CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt, the massive trade show venue in Frankfurt, Germany, has once again reminded me why working in a creative field is so unique and inspiring. Every year, their trade show CreativeWorld brings together the best of the craft, art, and hobby industries, and I was honored to be invited back. I’ve been attending for years, and let me tell you—this year’s show was the best yet!
If you work in a creative industry, I highly recommend adding CreativeWorld to your list of must-visit trade shows. While it’s not open to the general public, it’s a goldmine for discovering new products, techniques, and trends. Over four days, thousands of people from all over the world gather to connect with global vendors, explore the latest innovations, and learn new skills through the show’s educational hub,
Creative Academy. Held in Hall 1 again this year, the event offers stunning views of Frankfurt while you browse, learn, and get inspired across nearly 4.5 acres (18,000 square meters) of creative goodness.
One of my favorite things about CreativeWorld is how interactive it is. Throughout the show, vendor booths double as mini galleries, featuring artists and makers demonstrating their craft. You can watch them in action, chat with them about their process, and see their incredible work up close. Many booths take creativity to the next level with fun, hands-on experiences—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing art studio.
Creative Academy is another highlight, offering hands-on workshops where attendees can test out new tools and techniques. This year, there were sessions on pastel markers, candy gift packaging, watercolor portraiture, heart-shaped mug design, and even watercolor on fabric—just to name a few! The classes, held in both German and English, are centrally located near a charming café, making it easy to grab a coffee and jump into a workshop. The energy in this area is always electric, with people learning, networking, and sharing ideas.
Right next to the Creative Academy is the awards display, showcasing the most innovative products of the year. I was especially impressed with Reslin, a 100% biodegradable resin that won Sustainable Product of the Year. Seeing it in action during live demonstrations was incredible—what a game-changer for eco-conscious makers!
But hands down, my favorite part of CreativeWorld is always the Trends Exhibit, and this year, they truly outdid themselves. The theme, “Take a Walk With Us,” was divided into three sections—city, forest, and garden—each filled with beautifully curated crafts, projects, and products. The forest section featured naturally dyed, botanical-printed fabrics draped over green-painted pillars, while the city section showcased colorful paper buildings, and the garden area displayed charming DIY projects in raised beds with veggies as the centerpiece. I kept coming back to this exhibit, and each time, I discovered something new!
CreativeWorld is the perfect place to network, get inspired, and explore award-winning products. Plus, any excuse to travel somewhere new is a win in my book! If you’re thinking about attending in the future, let me know—I’m happy to share travel tips for Frankfurt!
