CREATIVA 2026 inspires with new trends and guests such as Eva Brenner and Tine Wittler

Europe’s largest creative trade fair in Dortmund served as a meeting place for the creative scene.

Five days full of inspiration, new techniques, and fresh ideas: From March 25 to 29, 2026, CREATIVA, Europe’s largest creative trade fair, brought together the industry and an enthusiastic audience at Messe Dortmund. In addition to current trend techniques such as machine embroidery, plotting, and the Japanese trend of furoshiki, the focus was particularly on the themes of “Gardening & Floristry” and “Creative Mindset.” It became clear that mindfulness and slowing down are playing an increasingly important role in the creative process for many creatives, as techniques like paint-by-numbers are regaining popularity.

Dortmund, March 31, 2026 – With around 420 companies and exhibitors from 22 countries, CREATIVA 2026 once again confirmed its role as a hub for creative design, where visitors were inspired not only by exhibitors of all kinds but also by participation in workshops and hands-on areas. Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe: “People from diverse backgrounds come together here to find inspiration, exchange ideas, and participate creatively in workshops on various creative techniques. CREATIVA is a key source of inspiration and a significant factor in the further development of the entire industry.”

High satisfaction is reflected in the diversity of topics

The representative visitor survey for CREATIVA 2026 underscores the trade show’s high appeal: nearly 90 percent of respondents expressed an intention to return. The trade fair duo of CREATIVA and CAKE & BAKE, which this year brought together around 500 companies and exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, also received a rating of 2.0 from visitors for its diverse range of offerings. Both trade fairs featured proven thematic areas while also addressing current trends—from colorful design options to the creative creation of decorations for the home. The outlook among exhibitors is positive: at the time of the survey, over 90 percent of exhibitors expressed a willingness to participate again in CREATIVA 2027. CREATIVA stands for successful post-fair business.

Successful Debuts and Key Trendsetters

With THE PINK SPOT in Hall 7, CREATIVA celebrated a successful debut this year: Five brands came together to showcase their offerings in an interactive hotspot set against a striking pink backdrop. Visitors had the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts, discover exclusive limited-edition items created for CREATIVA, and participate in numerous hands-on creative activities. The Craft Academy by Plottertante & friends was also a success with its new concept focusing on craft psychology, slowing down, and creative design methods. Through inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops, participants learned how creative work can foster mental strength and positively influence personal well-being.

Swetlana Osmers, an expert in gardening and mindfulness, also provided further inspiration this year. Through her contributions, she offered insights into this year’s focus theme and demonstrated how closely creative design, nature, and mindful experience are intertwined. “For me, CREATIVA is a grand celebration to which everyone contributes. This energy is palpable everywhere and gives the fair its very special character. It is precisely this open and lively atmosphere that makes it so special to me,” emphasizes author, columnist, and gardening blogger Swetlana Osmers.

Only at CREATIVA: international trends and new products you can touch and feel

In 2026, CREATIVA once again offered a unique experience: nowhere else can you discover, try out, and purchase so many new products, techniques, and international trends all in one place. Many of the ideas and materials presented are not yet available—or are difficult to find—in brick-and-mortar stores or online shops, making the trade show an important platform for creative innovations. The spectrum ranged from the Marktplatz Maschinensticken featuring companies like Gunold and Barudan to creative inspiration from fashion designers such as ‘leonid matthias’. The focus was on custom manufacturing rather than mass production. The Games Area complemented the offerings and invited visitors to try things out and get involved.

Diverse entertainment on stage

In Hall 4, CREATIVA offered a varied stage program with high entertainment value on all five days of the fair. The spectrum ranged from fashion shows and current trends with trend expert Gabriela Kaiser to interactive program, appealing to different target groups. Prominent guests such as Tine Wittler and renowned interior designer Eva Brenner added further highlights, with Brenner presenting the trends for 2026 and creating Easter arrangements.

Save the Date The date for next year has already been set: CREATIVA 2027 will take place from March 17 to 21, 2027, in Dortmund.