Over 41,500 trade visitors from 87 countries followed the call of the FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE to Munich. The positive increases in the proportion of visitors from Germany and abroad, as well as the countries in which the industries are active show that this trade fair is developing more and more into a leading European fair: 15 per cent of visitors came from abroad (compared to 11 per cent in 2013) and companies from 29 countries (16 in 2013) were represented at the trade fair. When asked, 92.4 per cent of the painters, varnishers and stucco plasterers gave top marks for their leading trade fair. There were even visitors from New Zealand and Australia, who had travelled over 18,000 kilometres to be there. The industry also welcomed this increased internationalisation. 76 per cent of the exhibitors were successful in their aim of reaching out to an international crowd with their exhibitions at the trade fair. 

This year’s campaign slogan for the German craft trades was “the future is our building site”. Painters, varnishers and stucco plasterers at the FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE were given the tools, from new technology to specialist information, to master the future challenges of their specialist trades. 

The exhibitors satisfied the visitors’ desire for “information about new products”, “general market orientation” and the “presence of market leaders”, as shown in the official visitor survey in the question about “reaching goals”. 93.4 per cent put their cross next to the top score of “very good to excellent”. The most popular product groups were colours and varnishes, ceiling, wall and floor coverings, drywall construction, and tools. 

The good atmosphere amongst the exhibitors was reflected in their positive balance. Almost all of their goals in appearing at the trade fair, such as “expanding their client networks” and “maintaining existing business relations” were achieved. Another reason for them to be pleased was the high quality of expertise amongst the German and foreign visitors. Asked to evaluate the quality of the visitors, 92.3 per cent of the companies gave top marks. The fact that 81 per cent of the visitors were responsible for making purchasing decisions within their companies was equally decisive in achieving this high level of satisfaction.  

All products and services to do with further training were met with great approval. The “Rendering Codes” special exhibition, where the future potential of stucco plaster as an artistic facade element was illustratively presented, and the FAF Forum were ports of call for information, exchanges and new impulses. With 85.7 per cent (Rendering Codes) and 88.9 per cent (FAF Forum), both think-tank platforms ranked close to the top in terms of popularity amongst architects and craftspeople. 

The next FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE will take place from 20th to 23rd March 2019 in Cologne. 

A look back at the event: 

“The FAF FARBE, AUSBAU & FASSADE gives the industry an enormous motivational boost – from young talent to the masters. The buzz could be felt throughout all four days. The good order situation led to concrete ordering decisions being made at the trade fair. This trade fair is and will remain the most important industry meeting to occur every three years, as the product range displayed is one-of-a-kind in Europe.” Dieter Dohr, Chairman of the GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH 

“For painters, the trade fair shows the trends the industry will be dealing with in one to two years. After all, all large companies in Munich are represented, with their products making them both carthorses and visionaries. It seems to me that three large trends were made clear at the trade fair: Thermal restoration is the number one topic of the future. Interior insulation will become even more important in the future in the historic city centres. Here, our German colleagues are idols from which all painters in Europe can learn something. Furthermore, an increased number of companies were offering newly developed colours for historical surfaces at the trade fair. For the third topic for us painters, I look towards mineral colour coatings on wood. In short, the FAF provided every painter, regardless of which European country they came from, a comprehensive insight into the future of our profession.” Helmut Schulz, President of the UNIEP (International Association of Painting Contractors)

“Exhibitors at the FAF presented drywall construction and plastering techniques of the future. It was a perfect place for stucco plasterers and painters to find out information, compare thoughts and obtain advice. Such a market overview is unique in Europe. Here, all specialist businesspeople and experts could experience how our profession is transforming and how it is developing. Previously, all that was needed was the watchful eye of a master, but now a whole host of instruments is required because of legal regulations and the increasing requirements of customers. Quality assurance, quality management and excellent training guarantee success, which is a challenge for all European stucco plasterers; and that is why the FAF is so important. It presents the information and the new products and technologies that ultimately provide our craftspeople a secure foundation on which to practice and represent this exciting profession. Jürgen G. Hilger, President of the UEEP (European Union of Contractors for Plastering, Dry Lining, Stucco and Related Activities)