The Munich Design Days have just entered their second round – and they clearly gained momentum. From March 12 to 15, the event once again drew manufacturers, retailers and planners to Munich’s Praterinsel, running parallel to Munich’s Stoff Spring. The mood? Remarkably positive. More exhibitors than at last year’s premiere, significantly more visitors – and, above all, a growing share from the contract sector.

Even the first edition last year was something of a surprise success. But of course, many people initially wanted to see whether the event would become more than a pleasant industry get-together. After the second edition, the answer seems fairly clear: yes, this thing works.

What stood out most was the audience. More architects, more interior designers, more decorators. Exactly the target group many manufacturers want to reach in the project business. The geographic reach also expanded. While the first edition was still strongly dominated by visitors from southern Germany, this year voices from Austria, Switzerland and northern Germany were much more common.

At the same time, the exhibitor list continues to grow. Brands such as Bullfrog, Draenert, Kettnaker, KFF, Ligne Roset, Pulpo and Thonet were already present last year. In 2026, a number of new names joined them, including Artemide, Brühl, Wittmann, Walter Knoll and Voglauer. Specialists such as Schönbuch, Mobimex and Rohi also made their debut. In short: considerably more weight in the premium interior segment. Only a few companies disappeared from the list, including A&D Ambiente und Design, Femira and tRACK. Overall, the format is clearly expanding.

What many exhibitors particularly appreciate is the organization. Several mentioned that the organizers listen closely and implement feedback from brands quickly. In an industry where trade show formats sometimes react rather slowly, that does not go unnoticed.

Behind Munich Design Days are Malte Perlitz and Klaus Winkel. Two industry insiders who set out to create a platform that would deliberately remain smaller and more personal than traditional trade shows. And it works. Anyone walking through the showrooms on Praterinsel quickly notices it: short distances, lots of conversations, no hectic exhibition halls. Instead, a mix of exhibition, industry gathering and networking event.

Malte Perlitz himself remained rather understated when asked about the development. He said he was “very grateful.” Not much more. But you didn’t have to be a psychologist to see that he was quite pleased.

The success of the event may also have something to do with the broader context. Munich’s Stoff Spring has been attracting textile and interior planning professionals for years. Munich Design Days connects to that audience and expands the offer with furniture and interior brands. Textiles meet furniture. Furniture meets planners. A combination that clearly works.

Yes, the format is still relatively compact. And that seems to be exactly what many people appreciate. As one visitor from the planning community put it:

“It’s not about size here. It’s about meeting the right people.”

If the development continues at this pace, Munich could well establish a second fixed interior design date in March.

At this point, it’s no longer just a small plant beginning to grow.