Electronics industry eagerly anticipating its very own expo: more than 130 companies, a new format, a premiere – it’s all happening this October in Stuttgart
Less than 100 days to go – and anyone who attended the EFX Preview last week will be aware of how eagerly the industry is anticipating this event. Invitations were sent out by Messe Stuttgart to representatives of the trade press, industry sectors, associations and research institutes, to a preview event that provided a detailed look at what the electronics manufacturing industry can expect this October in Stuttgart (6 to 8 October 2026). 130 companies have already confirmed their participation in EFX almost three months before the event premiere.
“The electronics manufacturing industry is one of the key pillars of Germany’s strong industrial south – and it deserves a platform that reflects its importance. This is exactly what we are creating with EFX: a home for the industry, a place to explore new technologies, make professional connections and shape the future. The fact that so many companies are here today is sending a strong signal – and is an acknowledgement of the success of this approach,” explains Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart.
More than a trip to the trade fair – a truly professional experience
EFX represents the coherent integration of exhibition, networking opportunities and event programme – and this can be felt in Stuttgart. Uniform, open stand concepts ensure maximum visibility for everyone involved. Free catering in the hall provides the perfect opportunity for networking and socialising. And every evening, the hall is transformed: lights are dimmed, music starts and the expo becomes an occasion. Digital matchmaking via the EFX app will also enable visitors to make their own appointments prior to the launch – leaving time to make every hour count when on the premises in October.
“Right from the beginning, we listened to what the industry really needs – and then took a consistently new approach. The EFX is not a trade fair, but an industry experience. A place where networking is given centre stage and exhibitors, visitors and partners can expect to be socialising well into the evenings,” says Florian Schmitz, Division Director Trade Fairs and Events at Messe Stuttgart.
Impressive programme
During the EFX Preview event, Messe Stuttgart presented initial details regarding the programme highlights – and the extent of what will be covered is impressive. Live hacking with subsequent cybersecurity panel, participants of which include Germany’s domestic intelligence agency. The format “From Lab to Fab” with the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM and guided tours with themes such as “Quantum Technology meets Electronics Manufacturing” will bridge the gap between research and industrial practice. Under the motto “Let your circuit boards shine”, the VDI TecMobil will provide interested visitors with hands-on experience, as will the EFX Rallies through the halls and the special show with end products demonstrating hidden electronics from everyday life. The PLUS Insights Forum and the FED Forum will be sharing content to inspire industry professionals.
There will be several specialised formats aimed at facilitating targeted encounters: the BME Buyer Talks will provide buyers with an exclusive platform for professional exchange. The EMS Speed Dating powered by elektronikpraxis will cater to supply and demand in a series of short, structured talks. The EFX Bartalks will create room for informal and yet compelling exchanges, for example about greentech, ESD or startups in Europe, directly at the EFX Bar. The AI Get-Together powered by productronic will be hosting an expert dialogue, while live podcasts with EPP and video formats with WNIE and Global SMT will be representing the more digital aspects of EFX.
EFX is also organising a variety of gatherings for communities and associations – from the EFX Riders Get-Together to the IMAPS Meeting and EMS Scout Coffee Break or the BME and IHK Member Meetings. Anyone looking to get their day off to a relaxing start will find the perfect opportunity at the EFX Morning Walk & Talks. The programme will be rounded off with evening events such as “Cocktail & Collaboration” and “Tech & Music Fusion” – because often the best discussions take place when the trade fair is over.
Broad participation, strong platform
130 participating companies reflect the entire industry spectrum – from circuit board manufacturers to EMS providers and plant manufacturers, from innovative startups to international market leaders. There will be three other events taking place on Stuttgart’s trade fair grounds from 6 to 8 October, parallel to EFX: Quantum Effects, VISION and Motek. One ticket provides access to all four events – with an on-site shuttle included.
The industry has spoken – seven voices, one shared belief
During the EFX Preview, representatives from elbe gruppe, Essemtec, FUJI Europe, IBL Löttechnik, Koh Young, Sym and Viscom took to the stage for the Elevator Pitches. Seven companies, seven perspectives – and one shared belief: EFX is the platform this industry has been waiting for.
“We have made it our mission to promote and support the tech champions and to advocate for a tech renaissance in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. EFX provides the perfect platform to achieve this. We are not just participating in this fascinating new expo, we are right at the heart of it all: with advice in place of sales, with a desire to connect and cooperate. Together with our partners, we are demonstrating how ideas are transformed into products – quickly and competently, Engineered & Made in Germany. We can hardly wait for it to kick off.” – André C. Haiber, CEO, elbe gruppe
“Electronics manufacturing is becoming more flexible, more complex and more demanding – and that is exactly what is reflected in our solutions. For us, EFX is the ideal platform to demonstrate how flexible production lines and smart dispensing solutions can make the manufacturing of tomorrow possible. We are looking forward to having a direct exchange with industry representatives.” – Marc Nikutowski, Director of EMEA Sales, Essemtec
“Stuttgart stands for high technology, automotive expertise and innovative SMBs – and EFX fits perfectly into this environment. We’ll be using our time here to explore topics such as how automation in assembly is vastly improving the speed and standard of quality in SMT manufacturing.” – Eric Maschewski, Assistant Managing Director, FUJI Europe
“Applied technology – that is the approach we’re taking for EFX. We will be bringing our latest developments in vapour phase and reflow soldering technology to EFX and demonstrating live at the event how modern process monitoring and automatic gradient control (AGC) can achieve faultless soldering results and maximum energy efficiency. Because nothing can replace the direct exchange with experts on equal terms.” – Olaf Cieply, Global Sales Manager, IBL Löttechnik
“As a pioneer of 3D measurement technology and Smart Factory trailblazer, we know that quality assurance is no marginal issue – it is key to correct and efficient electronics manufacturing. EFX is providing us with the opportunity to demonstrate our AI-supported inspection solutions to a top-class professional audience and to collaborate in the efforts shaping the manufacturing of tomorrow.” – Solin Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer, Koh Young Europe
“Europe’s industrial competitiveness depends on us working together – as OEMs, EMS providers, startups and research institutes. Coopetition rather than isolation – with EFX the perfect place for this eco-system to grow together. We’ll be here because we want to be more than simply bystanders, it is our goal to be actively involved in shaping the future of electronics manufacturing.” – Merlin Reingruber, Managing Director, Sym GmbH
“More than 40 years of experience, European market leader in SMT inspection – we are more than aware of the importance of continued development in order to be able to successfully meet the latest challenges and expectations of the market. For us, EFX represents an opportunity to showcase our latest digital platform “vConnect” in a new format and to demonstrate live the AI-supported software and inspection solutions this involves. Testing reliability, process optimisation and simultaneous cost optimisation through new digital opportunities is no contradiction. We are looking forward to the exchange with the industry – right here in Stuttgart.” – Torsten Pelzer, Executive Vice President, SMT Inspection Solutions, Viscom SE
About EFX
EFX, Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, is the new industry event for electronics manufacturing and will be held every two years in Stuttgart. A concept that combines exhibition, networking opportunities and event programme to provide a modern business format. The three-day exhibition will be launched in Stuttgart from 6 to 8 October 2026.
Further information: www.messe-stuttgart.de/efx