European fan culture and interactive entertainment converge in Berlin for three days of stages, artists and themed zones. The mix targets both hobbyists and industry actors working across manga, cosplay and gaming.
Dates and venue for MEX 2026
MEX runs from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Messe Berlin, within the Berlin ExpoCenter City. The venue’s multiple halls and levels allow simultaneous programming across exhibition and performance areas.
Main areas and highlights
The event is organised into distinct zones. Artist Alley provides space for over 100 creators to sell and exhibit. Programming includes three main stages identified as Main Stage, Action Stage and Community Stage. Dedicated areas include a Fashion Area, Himitsu Area, Maid Café and Host Club. The Gamesroom hosts multiplayer setups and casual competitions.
The programme also lists showacts and concert-related activities with fansigns, featuring NCHIVE for a concert and fan event. A Japanese garden is available on site for photo shoots and short breaks.
Key figures and footprint
The Berlin ExpoCenter City complex is presented as the event’s physical frame, offering 27 halls and approximately 190,000 square metres of space. This layout supports the simultaneous operation of sales areas, performance stages and themed sections. The Artist Alley capacity exceeds 100 artists and the schedule is distributed across three stages.
Practical B2B prospecting tactics for MEX – Manga & Entertainment Expo 2026
Zone-based targeting. Define which zones host your potential clients. Merch and illustration vendors should prioritise Artist Alley and dealer booths; gaming hardware and software vendors should focus on the Gamesroom and on-stage demo slots; fashion labels aimed at otaku styles should concentrate on the Fashion Area.
Demo readiness. Bring tangible samples and visual assets suited to a visually-driven audience. Cosplay and fashion buyers react to clear fabric and fit information, so include printed spec sheets. For Gamesroom demos, provide quick, stable builds that can be experienced in short sessions.
Schedule meetings. Block time outside peak stage activity for one-to-one conversations. If you plan activations around showacts or the NCHIVE event, coordinate timeframes that match attendee flows to maximise exposure.
Visibility and activation. Mark your location clearly and design photographic moments that tie into the Japanese garden and cosplay traffic. Food and gathering points often generate spillover visitors who can be converted with targeted offers.
Registration and exhibitor notes
Applications for exhibitors, showacts and workshops open in spring. The event includes bring & buy areas, cosplay contests and practical workshops. Consult the event’s participant guides for stage rules, cosplay regulations and detailed registration procedures.
Final recommendation
Choose the area that aligns with your target segment and prepare activations that work under high visual and audio activity. Check schedules, registration and exhibitor information on the official site https://mex-berlin.de and plan logistics for 23–25 October 2026.
MEX – Manga & Entertainment Expo 2026 brings together creators, performers and gaming communities; success will depend on selecting the right zone and delivering quick, memorable experiences.
