A few years ago, I bought a CNC machine from a supplier I met online. The specs looked good. Price was fair.

But when things went wrong?

No one picked up the phone. No one replied to my emails. And I was stuck—with a broken machine and lost orders piling up.

That’s when I started attending events like METALEX.

Face-to-face, I could ask real questions. Test machines. Read the room. And find suppliers who stood by their word.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what METALEX offers, who it’s for, and how to plan your visit. Most importantly, you’ll get a simple way to know if this event is worth your time and your business.

Let’s get started.

1. Register in Advance

METALEX 2025 will take place from November 19 to 22, 2025, at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) in Bangkok, Thailand. Doors open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

If you’re planning to attend, register online before you go.

I used to wait until the last minute showed up, filled out forms, waited in line. By the time I got inside, I had already wasted an hour.

Now I always pre-register. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it makes the whole visit smoother.

Go to the official METALEX website: www.metalex.co.th. On the homepage, you’ll see a button for “Pre-Registration” or “Visitor Registration.” Click it, fill in your info, and choose your badge type.

Here’s what you can select:

• Visitor Badge: For professionals who want to explore, learn, and make connections
• Exhibitor Badge: For companies showcasing machines or services
• VIP Badge: For invited guests or high-level buyers; often includes lounge access or meeting zones

Early registration also gives you perks. When I registered early last year, I got:

• Fast-track entry (no waiting in line)
• A free event guide
• Access to select networking lounges

It took less than 5 minutes to sign up. And when I arrived, I just scanned my code and walked in.

If you’re serious about doing business at METALEX, registering in advance is a small step that saves you time and gives you a smoother start.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Getting this part done early makes the rest of your trip much easier.

2. Prepare Your Travel & Accommodation

Booking the right hotel is one of the first things I do after registering for METALEX.

Why? Because I’ve made the mistake of staying too far from the venue. Long taxi rides. Traffic. Missed meetings. I don’t do that anymore.

BITEC Bangkok (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) is where METALEX takes place. It’s in the Bang Na area, east of central Bangkok. The good news? There are plenty of hotels nearby.

Here are a few hotel options close to BITEC:

• Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok – Just a few stops away by train
• Novotel Bangkok Bangna – Popular with business travelers
• Civic Horizon Hotel – Budget-friendly and close
• The Maple Hotel – Offers shuttle service to BITEC

Tip: Book early. Rooms fill fast during METALEX week.

Getting Around

Getting to BITEC is easier than you might think. One of the best options is the BTS Skytrain.

• Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Bang Na Station
• From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the venue
• BITEC also provides free shuttle buses from select hotels and BTS stations
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are also available, but traffic in Bangkok can be slow—especially during rush hour

For International Visitors

If you’re flying in, don’t forget your travel documents.

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Visa, depending on your country (Thailand offers visa-free entry to some countries for short stays)
• You may need a visa invitation letter if applying through the embassy—METALEX organizers can provide this when you pre-register

Always double-check visa rules on the Thai embassy website before booking your ticket.

Taking care of travel early helps you focus on what matters—meeting suppliers, seeing machines, and growing your business. You don’t want to deal with hotel problems or visa issues the week before the show.

3. Plan Your Visit Strategically

Walking into METALEX without a plan is like stepping into a maze without a map.

I made that mistake once. I wandered through hall after hall. Saw great machines—but missed the booths I came for. By the end of the day, I was tired and didn’t get what I needed.

Since then, I’ve always planned ahead.

Before the event, visit the official METALEX website or download the show app. You’ll find:

• A full exhibitor list
• A detailed floor plan
• Info on product zones and special showcases

Start by reviewing the exhibitor list. Highlight the companies you want to meet. Then check where they’re located on the floor plan.

METALEX is divided into zones based on product types. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Machine Tools
• Sheet Metalworking
• Automation & Robotics
• Welding Technology
• Smart Materials & AI Systems

Focus on the zones that match your business. That way, you won’t waste time in areas that don’t matter to you.

Next, use the METALEX Connect platform to schedule meetings in advance. It’s built into the website and app. You can:

• Search for exhibitors
• Send meeting requests
• Reserve a time to talk directly at their booth

This helped me avoid long waits and guaranteed I spoke to the right people.

Don’t forget to download the show app. It helps with:

• Real-time navigation
• Event schedule updates
• Exhibitor news and announcements

The venue is huge. Without the app, it’s easy to get lost or miss a session.

A little planning goes a long way. Know who you want to see. Map out your day. Set your meetings early.

You’ll leave METALEX with more than just flyers—you’ll walk away with answers, quotes, and real business leads.

4. Prepare Business Materials

If you’re going to METALEX to grow your business, you need to look the part. That doesn’t mean wearing a suit. It means being ready—with the right tools in your pocket.

I’ve been to shows where I forgot my business cards. I had to scribble my name and number on scraps of paper. Not a great look. Those contacts rarely followed up.

Now, I always come prepared. Here’s what I bring:

• Printed business cards: Easy to hand out on the spot
• Digital business card: Just in case someone prefers scanning
• Company brochures: A one-page summary works best
• Product sheets or portfolio: Only if you have something to show
• QR code: Link it to your website, product catalog, or contact form

Make it easy for people to remember you. I added a short note on the back of my card before handing it over. Something like, “met at sheet metal zone” helps jog their memory later.

Now let’s talk about how you show up.

If you’re a buyer or potential partner, don’t just walk booth to booth asking for price lists. That won’t get you far.

Instead:

• Introduce yourself clearly
• Mention what kind of machines or parts you’re looking for
• Ask smart questions: delivery time, support options, stock levels
• Take notes as you talk—they’ll help you compare later
• Be direct but respectful of their time

I’ve found that when you act prepared, people take you seriously. Sellers open up more. They explain things better. Sometimes, they offer better terms on the spot.

METALEX is full of opportunities. But only if you’re ready.

Pack your materials early. Keep them organized. And be ready to have real conversations, not just collect catalogs.

That’s how deals start.

5. Attend the Conference & Live Demonstrations

There’s more to METALEX than booths and product displays.

The conferences and live demos? That’s where you really learn what works—and what doesn’t.

At my last visit, I sat in on a short technical session about automation. It wasn’t even on my list. I just walked in because I had time. Thirty minutes later, I was taking notes on a new system that could save my team hours each week.

These sessions are free, but you still need to register online. You can do this through the official METALEX website or show app. Just look for the conference or seminar section.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Keynote talks from industry leaders
• Technical sessions on welding, robotics, machining, and more
• Workshops where you can ask questions and see real results

The popular ones fill up fast. If something catches your eye, arrive early. Seats go quickly, especially for hands-on or live Q&A events.

And don’t miss the live machine demos.

I always make time for these. You get to see how machines perform under pressure. You’ll watch them cut, bend, weld, or mill right in front of you. No edited videos. No marketing filters.

Watching a demo helped me choose between two machines once. One looked great on paper—but couldn’t keep up during the live test. The other ran smoothly and fast.

If you’re comparing brands, this is the best way to spot differences.

Here’s what I do during demos:

• Ask about materials used
• Time the process
• Watch for clean finishes and setup time
• Talk to the operator afterward

METALEX brings together serious buyers and real working machines. The conferences and demos are where everything comes to life.

Don’t skip them.

They might be the most useful part of your entire trip.

6. Network and Explore Partnership Opportunities

Some of the best deals I’ve made didn’t happen at a booth. They started with a conversation over coffee, during a lunch break, or in a short chat between sessions.

METALEX is full of chances to connect. But you have to be ready.

First, have a quick introduction prepared. Think of it like an elevator pitch. Just a few sentences that explain:

• Who you are
• What your company does
• What you’re looking for (machines, partners, distributors, etc.)

Keep it simple. No need to impress anyone. Just be clear.

I also like to ask specific questions when I talk to new people. For example:

• “What machines are your bestsellers right now?”
• “Do you have stock ready to ship, or is there a lead time?”
• “Are you open to long-term partnerships or agent opportunities?”

These kinds of questions help move the conversation forward. You learn more. And people take you seriously.

Don’t forget to follow up.

After a chat, I usually:

• Write a quick note on the back of their card
• Send a message the next day (email or WhatsApp)
• Mention something we talked about to help them remember me

METALEX also brings in industry clusters and delegations. These groups often come from countries like Japan, Germany, China, and Korea. You’ll find them in group booths or business lounges. Some are looking for suppliers. Others are searching for buyers or agents.

If there are after-show networking events or mixers, try to go. They’re less formal, and sometimes more productive. You get to talk without all the noise and time pressure of the show floor.

I’ve met factory owners, suppliers, and even resellers just by showing up and starting a simple conversation.

You never know where a five-minute chat might lead.

So keep your eyes open. Talk to people. And follow up after the show. That’s where real partnerships begin.

7. Track What You Learn and Who You Meet

By the end of my first METALEX visit, my head was spinning.

I had spoken to dozens of people. Seen machines I liked. Collected flyers. But when I got back to my hotel, I realized—I couldn’t remember who said what.

That’s when I started tracking everything, right on the spot.

Now, I keep it simple. I use my phone’s notes app or carry a small notebook. After each meeting, I jot down:

• Company name
• Person I spoke to
• What we discussed
• Key products I’m interested in
• Any promises they made (like a quote or catalog follow-up)

If you prefer digital, you can also use spreadsheet apps or scan business cards into your phone. Just make sure you do it right away. Waiting until later makes it harder to remember the details.

Photos help too.

If you see a machine that interests you, ask if you can take a picture. Most booths allow it, but it’s polite to ask first.

I usually take:

• A photo of a machine or product
• A photo of the booth (with the company name visible)
• A close-up of the product tag or specs

That way, I don’t have to rely on memory or flip through brochures later.

Speaking of brochures, take only what you need. Some booths will hand you stacks of paper. I like to:

• Keep a folder just for the good ones
• Write notes directly on the brochure
• Ask for digital copies or request a sample if I’m really interested

It’s easy to collect too much and forget what mattered.

The goal isn’t to gather everything. It’s to keep track of the things—and people—that can help your business grow.

So write it down. Snap a photo. Stay organized.

That’s how you turn a busy trade show into real, useful information.

8. Follow Up After the Event

Your work doesn’t end when METALEX is over. In some ways, that’s where it really begins.

I used to come back from trade shows with a suitcase full of brochures and a phone full of contacts. Then I’d get busy. A week would pass. Then two. And by the time I followed up, the lead had gone cold.

Now, I follow up within 3 to 5 days. No excuses.

Start with a short email. Keep it simple. Remind them who you are, what you talked about, and what you’re looking for next.

Here’s what I usually include:

• A quick thank-you
• The booth or product we discussed
• A request for next steps (pricing, sample, catalog, etc.)

If you connected well, send a LinkedIn request too. It’s an easy way to stay in touch and keep the conversation going.

Some contacts prefer messaging apps. Others use email. Pay attention to how they communicated during the show—and follow their lead.

Now is also the time to sit down with your team.

Go over:

• Suppliers you met
• Machines or products that stood out
• Notes and photos you took
• Quotes or samples you collected

Compare options. Check who offered better support, pricing, and delivery times. Look past the flashy booths. Focus on who actually fits your business needs.

This part is key. I’ve skipped it before and ended up choosing based on memory—not facts. That never works out.

If you promised to send info or get back to someone, do it now. It builds trust and keeps the door open.

And if a supplier doesn’t respond after your follow-up? That tells you something too.

The days right after METALEX are the best time to move forward. You’re fresh. They remember you. And there’s still momentum.

So don’t wait. Follow up while it still matters.

It could be the difference between good contact and a great business deal.

9. Bonus Tips for First-Time Attendees

If this is your first time attending METALEX, I’ll be honest—it can feel a little overwhelming. The venue is huge. The halls are packed. And there’s a lot to see in just a few days.

But with a few small tips, you can make the experience easier, more comfortable, and a lot more productive.

Dress Smart—But Stay Comfortable

METALEX is a professional event. You’ll want to look the part. But you’ll also be walking for hours. My advice?

• Wear clean, business-casual clothing
• Avoid heavy materials that trap heat
• Choose shoes that are comfortable for long walks

I once wore new leather shoes. They looked great, but by lunchtime, I was limping. Never again.

Bring a Lightweight Bag

You’ll collect brochures, samples, catalogs—and maybe some freebies. Don’t try to carry everything by hand.

Here’s what helps:

• A lightweight backpack or crossbody bag
• A foldable shopping bag as backup
• Some people even bring a small wheeled trolley (especially if they plan to carry samples)

It’s better to have space than to end up juggling everything.

Stay Hydrated. Take Breaks.

BITEC is big. Really big. You can walk several kilometers in a day without even noticing.

There are water stations, food courts, and rest areas throughout the venue. Use them.

I like to:

• Bring a refillable water bottle
• Take a short break every 1–2 hours
• Plan my lunch break before the crowd hits

It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference. You’ll stay sharp and focused all day.

METALEX has a lot to offer—machines, contacts, knowledge. And your first visit can open doors.

Conclusion

The first time I went to METALEX, I was overwhelmed. Too many halls. Too many booths. And I missed real opportunities.

You don’t have to repeat that.

This guide walks you through every step—from booking hotels to knowing who to meet.

METALEX runs November 19–22 at BITEC in Bangkok. It’s your chance to meet suppliers, test machines, and grow your business.

So ask yourself:

Are you ready to make this trip count? Start planning today.

And if you need help making the most of your visit—contact us anytime.

We’ve been there. We’re here to help.