MOULDING EXPO 2027 in Stuttgart runs 11-12 May 2027.
Dates
11–12 May 2027
City / country
Stuttgart, Germany
Venue
Messe Stuttgart
Event overview
MOULDING EXPO 2027 is the international tool, pattern and mould making trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany, running 11-12 May 2027 at Messe Stuttgart.
The compact two-day format replaces the former four-day show and sits alongside Control, giving buyers and exhibitors a focused European toolmaking marketplace in Baden-Württemberg's industrial heartland.
Entry is trade-only; ticket prices and daily opening hours were not published when this listing was prepared.
TL;DR
A visit compresses supplier search into two days in one of Europe's strongest toolmaking regions. Exhibitors span injection moulds, die-casting dies, stamping tools, models, tool steels, hot runners, surface treatment, measurement and automation. The 2025 survey found 86 percent of visitors influence investment decisions, so technical conversations move quickly. Co-location with Control adds quality-assurance and metrology suppliers, and the airport-adjacent venue keeps travel time short. Come with drawings, tolerances and project timelines rather than browsing intent.
Stuttgart puts you in front of automotive, plastics, die-casting and metal-forming buyers who specify tools and moulds. The 2025 edition attracted more than 200 exhibitors and about 3,300 trade visitors, with 86 percent involved in investment decisions. The 2027 all-inclusive packages cover stand construction, logistics, parking, lead management and catering, reducing organising effort for a small technical team. Two focused days lower staff and travel cost, while co-location with Control brings measurement and quality buyers into the same halls.
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
Messe Stuttgart, Messepiazza 1, 70629 Stuttgart, Germany
Entrances & gates
Main entrance, Messepiazza
Closest to the S-Bahn station and taxi drop-off; registration and badge desks are inside.
Food options
Hall catering points, Messe Stuttgart restaurant
On-site diningParking: Multi-storey car parks and open-air parking are on the exhibition grounds next to the halls; exhibitor packages include a long-term parking permit.
Gate: Use the main Messe Stuttgart entrance from Messepiazza; follow overhead signs to the Moulding Expo halls and allow 15 minutes from the S-Bahn platform.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Registration and badge collection details will be published with the ticket launch.
Ticket notes
The official ticket page says sales have not started; prices and opening hours will be announced before the event.
What's on
Control 2027
International trade fair for quality assurance, held alongside Moulding Expo at Messe Stuttgart.
Same exhibition centre; separate admission rules may apply.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 3,300
Exhibitors: 200
Edition #: 5
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,000
Exhibitors: 180
Floor area: 3,500 sqm
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The fifth Moulding Expo ran from 6 to 9 May 2025 at Messe Stuttgart with more than 200 exhibitors and about 3,300 trade visitors. Organisers reported that 86 percent of visitors were involved in investment decisions, then confirmed a move to a two-day all-inclusive format for 2027.
New this edition
All-inclusive stand packages
Four fixed packages cover stand construction, logistics, parking, lead management and catering.
SourceImpact
The 2027 format compresses a four-day fair into two days and bundles stand construction, logistics and catering into fixed packages. That lowers the cost and staff time needed to exhibit, but also shortens the window for buyer meetings, so exhibitors should pre-book appointments rather than rely on walk-up traffic.
Audience quality
The 2025 survey found 86 percent of visitors involved in investment decisions and 58 percent holding management positions. Automotive and automotive-supplier visitors made up 39 percent of the audience, followed by tool and mould making at 26 percent. That is a technically qualified audience, though smaller than at four-day editions.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on pre-arranged meetings. Two days and one hall reduce stand and travel costs, while co-location with Control adds measurement buyers. Exhibitors selling commodity tooling should expect price pressure; those with technical differentiation, short lead times or automation can justify the package cost through a handful of qualified projects.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
European tool, pattern and mould making is concentrated in southern Germany, where automotive, plastics and machinery customers demand short lead times and high-precision tooling. A compact Stuttgart fair gives the sector a single meeting point close to those customers and puts tooling suppliers alongside measurement and quality-assurance buyers from Control.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Resilient regional supply chains
Automotive and plastics OEMs are shortening tooling supply chains and re-qualifying European toolmakers to reduce lead-time and logistics risk.
What it changes: Exhibitors with local engineering and service capacity can win work that was previously sourced from lower-cost regions.
Compact, all-inclusive trade formats
Organisers are cutting show duration and bundling stand construction, logistics and catering into fixed packages to lower exhibitor cost and planning effort.
What it changes: Smaller toolrooms can exhibit with a predictable budget and a two-person team instead of a large stand crew.
Digital and measurement integration
Toolrooms are adding simulation, sensor-based process monitoring and automated metrology to shorten tryout and improve part quality.
What it changes: Co-location with Control puts metrology, quality assurance and toolmaking software in front of the same buyers.
Stuttgart is the spring meeting point; Friedrichshafen, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf carry the sector through the rest of the calendar.
Control
Stuttgart, Germany
Runs alongside Moulding Expo at Messe Stuttgart; end date is the published Control window and may differ from the two-day Moulding Expo.
websiteFakuma
Friedrichshafen, Germany
Biennial plastics processing fair on Lake Constance; dates follow the established October pattern.
websiteFormnext
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Annual additive-manufacturing fair; dates follow the established November pattern.
websiteSpring tooling window
Same venue and week; book one trip for tooling and quality assurance.
Autumn plastics window
Friedrichshafen and Frankfurt are four to five hours apart by train; plan separate trips.
Circuit dates use established event calendars and should be reconfirmed with each organiser.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest gateway; S-Bahn S2/S3 connect the airport and the exhibition centre.
About 8 km
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Long-haul alternative; direct ICE trains reach Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
About 200 km
to venue
2 hours by train
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 80–120 / night
Simple rooms within a short S-Bahn or taxi ride of the halls; book early during Control.
USD 140–200 / night
Business hotels with breakfast and parking, 10-20 minutes from the venue.
USD 220–320 / night
Full-service options for meetings and larger teams; premium rates rise during major trade weeks.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn
About 20 minutes; trains run frequently during trade fairs.
Taxi
Airport to venue about EUR 15-20; city centre about EUR 30-40.
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 from countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement | $90.00 | About 15 calendar days |
Many EU, UK, US, Canadian, Japanese and Australian passport holders can enter Schengen visa-free for short business trips; check the 90/180-day rule.
Germany accepts ATA carnets for temporary import of exhibition goods and professional equipment; list all items and carry the carnet to the customs desk.
Official visa pageWeather
May is mild and changeable: daytime highs around 18-19 C, lows around 8 C, with a good chance of showers. Bring a light waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for the halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is strong on the exhibition grounds; free WLAN is available in many halls and exhibitor packages include hall WLAN.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Punctuality
Meetings start on time; arrive at stands a few minutes early and confirm appointments by email.
Business language
German is common, but most technical exhibitors speak English; business cards and clear drawings help.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Stuttgart Airport (STR)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead; Lufthansa and Eurowings serve STR, with rail connections from Frankfurt.
Book flightsSchengen rules apply. Many Western passports enter visa-free for short business trips; other nationalities need a short-stay visa before travel.
Estimated cost: USD 90
Processing: About 15 calendar days
Carry an invitation letter from the exhibitor or show organiser if applying for a business visa.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: S-Bahn S2 or S3 from Stuttgart Airport to Messe Stuttgart, about 10-15 minutes; taxi about 15-20 minutes.
Hotel → venue: From central Stuttgart use S2/S3 to Messe Stuttgart; allow 25 minutes door to door.
Ride-hail: Use a licensed taxi rank or a local ride-hailing app; confirm the meter or fixed fare before departure.
Public transit: VVS tickets cover S-Bahn, U-Bahn and buses; buy a day ticket for multiple journeys.
Parking: On-site multi-storey and open-air parking; exhibitor packages include a long-term permit.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 8-19 C
Seasonality: Frequent spring showers; bring a compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Packing: Business casual with comfortable shoes; halls are large and temperatures vary between stand areas.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 11 May 2027
The first day carries opening energy, press activity and the best chance of senior technical staff being on stands. The second day is shorter and better for follow-up meetings, so first-time visitors should use day one for supplier discovery.
Register and book travel — Confirm trade registration, rail or flight and hotel; the ticket shop opens closer to the show.
Shortlist exhibitors and request meetings — Use the online exhibitor index; book 6-10 stand meetings with 30-minute slots.
Prepare technical brief — Bring drawings, part volumes, tolerances, materials and target lead times.
Download hall plan and badges — Check S-Bahn times and print or save badges; pack business cards.
Confirm appointments and arrival — Reconfirm meetings by email and plan a 20-minute buffer at registration.
Registration and coffee
Messe Stuttgart main entranceSupplier meetings in the tooling hall
Mould and die exhibitor standsLunch and informal networking
Hall catering areaControl metrology visits and programme session
Control hallsMercedes-Benz Museum
Automotive Heritage
About 25 minutes by S-Bahn from the airport
Shows the region industrial design and engineering heritage; book a timed ticket.
Porsche Museum
Automotive Heritage
About 35 minutes by S-Bahn to Zuffenhausen
Useful for automotive supply-chain visitors and a short post-show visit.
Hall catering area
On-site
Central tables fill quickly after 12:30; good for impromptu supplier chats.
Stuttgart Mitte
After hours
Restaurants and hotel bars around the Hauptbahnhof suit evening follow-ups.
Moulding Expo is a two-day show, so follow-up speed matters more than volume. Leads that are not contacted within 48 hours lose priority to competing toolmakers.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 100–160 / m²
Raw space
EUR 150–210 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated from comparable German tooling fairs and the announced all-inclusive concept; the organiser has not published a 2027 tariff.
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
exhibitor · standard
EUR 990–1575 / 9 sqm shell package
hotel
both · mid
USD 140–200 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–80 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | standard | EUR 990–1575 / 9 sqm shell package | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 140–200 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–80 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six questions to see whether Moulding Expo 2027 is worth a visit, a stand or a skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have three or more supplier meetings and a defined project within six months.
Best for
Tooling engineers and buyers with a live supplier-search or specification project
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for flights and hotels
Risks
Two-day format limits walk-up meetings
Some exhibitors only send sales staff
exhibit
You can pre-book 10 or more customer meetings and have a technical demo.
Best for
Mould, die, tool-steel, automation or software suppliers targeting German OEMs
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
Reserve a package 90 days ahead; freight 30 days ahead
Risks
Fixed packages may not suit very large custom stands
Short show reduces casual traffic
skip
You have no active project, no stand budget and no supplier decision this year.
Best for
General-interest visitors or companies with no tooling budget in 2027
Timeline
Reassess for the next edition
Risks
Missing competitor and supplier intelligence
Losing early visibility with European buyers
Book with
Messe Stuttgart
Landesmesse Stuttgart operates the exhibition centre next to Stuttgart Airport.
Venue operator and event organiser; not a paid sponsor.
VDMA
German mechanical engineering association representing precision tools and measuring technology.
Industry association referenced in 2025 show coverage; partnership terms not published.
VDWF
Association of German tool and mould makers, a long-standing supporter of the fair.
Association support referenced in show coverage; not a confirmed 2027 sponsor.
ISTMA Europe
European branch of the International Special Tooling and Machining Association.
Association support referenced in show coverage; not a confirmed 2027 sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official Schengen visa guidance and mission finder.
Compare airport and city hotels; confirm cancellation terms during Control week.
Direct and connecting flights to Stuttgart; book 6-8 weeks ahead.
International exhibition freight and customs clearance; confirm the nominated handler with the organiser.
Travel medical insurance accepted for Schengen visa applications.
Museum tickets, city tours and public transport passes.
Messe Stuttgart lead management
Lead management is included in the all-inclusive packages.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
5
Date checked
Messe Stuttgart
Kunststoffe
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