SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026 successfully completed

SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026 lived up to expectations and presented surface technology from May 5 - 7 as a cross-sectional technology that is at home in all industrial sectors and is an indispensable part of the production chain. As expected, the proportion of trade visitors was high, which was also reflected in the quality of the discussions. Despite the difficult market environment, the number of visitors increased once again compared to the previous trade fair. After Germany, the strongest visitor countries were Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Austria and France. "We are very satisfied with how the event went and this is also reflected in the feedback from our exhibitors. During the three days, it once again became clear that the joint exchange of ideas is indispensable and makes for a successful trade fair," said a delighted Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology Germany at Deutsche Messe AG. Dr. Martin Riester, Consultant for Surface Technology at VDMA, confirms: "The true value of a strong network is particularly evident in economically challenging times. SurfaceTechnology Germany has impressively demonstrated that the innovative spirit of our industry is unbroken despite the difficult conditions. Together, we are making surface technology fit for the future!"

SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026 with high quality contacts

The joint stand of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO) is traditionally a crowd-puller at SurfaceTechnology Germany. With its 60 companies, the joint stand once again provided an impressive presentation of electroplating technology. "Our expectations for SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026, which were modest given the current economic and geopolitical situation, were exceeded: Right from the start, the visitor response was excellent without compromising the famously good visitor quality. The exhibitors at the ZVO joint stand reported many interesting technical discussions and international contacts - as a door opener for future joint projects. The mood at the trade fair was consistently positive and gives hope for an economic upturn in the near future. The only downer: the few exhibitors from the coating industry, for whom there were numerous inquiries. The ZVO will arrange contacts here," summarizes Christoph Matheis, Managing Director of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO). "The participants of the joint stand Process Chain Surface Technology also drew a positive conclusion. On all three days of the trade fair, promising discussions were held with experts from Germany and abroad, from which, according to the exhibitors, orders can be expected for the coming years. According to the exhibitors, SurfaceTechnology Germany in Stuttgart has once again proven its important position among international trade fairs," reports Herbert Käszmann, organizer of the joint WOTech stand. "The response to SurfaceTechnology Germany was strong. Three days with an incredible number of discussions, new contacts and a palpable sense of optimism. For me, this shows one thing above all: the industry does not want to give up on Germany and Europe as a business location, but wants to assert itself through innovation and AI. And it is precisely where there is a shortage of skilled workers that the most important solutions are now emerging," says Nico Kahlich, authorized signatory at DiTec GmbH.

Great demand for information at the STG.ExpertForum

The economic situation in Germany and the global uncertainties gave rise to fears that SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026 might deliver a modest result - but the opposite was the case. At the trade fair, it was clear to see that exhibitor satisfaction was high, which was mainly due to the high quality of visitors. The total of 48 presentations at the STG.ExpertForum met with a high level of interest and the number of visitors was high from the first to the last presentation. The classic topics such as cleaning and pre-treatment or new processes, systems and equipment for coating were just as well received as the current focus on the use of AI in surface technology, digitalization or alternative coating processes using physical coating methods. One of the highlights of the forum was also the presentation of the Stuttgart Innovation Award "The Surface" by the Fraunhofer IPA(reported online by SurfaceTechnology Germany). The next SurfaceTechnology Germany will be held in Stuttgart from June 20 to 22, 2028.

► Learn more about SurfaceTechnology Germany 2026 in the trade show special on Surface Technology Online