{"id":16834,"date":"2026-04-02T06:19:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T04:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridal-times.com\/en\/?p=16834"},"modified":"2026-04-02T06:35:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T04:35:33","slug":"ebw-celebrates-global-growth-full-fashion-shows-and-a-new-level-of-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridal-times.com\/en\/ebw-celebrates-global-growth-full-fashion-shows-and-a-new-level-of-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"EBW Celebrates Global Growth, Full Fashion Shows, and a New Level of Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"

European Bridal Week 2026 welcomes visitors from 54 countries, reports a 4.8% increase in visitor numbers, and sets new standards with immersive Fashion Shows and industry-leading insights.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As Northern Europe\u2019s largest B2B show for the bridal sector, European Bridal Week 2026<\/strong> has successfully concluded, marking another outstanding edition for the global bridal industry. This year\u2019s event, held at Messe Essen in Germany, recorded a significant increase in attendance, with visitor numbers rising by 4.8%, underlining EBW\u2019s continued growth and international relevance.<\/p>\n

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A truly global audience gathered at EBW, with visitors traveling from 54 countries, including Australia, the USA, Canada, and Ecuador. Strong representation was also seen from the Middle East, with attendees from Israel, Iran, and Qatar, as well as Eastern Europe, including Azerbaijan. The majority of visitors came from across the European Union, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, the Benelux region, and France.<\/p>\n

EBW FASHION SHOWS: A NEW CONCEPT THAT CAPTIVATED<\/strong><\/p>\n

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One of the standout highlights of EBW 2026 was the introduction of a new Fashion Show concept. Designed to bring the runway closer to the audience, the Fashion Shows created an immersive experience where visitors could appreciate every detail, movement, and craftsmanship of the dresses up close.<\/p>\n

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The response was overwhelmingly positive. The EBW Fashion Shows were completely full, with demand exceeding capacity to such an extent that additional guests had to be turned away. Visitors were not just spectators but felt like active participants, fully immersed in the artistry and emotion of bridal fashion.<\/p>\n

Q&A SESSIONS: INSIGHTFUL AND IMPACTFUL<\/strong><\/p>\n

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This year\u2019s Q&A sessions provided valuable and in-depth perspectives on key industry topics. A strong focus was placed on social media strategies and evolving customer expectations. Maaike Baelde from theperfectwedding.nl | theperfectwedding.de shared practical strategies on social media and evolving customer expectations, offering valuable insights for brands and retailers alike. Particular attention was given to the importance of body positivity and inclusive approaches in customer engagement with a Q&A session with influencer Tanja Marfo, the voice behind @kurvenrausch. These sessions encouraged meaningful dialogue and equipped attendees with forward-thinking strategies to better connect with modern consumers.<\/p>\n

EBW AWARDS 2026: A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE THE INDUSTRY<\/strong><\/p>\n

The EBW Awards, held on Sunday evening in the Grand Hall at Zeche Zollverein, were a resounding success. The event brought the industry together in a celebratory atmosphere, honoring excellence, innovation, and dedication across the bridal sector.<\/p>\n

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\nCongratulations to this year\u2019s EBW Award Winners:<\/p>\n

Best Marketing Campaign Supplier Award – Justin Alexander<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Customer Service Supplier Award – Diane Legrand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Accessories Supplier Award – Bianco Evento<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Menswear Supplier Award – Manzetti<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Eveningwear\/Prom Supplier Award – Christian Koehlert<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Commercial Designer Award – Randy Fenoli Bridal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Bridal Supplier Award – Tr\u00e8s Chic Bridal Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honour of Lifetime Achievement Award – Brian Kuipers, Tr\u00e8s Chic Bridal Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n

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LOOKING AHEAD TO EBW 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n

With strong growth, global participation, and highly successful new concepts, EBW 2026 has once again reinforced its position as a leading platform for the bridal industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cEuropean Bridal Week continues to evolve with the needs of the industry. Seeing such strong international engagement, full Fashion Show formats, and meaningful conversations across all levels confirms that EBW remains a vital meeting point for business, creativity, and connection,\u201d said Event Director Siegrid Hampsink<\/strong>. \u201cLooking ahead, EBW will continue to strengthen the industry as an independent platform, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration across the global bridal community as it prepares for 03 – 05 April 2027.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

EUROPEAN BRIDAL WEEK<\/strong><\/a> | 03 – 05 APRIL 2027 | MESSE ESSEN, GERMANY<\/p>\n