Introduction
October 2026 features several major B2B trade shows in Europe, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, publishing, real estate, produce, plastics, and glass technology. Events like SIAL Paris, CPHI Worldwide, Frankfurt Book Fair, EXPO REAL, Fruit Attraction, Fakuma, and glasstec connect businesses, buyers, suppliers, investors, technology providers, and industry professionals.
These trade shows help companies discover products, source suppliers, build partnerships, understand trends, and reach new customers. Success often begins before the event. Businesses should identify attendees, exhibitors, and relevant contacts that match their goals. ExpoLeads helps companies research trade shows and connect with targeted attendees and exhibitors for more effective outreach.
This guide reviews seven top European B2B trade shows in October 2026, outlining each event’s focus and main networking, sourcing, or partnership opportunities.
SIAL Paris 2026: Global Food Business Meets Innovation
Event at a Glance
When: 17th to 21st October 2026
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France
Industry: Food & Beverage, Agri Food and Food Innovation
Exhibitors: Nearly 8,000
Attendees: Around 295,000 professionals
What You Can Expect
- Food Innovation: Explore new products, ingredients, and ideas from food companies around the world.
- Startup Discoveries: Meet emerging brands introducing fresh concepts to the food market.
- Industry Insights: Learn about consumer trends, market changes, and new directions in food.
- Technology and New Ideas: Discover solutions using technology to improve food production and business.
- Global Product Showcase: Explore a wide range of food and beverage products across different categories.
Businesses That Can Benefit
- Food Manufacturers: Find buyers and opportunities to introduce products in new markets.
- Importers and Distributors: Discover new brands and build valuable supplier relationships.
- Retailers: Find products that match current customer interests and market demand.
- Foodservice Companies: Explore products suitable for hotels, restaurants, catering, and hospitality businesses.
- Food Technology Providers: Connect with companies seeking better tools, systems, and production solutions.
How SIAL Paris 2026 Can Open New Business Opportunities
SIAL Paris 2026 allows businesses to meet buyers, discover suppliers, access new markets, launch products, and create sales opportunities through targeted outreach. The event also fosters learning about the latest food trends and offers a platform for building international partnerships.
CPHI Worldwide 2026: Global Pharmaceutical Business Hub
A Look at the 2026 Edition
When: 6th to 8th October 2026
Where: Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan, Italy
Industry: Pharmaceuticals, APIs, Bioprocessing and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Exhibitors: 2,500+
Attendees: 62,000+
Where: Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan, Italy
Industry: Pharmaceuticals, APIs, Bioprocessing and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Exhibitors: 2,500+
Attendees: 62,000+
CPHI Worldwide 2026 unites companies from the entire pharmaceutical supply chain, providing a robust environment for sourcing, partnerships, product development, and industry networking.
What You Can Explore
- Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Discover APIs, excipients, and other materials used in medicine production.
- Contract Manufacturing: Explore manufacturing partners and services for pharmaceutical products.
- Drug Delivery: Find technologies designed to improve how medicines are delivered and used.
- Bioprocessing: Discover equipment, technologies, and services supporting modern pharmaceutical production.
- Pharma Machinery: Explore advanced machines and systems used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Businesses That Can Benefit
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers: Discover suppliers, technologies, and production partners.
- API Suppliers: Connect with companies looking for pharmaceutical ingredients and materials.
- Contract Manufacturers: Build relationships with pharmaceutical companies seeking production support.
- Biotechnology Companies: Explore new technologies, services, and development partnerships.
- Procurement Teams: Compare suppliers and identify solutions for pharmaceutical supply chains.
How CPHI Worldwide 2026 Can Create New Business Opportunities
CPHI Worldwide 2026 helps businesses find suppliers, partners, and new technologies; strengthen supply chains; and develop new market opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2026: Global Publishing and Content Marketplace
Inside the 2026 Edition
When: 7th to 11th October 2026
Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Industry: Publishing, Media, Content and Rights
Exhibitors: 4,300+
Attendees: 230,000+
The Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 will bring together the global publishing industry and professionals from technology, film, games, and other creative sectors. The event will emphasize rights trading, professional meetings, networking, and new content opportunities. Czechia will be the Guest of Honor in 2026.
What You Can Explore
- Rights Trading: Discover opportunities for book rights, licensing, translation, and international publishing deals.
- Digital Content: Explore new formats, digital publishing ideas, and technology shaping the content industry.
- Professional Program: Attend expert sessions focused on publishing, media, technology, and creative business topics.
- Creative Industries: Connect publishing with related fields such as film, games, and other content businesses.
- Networking: Use professional meeting spaces and digital tools to find companies and arrange business conversations.
Who Can Benefit From Frankfurt Book Fair?
- Rights Trading: Discover opportunities for book rights, licensing, translation, and international publishing deals.
- Digital Content: Explore new formats, digital publishing ideas, and technology shaping the content industry.
- Professional Program: Attend expert sessions focused on publishing, media, technology, and creative business topics.
- Creative Industries: Connect publishing with related fields such as film, games, and other content businesses.
- Networking: Use professional meeting spaces and digital tools to find companies and arrange business conversations.
How Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 Can Support Business Growth
Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 helps businesses develop rights deals, discover new content, meet partners, and build relationships in publishing.
EXPO REAL 2026: European Property and Investment Marketplace
Event Insights
When: 5th to 7th October 2026
Where: Trade Fair Center Messe München, Munich, Germany
Industry: Commercial Real Estate, Property and Investment
Exhibitors: 1,800+
Attendees: Around 40,000
Where: Trade Fair Center Messe München, Munich, Germany
Industry: Commercial Real Estate, Property and Investment
Exhibitors: 1,800+
Attendees: Around 40,000
EXPO REAL 2026, the 27th International Trade Fair for Property and Investment, brings together the property and investment community, with a focus on networking, finance, development, technology, and new real estate opportunities.
What You Can Explore
- Property Development: Explore new projects, development opportunities, and real estate concepts.
- Investment and Finance: Discover investment options and connect with financial partners.
- Digital Real Estate: See how technology, data, and digital tools are changing property businesses.
- Sustainable Development: Explore solutions focused on decarbonization and more sustainable buildings.
- Industry Knowledge: Learn about changing markets and future trends through a conference program featuring around 400 speakers.
Businesses That Can Benefit
- Real Estate Developers: Present projects and connect with potential investors and partners.
- Investors and Financiers: Discover property opportunities and meet project owners.
- Property Service Companies: Build relationships with developers, operators, and investment firms.
- Technology Providers: Introduce digital solutions for planning, managing, valuing, and investing in property.
- Municipal and Economic Regions: Connect with investors and promote regional development opportunities.
How EXPO REAL 2026 Can Create New Business Opportunities
EXPO REAL helps businesses find investment partners, discover development projects, and build relationships in European real estate.
Fruit Attraction 2026: Global Fresh Produce Business Hub
Event Details
When: 6th to 8th October 2026
Where: IFEMA MADRID, Madrid, Spain
Industry: Fresh Produce, Agriculture, Food Logistics and Agri Tech
Exhibitors: 2,400+
Attendees: 121,000+ professionals
Where: IFEMA MADRID, Madrid, Spain
Industry: Fresh Produce, Agriculture, Food Logistics and Agri Tech
Exhibitors: 2,400+
Attendees: 121,000+ professionals
Fruit Attraction 2026 will unite the international fruit and vegetable industry in Madrid, connecting producers, retailers, buyers, suppliers, and other professionals across the value chain. The event will span 10 halls and approximately 162,000 square meters of exhibition space.
What to Explore
- Fresh Produce: Discover fruits, vegetables, new varieties, formats, and fresh food products.
- Innovation Hub: Explore new ideas, technologies, and solutions developed for the sector.
- Fresh Food Logistics: Find solutions for storage, transport, distribution, and supply chain management.
- International Markets: Connect with companies from Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and other regions.
- Industry Knowledge: Attend forums, conferences, seminars, and technical sessions focused on current market trends.
Who Can Benefit From Fruit Attraction?
- Producers and Growers: Find buyers and explore new sales markets.
- Importers and Distributors: Discover suppliers and expand product networks.
- Retailers: Source fresh produce and follow changing customer demand.
- Logistics Companies: Connect with businesses needing cold chain and transport solutions.
- Agri Tech Providers: Present technology and services that improve production and supply chains.
How Fruit Attraction 2026 Can Create New Business Opportunities
Fruit Attraction 2026 supports sourcing, buyer connections, distribution agreements, supplier discovery, and long-term business relationships in the fresh produce sector. The event features innovation showcases, market trend presentations, and networking forums that drive collaboration and open new growth opportunities for industry professionals.
Glasstec 2026: Global Glass Industry Innovation Platform
Event Snapshot
When: 20th to 23rd October 2026
Where: Messe Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
Industry: Glass Production, Processing and Products
Exhibitors: 1,200+ expected
Attendees: Around 40,000 expected
Where: Messe Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
Industry: Glass Production, Processing and Products
Exhibitors: 1,200+ expected
Attendees: Around 40,000 expected
Glasstec 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry, brings together companies involved in glass production, processing, finishing, machinery, products, and applications. The event will focus on future technologies, market developments, and practical solutions across the glass value chain.
What You Can Expect
- Glass Technology Live: Explore new technologies and practical innovations shaping the future of glass.
- Decarbonization: Discover solutions that help the glass industry reduce energy use and emissions.
- Circular Economy: Learn about new approaches for recycling, resource efficiency, and sustainable production.
- AI and Digital Technologies: See how digital tools and artificial intelligence are changing glass production and processing.
- Industry Knowledge: Join conferences, forums, and specialist sessions led by experts from research and industry.
Businesses That Can Benefit
- Glass Manufacturers: Explore new production technologies and improve manufacturing processes.
- Glass Processing Companies: Discover equipment and solutions for cutting, finishing, shaping, and treatment.
- Machinery Suppliers: Present advanced equipment to glass producers and processing businesses.
- Architecture and Construction Companies: Find new glass products and applications for modern building projects.
- Technology Providers: Connect with glass companies looking for digital, automated, and efficient solutions.
How Glasstec 2026 Can Create New Business Opportunities
Glasstec 2026 helps businesses discover technologies, meet decision-makers, find suppliers, and build connections in the glass industry. Over 80 percent of the audience are decision-makers.
Fakuma 2026: Plastics Processing and Manufacturing Technology
Event Snapshot
When: 12th to 16th October 2026
Where: Messe Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
Industry: Plastics Processing, Injection Molding, Extrusion and Automation
Exhibitors: 1,500+ expected
Attendees: 30,000+ expected
Where: Messe Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
Industry: Plastics Processing, Injection Molding, Extrusion and Automation
Exhibitors: 1,500+ expected
Attendees: 30,000+ expected
Fakuma 2026 wilFakuma 2026, the 30th edition of the international trade fair for plastics processing, brings together technology suppliers, manufacturers, processors, and industry experts across the plastics value chain.
What You Can Expect
- Injection Molding: Explore machines, molds, components, and solutions for efficient plastic production.
- Extrusion Technology: Discover equipment and systems used for modern extrusion processes.
- Automation: See technologies that improve production speed, accuracy, and factory efficiency.
- Circular Plastics: Learn about recycling, material recovery, and more sustainable processing methods.
- Digital Manufacturing: Explore AI, data, software, and connected solutions for smarter production.
Businesses That Can Benefit
- Plastics Manufacturers: Find new machines, materials, and production technologies.
- Injection Molding Companies: Discover equipment and solutions for improving manufacturing processes.
- Packaging Producers: Explore materials, machinery, and automation for plastic packaging.
- Automotive Suppliers: Find lightweight plastic solutions and advanced production technologies.
- Industrial Technology Providers: Connect with manufacturers looking for automation and digital solutions.
How Fakuma 2026 Can Create New Business Opportunities
Fakuma 2026 helps businesses discover technologies, meet suppliers, develop partnerships, and identify opportunities in plastics processing.
Choose the Right October 2026 Trade Show
Selecting the right event can maximize your trade show budget and sales efforts. Before deciding where to participate, consider these key factors:
- Industry: Make sure the event closely matches your products, services, or market.
- Audience: Look for events where your potential buyers, decision-makers, suppliers, or partners are likely to participate.
- Business Fit: Consider whether the event can support your goals, such as finding customers, entering new markets, building partnerships, or sourcing products.
- Market Reach: Check whether the event attracts companies and professionals from the countries or regions you want to reach.
- Commercial Value: Look at the quality of the business audience, networking opportunities, and potential for long-term relationships.
- Best Approach: Choose the event where your ideal business audience is most likely to gather.
Strengthen Your Event Strategy With ExpoLeads
ExpoLeads helps businesses make their trade show research and prospecting more focused. Instead of approaching a broad event audience, businesses can concentrate on contacts that are more relevant to their goals.
Get the Right Contacts for October 2026
Are you planning to attend an expo or trade show in October 2026?
ExpoLeads can help you find relevant contact data for selected events based on your campaign needs.
You can request:
- Attendee Lists
- Exhibitor Lists
- Attendee and Exhibitor Lists
- Custom Data Requirements
Please include the event name, industry, location, audience type, job roles, and any specific requirements when making your request.
Providing this information ensures a more relevant starting point for your October 2026 trade show outreach.
Conclusion
October 2026 offers a range of European B2B trade shows in food, pharmaceuticals, publishing, real estate, produce, plastics, and glass. Each attracts a unique audience and offers opportunities to discover products, connect, partner, and explore new markets. These events act as catalysts for business growth, innovation, and international collaboration.
Choosing the right event is only the first step. With ExpoLeads, businesses can identify attendee and exhibitor contacts, prepare targeted outreach, and build strong connections before and after the exhibition. Leveraging the right data and strategy can help companies maximize their trade show investments and drive long-term success.
Choose the right event. Reach the right audience. Turn trade show opportunities into business growth.