bolt operate in Frankfurt and can be booked from Frankfurt Airport and city hotels. Use designated pickup zones at the airport and expect surge pricing during trade-fair peak hours. Confirm the app quote before booking; a taxi from FRA to Messe is roughly EUR 40-55.
Public transit: RMV S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 connect Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt Messe station in about 15-20 minutes. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, U-Bahn and tram services reach the Messe district in 10-15 minutes. Buy a single or day ticket at machines or in the RMV app; the Messe station is inside the Frankfurt city fare zone. Allow extra time on 16-18 October 2026 when fair crowds peak.
Parking: Messe Frankfurt operates multi-storey car parks around the fairground, including areas near the halls and the Messe S-Bahn station. Trade-fair days can fill spaces early, so arrive before opening or pre-book where the venue allows. Confirm current daily tariffs and accessible parking options on the Messe Frankfurt site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Mid-October 2026 (16-18 October), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Temperature: Typical mid-October range: daytime highs around 13-17 C, nighttime lows around 6-10 C; check a live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: October is a changeable month in Frankfurt, with rain possible on several days and occasional windy spells. Mornings and evenings feel cooler than midday, especially near the Main river.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for Messe halls, a power bank for demo recording and a light warm layer for evenings. If you plan to try motion rigs, avoid loose clothing that can catch on frames.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SimRacing Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Check passport validity, Schengen visa or ETIAS status, and book flights into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for 15-16 October 2026 arrival.
Book a hotel near Messe Frankfurt or Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof; trade-fair dates tighten room supply, so compare refundable rates.
Buy visitor tickets via ticket.simracingexpo.de and confirm opening hours for 16-18 October 2026.
Download the official exhibitor list and mark wheelbase, pedal, rig and software brands you want to test.
Check the official schedule for esports tournaments, demo sessions and any community or signing events.
Plan the airport transfer: S-Bahn S8 or S9 to Frankfurt Messe station, or taxi to the fairground.
Pack comfortable shoes, layers, a compact umbrella, power bank and any adapters for demo recording.
Confirm hotel check-in times and save booking confirmations for travel and visa checks.
Arrive in Frankfurt, test the RMV ticket app or buy a city ticket, and scout the route to Messe Frankfurt.
Arrive early at the fairground for badge collection and security screening; head to popular demo halls first.
Review notes and exhibitor contacts; plan a second-day route around any missed rigs or esports stages.
Follow up with exhibitors and check the official site for post-show announcements or next-edition dates.
Registration and hall orientation at Messe Frankfurt
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
SimRacing Expo registration concourse
Messe Frankfurt
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Messe Frankfurt
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether SimRacing Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
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
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Trust footer
1
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
SimRacing Expo
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