I once flew across the country for a machine show I thought would help my business.

The booths looked good. The brochures promised a lot. But two days later, I walked out with a catalog, sore feet and no leads.

That trip cost me time, money, and energy I didn’t have to waste.

Since then, I’ve been careful. I’ve learned how to size up a trade show before I ever book a ticket. And I’ve found events like MWCS that actually help me grow.

If you’re wondering whether this show is worth attending, I get it. You don’t want another waste-of-time trip.

This article will help you decide. You’ll learn what MWCS includes, who it’s for, what you’ll see, and how to make the most of it. By the end, you’ll know if this event fits your goals and how to get the most out of it if you go.

Let’s start!

Step 1: Understand What MWCS Offers

Before you go to any trade show, it helps to know what you’re walking into. MWCS stands for Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show. It’s one of the largest industrial exhibitions in China focused on metal processing.

Below are the key details for MWCS 2025:

• Name: Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show (MWCS)
• Date: September 23–27, 2025
• Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai
• Official Website:https://www.metalworkingchina.com/en/

If you’re in the machine business whether you deal with cutting, forming, tools, or repairs, MWCS has something for you.

The show brings together everything related to:

• Metal cutting: machines that shape and cut metal into precise parts
• Metal forming: tools used to bend or shape metal without removing material
• CNC systems: short for “Computer Numerical Control,” these are machines run by software, used for automated cutting and shaping
• Automation: solutions that help factories do work faster with fewer people
• Precision tools: fine tools that help make parts exact in size and shape

I remember my first visit to MWCS. The hall was packed with working machines. The noise, the motion, the energy, it felt like stepping into a live workshop. And everywhere I turned, someone was showcasing something I’d never seen before.

Now, you might be wondering who actually exhibits here. It’s not just big global brands. You’ll also find smaller machine shops, tech developers, and tool makers from across Asia and beyond.

You’ll see:

• Machine tool manufacturers
• Sheet metal equipment makers
• CNC and automation solution providers
• Tooling and fixture suppliers
• Dealers, wholesalers, and service firms

MWCS is also part of the larger CIIF event, short for China International Industry Fair. That means you’re not just visiting one show. You get access to other exhibits happening in the same venue. Think of it as one ticket, multiple shows.

That’s a big plus if you’re short on time and want to cover more ground in one trip.

Now that you know what MWCS is all about, let’s talk about how to register and get in.

Step 2: Pre-Registration and Ticketing

Once you know MWCS is the right event for you, it’s time to secure your spot.

The fastest way to do that is by pre-registering online. You avoid long queues at the venue and might even save on entry fees. It also gives you early access to event materials, like the exhibitor list, booth map, and seminar schedules. That’s a big help when you want to make the most of your visit.

Here’s how to do it:

Go to the official website: www.metalworkingchina.com/en

Look for the Visitor Registration page. You’ll be asked to create an account or log in if you’ve attended before.

The registration form will ask for:

• Full name
• Mobile number and email
• Company name and business nature
• Job title
• Nationality
• A valid ID:
  • Mainland Chinese visitors must use their Chinese Resident ID
  • Overseas visitors (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) need a passport or travel permit

Registration must match your ID. That’s because the event uses real-name entry systems for security and policy reasons.

There are several pass types:

• Standard Visitor Pass: good for individual attendees. Free if you register early.
• VIP Pass: includes extra benefits like access to VIP lounges and some priority services.
• Group Registration: for companies bringing a team. This option may qualify you for group services or badges in advance.

After you register, you’ll receive a Digital Access Pass. Keep this on your phone. It’ll be scanned at the venue, so you won’t need a printed ticket unless you’re collecting a badge as an overseas visitor.

For international attendees, the on-site badge pickup is at a separate counter. You’ll need to show the ID or passport you used during registration. They’ll print your entry badge there.

Step 3: Visa and Travel Planning (For International Attendees)

After you’ve registered, it’s time to make your travel plans. If you’re coming from outside mainland China, there are a few more steps to take.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on where you’re from. Some countries have visa-free access, but most business travelers will need an M visa (short for “business visa”). The safest approach is to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

Need help with the visa application? MWCS offers something useful: an official invitation letter. You can request this through the MWCS registration platform. Log in to your account, find the visa support section, and submit your request there. The team usually replies in a few working days.

Once your visa is sorted, it’s time to think about when to arrive.

I suggest flying in at least one day before the show starts. Why? Because it gives you time to rest, collect your badge, and get familiar with the area.

Where to Stay

Next, book your hotel early. Shanghai is a major city, and when big events like MWCS happen, nearby hotels get booked fast.

The exhibition takes place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Qingpu District. This area is on the western side of Shanghai, near the Hongqiao transportation hub. Choosing the right place to stay will save you a lot of time commuting each day.

Here are some recommended hotel areas to consider:

Qingpu District (NECC Area)

This is the closest area to the venue. Many hotels here are within walking distance or just a short ride away. Popular choices include:

• InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC
• Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao
• Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao

Hongqiao Railway Station Area

This is one of the biggest transport hubs in the city. It’s connected by high-speed train, metro, and airport links. Staying here gives you access to Metro Line 2, which goes straight to the NECC.

  Hotel options include:

• Hilton Garden Inn Shanghai Hongqiao
• Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao
• Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao

Minhang District (Extended Area)

If nearby hotels are fully booked, Minhang is a reasonable backup. It’s slightly farther but still accessible by metro or taxi.

When booking, check how far the hotel is from East Xujing Station (Metro Line 2). That’s the station directly connected to the NECC.

Also, consider hotel perks like early breakfast, shuttle service to the venue, and flexible check-in. Some hotels offer event-specific support during large exhibitions like MWCS.

Booking early not only helps you stay closer but also gives you more choices at better prices.

Getting Around Shanghai

Wondering how to get around the city? You’ve got a few options:

• Metro Line 2: Stops at East Xujing Station, which is connected to NECC
• Taxis: Easy to find, but bring the hotel name and address written in Chinese
• Didi: China’s version of Uber. The app has an English setting and works with foreign cards

I once arrived during a rainstorm and had trouble finding my hotel. That’s when I learned how useful Didi is, no language barrier, and it took me straight there.

Planning your trip well makes your MWCS visit less stressful and more productive.

Step 4: Prepare Before You Arrive

Once your trip is booked and your visa is ready, the next step is to start preparing for the show itself. MWCS is big. It spans multiple halls and includes hundreds of exhibitors. If you show up without a plan, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

This step is all about making your visit smoother and more focused.

Start with the Exhibitor List

A few weeks before the show, the MWCS website will release the full exhibitor list. You’ll also find this list in the MWCS app or visitor guide. Take time to go through it.

It may feel like a lot at first. But breaking it down by category helps. You can search by:

• Product type
• Company name
• Booth location
• Industry segment

Are you looking for suppliers? Want to compare CNC machines? Interested in automation? The list helps you filter and focus.

You can make a shortlist of companies you want to meet. That way, you don’t waste time wandering.

I always highlight 10 to 15 booths I know I want to visit. Then I leave extra space in my schedule to explore. Sometimes the best finds are the ones I didn’t plan on seeing.

Check the Floor Plan

Next, pull up the floor plan. It shows where each exhibitor is located. MWCS is held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), and the space is massive.

The venue has multiple halls, and each one focuses on a specific theme. For example:

• One hall might focus on metal cutting
• Another on forming machines
• A third on precision tools or automation systems

Seeing the layout ahead of time helps you group your visits by zone. That way, you don’t waste energy crisscrossing from one end to another.

Tip: print out the floor map or save it to your phone. Mark the booths you want to visit and number them by priority.

Pick Your Must-See Sessions

MWCS usually includes seminars, tech forums, and product demos. Some are held in open areas on the show floor. Others may need advance sign-up.

Topics often include:

• Smart manufacturing
• New CNC technologies
• Energy-efficient metal forming
• Software tools for digital production

These sessions are great if you’re looking to learn what’s coming next in the industry.

If you’re a small business owner or shop manager, these sessions often give real-life examples you can apply. They’re also a good place to ask questions and meet others in your line of work.

Download the MWCS App or Visitor Guide

Technology makes show visits easier. The MWCS official app helps you:

• View real-time floor plans
• Bookmark booths
• Get schedule reminders
• Receive important updates or venue changes

If you prefer paper, grab a printed visitor guide when you arrive. It includes a schedule, map, exhibitor list, and other key info.

I’ve used both. The app is good when you’re moving fast. But the guide helps when your phone dies or you can’t get a signal.

Pack Smart Networking Tools

At MWCS, you’re going to meet people. A lot of people. Some from your field. Some who might become partners, clients, or suppliers.

Be ready to share your info.

Here’s what I pack every time:

• A stack of business cards (more than you think you’ll need)
• A WeChat QR code on my phone’s lock screen or printed on a badge
• A backup contact card with email, phone number, and company info
• A LinkedIn QR code saved as an image

In China, WeChat is the most used app for business networking. It’s quick and easy. Just scan, connect, and chat later.

If you’re not on WeChat yet, I recommend setting it up before you leave. It’ll save you time and help you stay in touch with people you meet.

Preparing early helps you avoid surprises. You walk into MWCS with a plan. You know where to go, who to meet, and what to watch for.

I’ve learned this the hard way. My first visit, I didn’t look at the map. I spent half the first day lost. Now, I go in with a plan and finish the whole event feeling productive instead of worn out.

Step 5: Venue Entry Process

Once you’ve arrived in Shanghai and settled in, the next step is entering the venue.

This part is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things you need to remember.

Make sure you have:

• Your registration confirmation email
• The same ID or passport you used during online registration

Don’t forget this. I’ve seen people turned away because their ID didn’t match the one on file. It’s frustrating and can delay your whole day.

For Mainland China Residents

If you’re from Mainland China, entry is fast and contactless. You’ll use:

• Your Resident ID card
• Self-check entry gates at the venue

There’s no need to pick up a badge in advance.

For International Visitors

If you’re coming from outside Mainland China, the process is a little different. Head to the registration counter at the venue. Bring your passport or travel permit (the one you used to register)

Staff will print your badge on-site. It usually takes just a few minutes, but lines can get long in the morning. I recommend arriving early on your first day.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Confirmation email on your phone
• Valid ID or passport
• Digital Access Pass (if provided)
• Mask and sanitizer (optional but useful)

Getting in is the last step before the real action starts. Once you’re inside, the show opens up with machines, tools, and ideas waiting for you.

Step 6: Navigate the Show Efficiently

Now that you’re inside MWCS, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The place is huge, and there’s a lot to see. You don’t want to waste time wandering around. Planning your visit will help you get more out of the experience.

Let’s start with the layout. MWCS is divided into key zones. Each area focuses on different products and technologies.

Here are the 3 main zones you should visit:

• Metal Cutting & Forming Zone: This section features machines used for shaping and cutting metal sheets or blocks. You’ll see laser cutters, press brakes, and stamping equipment. If you deal with metal shaping in your business, this zone is worth your time.
• CNC & Automation Zone: CNC means Computer Numerical Control. These machines are automated and programmed to cut, drill, or shape materials. The automation section also includes robotics and production line solutions. If you’re looking to upgrade or modernize your setup, spend time here.
• Tooling and Accessory Zone: This area covers all the supporting equipment—like clamps, fixtures, measurement tools, and machine parts. It’s a great place to find reliable suppliers and small parts that keep your operations running.

So how do you decide where to go first?

I like to start with a list. I review the exhibitor map the night before and highlight the booths I need to see. Then I plan my walking route around those.

You also don’t want to miss live demonstrations. These are where you see machines in action. They’re loud, fast, and impressive. It’s also a chance to ask questions on the spot.

Besides demos, MWCS hosts forums and tech showcases. These short talks share updates on market trends and innovations. Check the schedule online or through the MWCS app. It helps you bookmark sessions and set reminders.

One tip: don’t overbook your day. Give yourself time to talk to people. I once skipped a session just to stay longer at a booth where a supplier was explaining a new fixture. That conversation turned into a deal two months later.

Here’s how to manage your time:

• Divide your day into blocks: morning for walking, afternoon for meetings or talks
• Build in time for breaks, meals, and notes
• Leave the last day for anything you missed

Walking through MWCS can be tiring, but it’s also exciting. With a solid plan, you’ll leave with ideas, contacts, and tools you didn’t have before.

Step 7: Networking and Business Matching

Once you’ve had a good look around the exhibition floor, it’s time to focus on connections.

MWCS isn’t just about machines. It’s also a place to meet people who can help your business grow. Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking for a new partner, this is the place to start real conversations.

Join Business Matchmaking Programs

Start by looking into the official networking programs. MWCS often offers B2B matchmaking sessions. These are organized meetings between buyers and suppliers.

You can apply for them when you register or through the MWCS app. It’s a great way to meet the right people without wasting time.

Visit Booths with a Purpose

Even if you don’t join a formal program, you can still network in your own way.

Before visiting any booth, know what you’re looking for. Are you there to compare prices? Are you checking product quality? Or maybe you’re exploring future partnerships?

I usually carry a small notepad with the names of booths I want to visit and a few notes next to each one. That way, I don’t forget what I wanted to ask.

Prepare a Short Introduction

When you walk up to a booth, don’t just take a brochure and leave. Introduce yourself. Be direct and friendly. Let them know:

• Who you are
• What your company does
• What you’re interested in

This helps the exhibitor understand if they can help you. If they can’t, they may know someone else who can.

Tip: Prepare a short introduction before you go. This is called an “elevator pitch.” Keep it simple and clear. Something like:

“I’m with a machine rental company based in Jakarta. We serve furniture and mold design clients. I’m looking for suppliers who can provide high-precision CNC tools.”

Schedule Meetings Early

If you already know who you want to meet, try to schedule meetings before the show. Some exhibitors let you book time through the website. This way, you won’t have to wait around.

Meeting face-to-face builds trust. It helps both sides speak more openly about pricing, product support, or custom requests.

I’ve had my best supplier relationships start from casual chats at booths.

So don’t just walk the floor talk to people. That’s where the real value of MWCS begins.

Step 8: Post-Show Follow-Up

After days of walking, talking, and gathering ideas, the show is over. But the work doesn’t stop once you leave the venue.

What you do next can shape the value you get from MWCS.

Sort Your Materials and Contacts

Start by organizing everything you picked up. That includes:

• Business cards
• Product brochures
• Notes from meetings
• Photos or videos you took at booths

I like to do this on the day I return, while the conversations are still fresh in my mind. I sort business cards into groups: potential suppliers, service providers, and people I want to learn more from.

Send Follow-Up Messages

Don’t wait too long to follow up. A short message within a week is a good rule. Just say thank you, remind them who you are, and mention what you talked about.

Here’s a simple example:

“Hi, this is Li from ABC Tools. We met at MWCS last Thursday at your booth. I was interested in your CNC cutting system. Can you send me your price list and lead time?”

Emails are great, but in China, many exhibitors prefer WeChat. If you added them, send a polite message there too.

Evaluate What You Found

Take time to review everything. Ask yourself:

• Which products stood out?
• Which companies followed up with useful info?
• Did anyone offer clear pricing or samples?

This helps you decide who to work with next.

I like to make a simple chart with supplier names, product highlights, and next steps. That way, I stay organized as I move forward.

Stay Connected with MWCS

If you liked the show, consider subscribing to the MWCS newsletter. You’ll get updates about future events, industry news, and next year’s schedule. The signup form is on the official website.

MWCS is more than a once-a-year event. Staying in touch helps you keep learning and stay connected.

Taking these small follow-up steps helps turn one visit into real progress for your business.

If you’re still looking for CNC machines after the show, take a look at Blue Elephant. We build machines that power real businesses from routers and laser cutters to full furniture production lines and stone equipment.

Conclusion

You’ve just walked through every key step for attending MWCS.

What to expect. Where to go. How to plan ahead. Why it matters.

I still remember the buzz of machines at my first show. It was noisy, exciting, and eye-opening. Yours can be, too.

The right tools, the right people, the right timing, they all come together here.

Are you ready to move your business forward?

Start planning now. Use this guide to make the most of your visit.

Got questions about CNC machines?

Contact us at Blue Elephant today. Let’s build something great together.