FORUM BEFA Mannheim

The FORUM BEFA is the leading trade fair for funeral and cemetery services in the German-speaking world. Held twice a year at changing locations, it brings together expertise, innovation, and the lived culture of the industry. As a trade-only event, it is exclusively aimed at funeral directors, cemetery administrators, stonemasons, suppliers, and other professionals involved in death, farewell, and remembrance. The event is organized by FORUM BEFA GmbH & Co. KG, a specialized trade fair organizer with many years of experience and strong ties to the industry, offering a practical and forward-looking platform.

Thanks to its biannual schedule and the strategic choice of varying locations, FORUM BEFA remains geographically flexible and thematically up to date. It serves as a central meeting point for the industry and a source of inspiration, preserving the traditions of funeral services while creating space for modern developments. The focus is on current topics that cover the entire scope of the final phase of life – from traditional products to innovative services.

The range of offerings spans traditional funeral supplies such as coffins, urns, mourning accessories, and vehicle equipment, as well as modern cemetery technology and grave design supported by machinery and software. Alternative burial methods and ecological concepts are also gaining importance, including natural burials, biodegradable urns, and even space burials. Sensitive issues such as grief counseling and psychological support are an integral part of the fair, with specialized literature, advisory services, and networking formats available.

One of the distinctive features of FORUM BEFA is its thematic depth. In addition to legal, economic, and organizational matters, it also addresses topics such as business succession, digital visibility for funeral homes, and trends in customer loyalty. Lectures, workshops, and panel discussions complement the exhibition with valuable insights for professional development and encourage exchange among experts. A highlight of the event is the “Gute-Rat-Preis” (Good Advice Award), which honors outstanding advisory services in the funeral sector.

FORUM BEFA is more than just a trade fair – it is an essential forum for information, innovation, and personal connection in the professional engagement with death, mourning, and remembrance.

This year the FORUM BEFA on Sat., 20.09.2025 in Mannheim takes place already for the twenty-sixth time.