Once again, PERFORMANCE DAYS has proven to be the most important gathering for the functional textile industry. The Spring 2025 edition, held from March 5–6 at Messe München, attracted numerous industry experts and trade visitors, offering a unique platform for networking, business, and knowledge exchange. With 588 booths and 3,367 visitors, the event significantly surpassed previous years’ numbers. In comparison, the previous spring edition had fewer than 500 booths and 2,999 visitors. While the fall edition saw a higher visitor frequency, both halls were fully booked this time—clear evidence of the event’s growing relevance.
Innovative topics & inspiring formats
The PERFORMANCE DAYS concept continues to evolve. Following the successful introduction of the Tech Hub area— focusing on digitalization, 3D technology, and AI—and the Bodywear Collective in Fall 2024, the Spring edition introduced DAY 0 and a dedicated wool section, setting new impulses. The Trend Forum remained a key attraction, featuring a curated selection of the most innovative trend materials. A panel of experts selected top-performing textiles across various categories, from three-layer laminates to insulation materials and workwear solutions. With this year’s Focus Topic, “Certifications – Which Ones Matter,” the fair set a strong agenda, addressing the growing importance of sustainable standards in the textile industry—an issue that sparked dynamic discussions. The newly introduced Wool Forum also garnered great interest, underlining the increasing relevance of natural materials for future product development. Marco Weichert, CEO of PERFORMANCE DAYS, stated: “The Spring fair once again demonstrated the strong interest in innovative and sustainable textile solutions. The high visitor numbers and inspiring conversations with industry experts confirm that PERFORMANCE DAYS remains the leading platform for pioneering material developments.”
Workshops, Expert talks & knowledge exchange
A key element of the fair remains the extensive Expert Talks program, where leading voices in the industry present the latest insights and developments. Charles Ross from the Royal College of Art, co-initiator and moderator of the Expert Talks, expressed his satisfaction: “The Expert Talks build on past events and are available for those who missed key discussions. Day 1 saw record attendance at the Focus Topic Panel and a comprehensive discussion on the obsolescence of waterproof jackets—whether due to material fatigue, lack of repairability, or intentional product design. Day 2 explored EU Green Deal legislation, a holistic market overview, and the debut of the Future Supply Initiative. Even on DAY 0, the industry demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility—using PERFORMANCE DAYS as a platform for meaningful collaborations.”
In addition to expert lectures and panel discussions, the fair featured a range of special areas, highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations. The Innovation Zone showcased groundbreaking developments, while the Circularity Zone, an evolution of the Accelerating Circularity workshop, focused on recycling. The Sustainability Lounge, curated by Anna Rodewald from Greenroom Voice, emphasized sustainable materials, and the Workshop Area hosted training sessions by Fair Wear and Ohana Public Affairs.
DAY 0 debuts – a promising start
For the first time, DAY 0 launched as a new conference format ahead of PERFORMANCE DAYS, aiming to foster in-depth exchange and discussions. Designed for creative thinkers, DAY 0 focused on the intersection of textiles and sustainability, encouraging innovative approaches and collaboration to tackle challenges more efficiently. A positive outcome: while the carbon footprint of individual garments produced in this century has decreased, the overall impact continues to grow due to the increasing number of SKUs. The conference moderated by Mark Shayler and initiated in collaboration with the BSI, featured four high-profile expert panels and a dedicated workshop. Alexandra Wittwer, Corporate Responsibility Advisor at BSI, commented: “DAY 0 as the opening event for PERFORMANCE DAYS was a great success. The diverse panel discussions and inspiring input from Mark Shayler provided valuable insights into the industry’s current challenges. These exchange opportunities are essential— not only to gain practical inspiration for daily work but also to strengthen networking within the sustainability community.”
Looking Ahead: Excitement builds for the fall edition
Following this successful spring kickoff, the industry is eagerly anticipating the upcoming fall edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS. As the leading marketplace for functional textiles, the fair continues to set new benchmarks in sustainability, innovation, and business networking. Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex, looks ahead to the fall with confidence: “PERFORMANCE DAYS is an essential platform each year for exchanging ideas on sustainable innovations in the textile industry. For Sympatex, the fair is particularly valuable for discussing circular materials, recyclable solutions, and new regulatory requirements with our partners. Direct dialogue with brands and experts enables us to shape the next steps toward a more sustainable industry together”.
