KPA Ulm 2027: plastics products fair, 24–25 Feb in Ulm, Germany.
Dates
24–25 Feb 2027
City / country
Ulm, Germany
Venue
Ulm-Messe
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
KPA Kunststoff Produkte Aktuell 2027 returns to Messe Ulm on 24–25 February 2027, bringing plastics processors, material suppliers and development partners together for two focused days.
The Ulm edition is the southern German stop of a three-city KPA series and is aimed at buyers, designers and engineers sourcing plastic components, materials and manufacturing capacity.
More than 200 exhibitors had already booked for 2027 after the 2026 edition drew 318 exhibitors and 3,055 trade visitors.
TL;DR
Visit KPA Ulm to meet plastics processors, compounders and toolmakers who can quote on live component projects. The show is compact, the stands are comparable in size, and the free lecture programme on two stages adds material and process updates. Buyers from automotive, medical technology, electrical engineering and machinery can source design, prototyping and series-production partners in two days.
Exhibit at KPA Ulm to reach technical decision-makers from southern Germany’s plastics user industries without the cost of a national flagship stand. The 2026 edition attracted 318 exhibitors and 3,055 trade visitors, and more than 200 companies had rebooked for 2027. A focused stand puts processors, material suppliers and toolmakers in front of buyers with defined projects.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
5Ulm-Messe, Böfinger Straße 50, 89073 Ulm, Germany
Free parking on the exhibition grounds, included with the KPA ticket.
Food options
On-site catering and free snacks
On-site diningParking: Free on-site parking is included with a KPA ticket; the site is close to the A8/A7 junction and about 10 minutes from Ulm Hauptbahnhof.
Gate: Enter through the main Messe Ulm entrance off Böfinger Straße and follow KPA signage to registration.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Day ticket
Purchase on site; Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, cash or EC accepted.
Student day ticket
Valid student ID required; purchase on site.
Invitation-code registration
Free registration with a code from an exhibitor, media partner or association.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Print your ticket or show the QR code on your phone at the entrance; bring photo ID.
Ticket notes
Day ticket €25; student day ticket €10; purchase on site or register free with an exhibitor, media or association invitation code.
Registration deadline
2027-02-25
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 3,055
Exhibitors: 318
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,100
Exhibitors: 320
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2026 KPA Ulm edition drew 318 exhibitors and 3,055 trade visitors across three halls and the foyer. Exhibitors praised the compact format and intensive project discussions, and more than 200 companies rebooked for 2027.
New this edition
Three KPA locations in 2027
The KPA series runs in Ulm on 24–25 February, Bad Salzuflen on 1–3 June and Leipzig/Schkeuditz on 22–23 September 2027.
SourcePhotos
Impact
KPA Ulm has grown from 193 exhibitors and 2,019 visitors in 2024 to 318 exhibitors and 3,055 visitors in 2026. For a two-day regional fair, that trajectory signals a working sourcing event rather than a display-only showcase: buyers arrive with live component projects and exhibitors report repeat bookings.
Audience quality
The audience is technical and senior: purchasing, construction, product development, production and management from automotive, medical technology, electrical engineering, machinery, furniture and consumer goods. The 2026 edition reported 3,055 trade visitors and a 9.1 recommendation score. The hall layout is compact, so a visitor can hold several substantive supplier meetings in one day.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on matching southern German project demand. A 9 sqm shell stand reaches roughly 1,500 visitors per show day, and more than 200 exhibitors rebooked for 2027, which suggests repeat exhibitors see pipeline value. Budget for a compact stand, a German-speaking technical lead and follow-up within five working days; audited ROI figures are not published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Southern Germany concentrates automotive, machinery, medical and electrical manufacturers that buy technical plastic parts. KPA gives those buyers a compact regional market for materials, tooling and contract manufacturing, at a fraction of the time and cost of a national fair.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Material substitution and lightweighting
Automotive and machinery buyers continue to replace metal parts with engineering thermoplastics and composites to cut weight and assembly steps.
What it changes: Exhibitors that can document mechanical performance, temperature resistance and recyclate content are better placed to win qualification projects.
Recyclate-ready compounds and traceability
Brand owners and OEMs increasingly require recycled content with consistent properties and documented chain of custody.
What it changes: Material suppliers and processors need batch-level data, not just a sustainability claim, to pass customer audits.
Automation and AI in moulding and tooling
Machine builders and toolmakers are adding sensors, automated handling and AI-assisted process monitoring to shorten cycle times and reduce scrap.
What it changes: Small and mid-sized processors can adopt these tools incrementally, making the tooling and automation exhibits directly relevant.
KPA runs three German editions in 2027, giving exhibitors and buyers a regional circuit rather than a single national show.
KPA Bad Salzuflen 2027
Bad Salzuflen, Germany
Second stop of the 2027 KPA series, co-located with the KUTENO plastics-processing supply chain show.
websiteKUTENO 2027
Bad Salzuflen, Germany
Plastics-processing supply chain fair held alongside the KPA Bad Salzuflen dates; confirm exact dates with the organiser.
websiteKPA Leipzig/Schkeuditz 2027
Schkeuditz, Germany
Third 2027 stop at the Globana Eventcampus near Leipzig.
websiteUlm planning window
Hotel and stand planning should start by December 2026.
Dates for KPA editions come from the official KPA site; KUTENO dates are a planning assumption.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Largest nearby airport with direct flights from major European hubs; trains connect to Ulm Hauptbahnhof in about an hour.
about 80 km
to venue
60–75 minutes
by car
Long-haul gateway; direct trains run to Ulm, then a short taxi or tram to the venue.
about 160 km
to venue
90–110 minutes
by car
Smaller low-cost airport; limited connections and fewer ground transport options.
about 60 km
to venue
45–60 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–120 / night
Simple rooms near the station, a 10-minute taxi or tram ride from Messe Ulm. Book early because the show overlaps school term.
USD 140–200 / night
Walkable to restaurants and the old town; 15 minutes by taxi to the venue.
USD 220–320 / night
Full-service or boutique stays with meeting space; reserve a refundable rate in December 2026.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi / ride-hail
About 10 minutes outside peak traffic; taxis rank outside the station.
Tram + walk
Take a city tram towards the exhibition centre and walk the last few minutes; a day pass is cheaper for return trips.
Car
Free on-site parking is included with the show ticket.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay business visa | Visitors who need a Schengen visa for Germany | $90.00 | 15–45 calendar days | |
| Visa-free / ETIAS-eligible travel | Many EU, UK, US, Canadian and other passport holders | — |
EU/EEA and many other nationals can enter Germany visa-free for short business trips. UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders normally do not need a Schengen visa for stays under 90 days.
Germany accepts ATA carnets for temporary import of exhibition goods; confirm the carnet scope with the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Late February is late winter in Ulm: expect 0–8°C by day and occasional frost at night, with a mix of sun, cloud and rain. Snow is possible but usually light. Pack a warm coat, waterproof shoes and layers for the walk from parking to the halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
German SIM cards and eSIMs work across the venue. Messe Ulm has Wi-Fi in the foyer and conference areas; exhibitors usually provide separate stand Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is strong on all major networks.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Punctuality and greetings
Arrive on time for meetings and use a handshake and surname plus Herr or Frau until invited otherwise. Small talk is brief before business.
Cash and Sunday closing
Cards are widely accepted, but some bakeries and taxis prefer cash. Most shops close on Sunday, so buy supplies on Saturday.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Stuttgart (STR)
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for February. Compare Stuttgart and Munich; the train from Munich is often faster than a connecting flight.
Book flightsSchengen rules apply. Many Western passport holders enter visa-free for business; other nationalities need a short-stay Schengen visa.
Estimated cost: €90 visa fee where applicable
Processing: 15–45 days
Carry an invitation letter from your employer or the exhibitor, proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From Stuttgart Airport take the S-Bahn to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, then a train to Ulm (about 1 hour), then taxi or tram to Messe Ulm. From Munich Airport, direct trains reach Ulm in about 2 hours.
Hotel → venue: Most central hotels are 10–20 minutes by taxi or 20–30 minutes by tram and walk.
Ride-hail: Taxis are metered; ride-hail availability is limited, so use the taxi rank or a local app.
Public transit: Ulm has a tram and bus network; single tickets are around €3 and day passes around €7.
Parking: Free on-site parking at Messe Ulm, included with the ticket.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 0–8°C day, −4–2°C night
Seasonality: Mixed rain and snow showers; February is one of the colder months.
Packing: Warm coat, waterproof shoes, layers, umbrella and gloves for the walk from transport to the halls.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 1, Wednesday 24 February 2027
Day one runs an hour longer, opens with the strongest seminar programme and gives exhibitors fresh attention before follow-up meetings fill day two. Arrive at 09:00 for registration and book supplier meetings before 11:00.
Confirm ticket or exhibitor invitation code and book travel — Compare Stuttgart and Munich flights; train to Ulm from either airport.
Book a refundable hotel in Ulm Altstadt or near Hauptbahnhof — February is low season but the show fills central rooms.
Shortlist exhibitors and request meetings — Use the exhibitor directory and target material, tooling and contract manufacturing suppliers.
Download the show app and plan the hall route — Save the forum sessions you want and note stand numbers.
Travel to Ulm and check registration documents — Bring passport, ticket QR code and business cards. Park free on site on show day.
Arrive, park and collect the badge
Messe Ulm main entranceSupplier meetings with compounders and moulders
Halls 1 and 2Forum talk on materials and automation
KPA Forum stageLunch and informal networking
Foyer catering areaToolmaking and contract manufacturing meetings
Halle 3 and DonauhalleUlm Minster and Altstadt
City Landmark
15 minutes by taxi from the venue
Climb the tallest church tower in the world and walk the historic centre after the show.
Blautopf, Blaubeuren
Nature Excursion
25 minutes by car
A striking blue karst spring and monastery, easy to combine with a half-day before departure.
KPA Forum and foyer
On-site
Free talks and coffee breaks create natural conversation points between halls.
Barfüßer Hausbrauerei Ulm
Brewery restaurant
Central option for a small group dinner; reserve a table for show week.
KPA leads are project-driven, so speed matters more than volume. A clear technical follow-up within two days keeps you ahead of competitors who wait for the post-show list.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 170–240 / m²
Raw space
EUR 110–160 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor tariff was published. Bands are benchmarked against comparable German regional plastics fairs and must be confirmed with Easyfairs.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth shell scheme
exhibitor · standard
EUR 1530–2160 / 9 sqm stand
Hotel
both · mid
EUR 140–200 / room per night
Per diem
both · standard
EUR 55–75 / person per day
Flight
visitor · economy
USD 150–850 / return ticket
Visa
visitor · Schengen
USD 90 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth shell scheme | exhibitor | standard | EUR 1530–2160 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | EUR 140–200 / room per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | EUR 55–75 / person per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Flight | visitor | economy | USD 150–850 / return ticket | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Visa | visitor | Schengen | USD 90 / per application | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip KPA Ulm 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need to compare suppliers, materials or tooling and can commit one or two days.
Best for
Buyers, designers and engineers with a live plastics project
Min. budget
$250.00
Timeline
Book 4–6 weeks ahead
Risks
Meeting slots fill on day one
February travel disruption
exhibit
You sell technical capability into southern German OEMs and want qualified project conversations.
Best for
Plastics processors, compounders, toolmakers and automation suppliers
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
Book 3–6 months ahead
Risks
A weak stand concept gets lost among similar suppliers
German-language technical staffing is essential
skip
You have no plastics project, no German market interest and no budget to travel.
Best for
Consumer visitors or companies with no plastics purchasing or sales role
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing supplier intelligence if a project emerges later
Book with
Ulm-Messe GmbH
Venue operator for the Ulm exhibition centre at Böfinger Straße 50.
Venue named on the official KPA site; not a paid partner.
Easyfairs
International trade-fair organiser behind the KPA series in Ulm, Bad Salzuflen and Leipzig.
Organiser named on the official KPA site.
VDWF
German tool and mould making association that supports technical content and member stands at KPA.
Association publicly promotes KPA 2027; partnership terms not confirmed.
TecPart
German plastics processing association that has curated KPA forum content and network meetings.
Named as a KPA messepartner in trade press; 2027 programme not published.
Recommended providers
Apply at the German mission in your country; allow 15–45 days.
Filter for Ulm Altstadt or Hauptbahnhof and a refundable rate.
Compare Stuttgart and Munich fares; train connections to Ulm are frequent.
Book exhibition logistics and ATA carnet handling 6–8 weeks ahead.
Business travel and exhibition public liability cover; check the venue requirements.
Book Ulm Minster tower access and Blaubeuren excursions locally.
Easyfairs Smart Badge / Touch&Collect
Badge scanning is included with the show app; export leads as CSV.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
4
Date checked
Easyfairs
plasticker
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
