From 19 to 23 March 2025, Messe Dortmund became a vibrant meeting place for the DIY and creative scene. With more space, fresh impulses and a top-class supporting programme, Europe's largest creative trade fair offered a world of experience that is second to none. An additional highlight awaited visitors on the weekend of the fair: CAKE & BAKE, which took place at the same time. Germany's largest cake fair was once again the hotspot for anyone involved in baking, cake design and sweet creativity, whether professionally or as a hobby.



Dortmund 27.03.2025 - A wealth of ideas, diversity and personal encounters took centre stage at CREATIVA 2025, which became a magnet for hobby creatives, design and craft professionals, artists, manufacturers and retailers from Germany and abroad. For five days, the Dortmund exhibition halls were transformed into a colourful world of experience - with an expanded concept that ranged from traditional craftsmanship to modern trend techniques such as machine embroidery, tufting, plotting and diamond painting. Whether for people with initial experience or for professionals - Europe's largest trade fair for creative design offered inspiration, exchange and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the high-quality supporting programme.

‘This year's CREATIVA exceeded our expectations: With more space, new exhibitors and an even greater and more colourful variety of topics, the trade fair is proving to be a key driving force in the industry. The mood was consistently positive - among visitors and exhibitors alike,’ summarises Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Group.

International appeal in challenging times

The consistently international focus emphasises the importance of CREATIVA for the creative market in Europe: around 420 exhibitors from 22 countries were represented this year - from Denmark, France, the Benelux countries, the UK, Italy, Austria and Switzerland to Latvia, Spain and a group from Ukraine, which was represented by 17 artists, as well as Australia, Ghana and Tunisia. ‘Especially in an economically tense environment, which also affects the creative sector, such international participation is not a matter of course,’ explains fair director Sabine Loos. ‘We are even more delighted that CREATIVA has once again demonstrated its strong appeal beyond national borders. The atmosphere at the trade fair was exceptionally positive, reflecting something that is often missing in many places today: optimism, connection, and a passion for creative collaboration.’

Focus on premieres, workshops and hands-on experiences

The trade fair offered an impressive range of workshops for both beginners and advanced participants. Whether sewing lingerie, designing rope bowls or diamond painting - the latest techniques could be tried out and experienced directly on site. The popular Klötzchenmann & friends area and the DIY lounge enriched the offer - with numerous hands-on activities and creative impulses for young and old. The Cutting Academy by Plottertante & friends in Hall 7 and the ‘Marktplatz Maschinensticken’ in Hall 4 were particularly popular.

The latter was moderated by fashion designers leonid matthias and impressively demonstrated how versatile and contemporary machine embroidery can be today. The premiere appearance of Barudan Stickmaschinen, official licence partner of the Major Baseball League (MBL), underlined the high standard of innovation - two ultra-modern machines were presented for the first time at an end consumer trade fair.

From international diversity to virtual reality

From broom makers in Normandy to virtual reality projects and hand-printed fabrics from Vienna, CREATIVA 2025 also stood out with its international charm and unique presentation formats. New this year: the VR project ‘Mengede Hunting Lodge’, which combined tradition with technology. A diverse selection of diamond painting products was showcased in Hall 6 by Craft Buddy, the UK's largest manufacturer, and in Hall 7 by suppliers like Bluemex and Glitzerimperium. Hall 7 was all about plotting - including a market overview, materials and technical innovations. Cricut, the market leader in plotting, had a particularly large stand and designer area this year.

Positive visitor feedback

According to an independent survey of visitors, the vast majority were extremely satisfied with their experience at the trade fair. For example, 91.8% of those surveyed stated that they would visit CREATIVA again. The diversity and quality of the entire range of products was also rated positively across the board - a strong indication of the convincing concept and the relevance of the event in the creative sector.

Clear the stage: celebrities, show acts and talks on the CREATIVA Stage

The CREATIVA Stage in Hall 4 was once again the hotspot for live shows, creative talks and celebrity encounters. In addition to highlights such as pop star Olaf Henning and actress Manuela Wisbeck, entertainer Julian F.M. Stoeckel presented himself together with show legend Eva Jacob from the Jacob Sisters. In addition, the first CREATIVA short thriller was read out live - the thriller will be available online after the trade fair.

The weekend programme was hosted by TV presenter Madita van Hülsen, who charmingly guided visitors through fashion shows, tufting demonstrations and inspiring conversations with scene leaders such as content creator Carlo Sommer alias CasaCarlo.

Sustainability as a cross-cutting theme: SUSTAINABLE CITY in Hall 4

Sustainability was once again one of the key themes at CREATIVA this year. The popular ‘SUSTAINABLE CITY’ special area in Hall 4 showcased creative approaches to environmentally conscious design: from plant-based colours and handmade candles to ideas for sustainable interiors and urban gardening.

CAKE & BAKE as a sweet highlight

CAKE & BAKE - the Mecca for all baking fans - once again took place alongside CREATIVA. With Germany's biggest cake competition, live demonstrations and its own hands-on programme, the international cake fair was the perfect complement to the main creative trade fair.

Save the Date

The next CREATIVA will take place from 25 to 29 March 2026 at Messe Dortmund. Advance ticket sales will start in autumn 2025 at www.messe-creativa.de/en-gb