The challenges facing companies in the surface technology industry remain formidable, with no significant relief currently in sight. The market environment continues to be shaped by high energy costs, stringent environmental regulations (including REACH and sustainability mandates), a persistent skilled labor shortage, a still-subdued order situation, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Compounding these issues are necessary investments in digital automation and the modernization of existing systems – expenditures that tie up substantial resources.

"Particularly in challenging times, face-to-face exchange becomes all the more important. Dialog, cooperation, and collaborative approaches to solutions are needed now more than ever. With SurfaceTechnology GERMANY, we as trade fair organizer are providing the entire industry with a platform to facilitate precisely that – creating space for innovation, knowledge transfer, and networking, as well as for information-sharing, discussion, and concrete answers to real-world challenges," reports Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Director SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe.

Surface technology as an essential key process

As a cross-sector technology, surface technology represents a critical enabling process for virtually every core industrial sector – from mobility and the engineering industry to metalworking and metal processing, aerospace, medical technology, and electronics. In doing so, it makes an indispensable contribution to industrial value creation and competitive strength.

The event has the support of two strong partners: ZVO (Central Association of Surface Technology) and VDMA Surface Technology. Both organizations are actively engaged in political discourse to help steer decisions in the right direction – working to preserve businesses, jobs, and Germany's standing as a competitive industrial location.

The diversity of the industry is reflected in a total of twelve exhibition focus areas. Domestic and international exhibitors will present their latest innovations, products, and services in Stuttgart, with a strong emphasis on direct engagement with trade visitors. Also featured are the ZVO Pavilion, bringing together around 60 exhibiting companies under one roof, as well as the Surface Technology Process Chain exhibit, organized by WOTech GbR.

Knowledge transfer at the highest level

A further highlight is the STG.ExpertForum (German <> English). Serving as both a knowledge platform and idea generator, it brings together around 50 specialist presentations and stands for first-hand knowledge transfer at an exceptional level. The forum will tackle the industry's most pressing future topics – among them "AI-assisted surface technology," "Surfaces for energy applications: New battery types and hydrogen technologies", and "Avoiding PFAS in surface technology". The session on "Workforce development in the context of the skilled labor shortage" also promises valuable insights and lively debate.

The eagerly awaited awarding of the Stuttgart Surface Technology Prize "THE SURFACE" by the Fraunhofer IPA Institute will, as in previous years, take place on the first day of the trade fair in the STG.ExpertForum.

Added value for exhibitors and visitors

Running parallel to SurfaceTechnology GERMANY are GrindingHub and MedtecLIVE. Exhibitors and visitors alike can benefit from the synergies of these concurrent events: a single admission ticket grants access to all three shows. GrindingHub will take place in Halls 7, 9 and 10, and MedtecLIVE in Hall 3.