Make way for powerful voices and fresh ideas: the Call for Participation for the 78th edition of Frankfurter Buchmesse is now open
The application period runs from 30 March to 15 May 2026
Publishers, authors, industry experts and creative professionals worldwide are invited to submit their ideas for the stage programme of Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026 (7-11 October).
“Every year, Frankfurter Buchmesse brings together people from over 130 nations – this diversity is what makes it unique. Our stages are venues for international exchange, where different perspectives meet and new ideas emerge. Here, partnerships are forged, new markets are tapped into and the industry’s future themes are discussed. With this Call for Participation, we invite stakeholders worldwide to actively help shape and develop the stage programmes,” says Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse.
Until 15 May 2026, participants have the opportunity to become part of one of the most diverse international literary and industry programmes – and to present their content to a unique audience of trade visitors and literature enthusiasts.
The programme ranges from audience-friendly formats to international industry dialogues. Whether it’s a major debate, an innovative specialist format or an event for a broad audience: with a total of eight curated stages and the “Meet the Author” format in the Festhalle, Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026 offers numerous opportunities to stage content effectively. The programme is complemented by the stages in Messe Frankfurt’s Congress Center, with capacities ranging from 150 to 1,800 guests.
New this year are the stages in the public halls 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0. Thanks to a further developed hall concept, these will create additional spaces where authors, readers and trade visitors can come together.
In 2026, there will also be a special focus on Frankfurt Calling. As Frankfurter Buchmesse’s cultural policy programme, it addresses key social and industry-relevant issues. International voices come together here in high-profile events to discuss current developments and highlight different perspectives. The events take place on all stages to reach a broad, international audience.
Here is an overview of the stages:
Hall 3.0: Inspiration Stage
Hall 4.0: Imagination Stage
Hall 5.0: Discovery Stage
Hall 6.0: Community Stage
Foyer 5.1/6.1: Global Stage
Hall 4.1: Innovation Stage
Foyer 4.0: Dialogue Stage
CMF – Congress Center Messe Frankfurt
Frankfurter Buchmesse is also opening up new opportunities digitally: Through interactive masterclass sessions, hybrid formats and targeted marketing measures, content can reach an international specialist audience – live and with lasting impact beyond the media library.
Apply now
Submission opens: 30 March 2026
Submission deadline: 15 May 2026
Feedback: from mid-June 2026
Communication launch: August/September 2026
Detailed information on the individual stages and the terms and conditions of participation is available on the Frankfurter Buchmesse website.
Prices for all stage formats remain unchanged from the previous year.