Building & Construction Events in Dortmund
INTERMODELLBAU
INTERMODELLBAU Dortmund – The World’s Largest Showcase for Model Building and Model Sports
Every spring, the city of Dortmund transforms into the global capital of model building. Since its foundation in 1978, the INTERMODELLBAU trade fair has grown into the world’s largest and most influential event dedicated to model building and model sports. For decades, it has been a meeting place for passionate hobbyists, professional builders, manufacturers, and innovators who share a fascination for precision craftsmanship, creativity, and technology.
Hosted at the Westfalenhallen Dortmund, the fair spans several halls filled with life-sized miniature worlds from railways and ships to airplanes, drones, and digital control systems. Organized by Messe Dortmund GmbH, INTERMODELLBAU continues to evolve, embracing both tradition and innovation in equal measure.
A Tradition of Precision, Passion, and Creativity
Model building is far more than a pastime it’s an art form that combines engineering accuracy with imaginative freedom. Builders work with materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or cardboard, using specialized tools and paints to create highly detailed replicas of real-world machines, buildings, and vehicles.
Many enthusiasts describe the process as meditative, requiring patience, focus, and craftsmanship. The result is not only a miniature masterpiece but also a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something tangible by hand. For many, it’s a bridge between nostalgia and innovation — a way to connect traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
INTERMODELLBAU captures this spirit perfectly. Visitors are drawn by the blend of creativity, technical expertise, and precision engineering, which makes the event an unparalleled experience for both newcomers and experts.
A Universe of Miniature Worlds
The sheer variety of exhibits at INTERMODELLBAU is what makes it truly special. Each year, hundreds of international exhibitors present an impressive array of models and accessories, covering every branch of the hobby imaginable. The exhibition is divided into specialized areas, each offering its own unique charm and technical depth.
Highlights include:
Model railways in a variety of scales, featuring intricately designed landscapes and digital control systems
RC cars and trucks, where speed and precision meet high-performance engineering
Aviation models, including aircraft, drones, and helicopters showcased in spectacular live flight demonstrations
Ship modeling, with miniature boats navigating purpose-built water basins
Steam models, featuring authentic miniature locomotives and engines that recall the industrial age
Beyond these classic categories, visitors can explore functional models, such as construction machinery and agricultural vehicles, as well as military and historical models, which impress with their authenticity and craftsmanship. The fair also highlights paper and plastic modeling, which demonstrates the artistry achievable with accessible materials and tools.
Where Innovation Meets Tradition
While INTERMODELLBAU honors traditional craftsmanship, it also embraces the technological innovations shaping the future of model building. Modern tools and digital solutions are transforming the hobby, making it more precise, customizable, and dynamic than ever before.
Among the most exciting developments showcased at the fair are:
3D printing technologies for creating highly detailed, custom components
AI-assisted model design, offering new levels of accuracy and creativity
FPV (First-Person View) drone systems, providing immersive flying experiences
Programmable model railways with advanced automation and digital control
Smart controllers and mobile apps for real-time operation and simulation
These innovations demonstrate how digitalization is breathing new life into model building, attracting younger generations and ensuring the hobby’s continued evolution. INTERMODELLBAU thus serves as a bridge between analog craftsmanship and digital creativity, proving that technology can enhance not replace the joy of hands-on building.
Interactive Experiences and Live Demonstrations
One of the defining aspects of INTERMODELLBAU is its interactive and participatory nature. The fair is not just a place to observe it’s an event where visitors can experience model building firsthand.
Throughout the exhibition, attendees can:
Operate remote-controlled vehicles on specially designed tracks and terrains
Test digital railway systems and automation technologies
Participate in hands-on workshops led by experienced model builders and industry experts
Watch live competitions and skill-based challenges between RC enthusiasts
Engage in Q&A sessions with manufacturers and designers
These activities turn the event into a vibrant, family-friendly experience that appeals to both seasoned builders and curious newcomers. Children, in particular, are encouraged to explore the creative potential of model building, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and makers.
A Global Community United by Craftsmanship
INTERMODELLBAU is more than a trade fair it’s a celebration of community and shared passion. With exhibitors and visitors arriving from across Europe and beyond, the event has become a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and expertise.
Networking plays a central role. Industry professionals exchange insights on manufacturing trends, educators discuss STEM applications of model building, and hobbyists share techniques and creative solutions. The fair’s atmosphere is defined by enthusiasm, collaboration, and discovery, fostering relationships that extend well beyond the exhibition halls.
Moreover, the event reflects the growing professionalization of model building. Many exhibitors represent specialized sectors such as precision tooling, digital design software, and custom component production illustrating how this once-niche pastime has become an important part of the creative and manufacturing industries.
The Perfect Family Event
Unlike many technical exhibitions, INTERMODELLBAU maintains a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that makes it ideal for families. Children and beginners are introduced to the basics of model making through interactive zones and educational workshops, where they can assemble their first simple models under expert guidance.
This educational approach not only nurtures creativity but also strengthens spatial thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skills making model building both entertaining and instructive.
A Living Celebration of Imagination and Innovation
For over four decades, INTERMODELLBAU Dortmund has embodied the essence of model building a world where imagination, engineering, and artistry unite on a miniature scale. It continues to evolve alongside technology, yet its heart remains the same: the joy of creating, discovering, and sharing.
Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast, a professional designer, or simply a curious visitor, INTERMODELLBAU offers a comprehensive, inspiring, and immersive experience. It is a celebration of human creativity and technical mastery proof that even in an increasingly digital world, the fascination of building something by hand remains timeless.
At the Westfalenhallen Dortmund, every spring, that passion comes alive one miniature masterpiece at a time.
EMPACK DORTMUND
Every year, the city of Dortmund, Germany, becomes a focal point for the packaging industry as it hosts EMPACK, a premier trade fair dedicated to packaging technology. Located at the state-of-the-art Westfalenhallen Dortmund Exhibition Center and organized by Easyfairs GmbH, EMPACK Dortmund stands out as a vital platform for showcasing innovations across a wide spectrum of packaging materials, services, and technologies.
EMPACK Dortmund offers a comprehensive exhibition that spans key areas of the packaging sector. From primary and secondary packaging materials to industrial, transport, and protective packaging solutions, attendees can explore a diverse array of products and services. The fair also highlights packaging design and development, label printing technology, packaging and filling machinery, and services related to contract packaging, disposal, and recycling.
Central to EMPACK Dortmund's appeal is its ability to gather industry leaders, professionals, and innovators under one roof. Exhibitors use this platform to unveil their latest advancements, demonstrate cutting-edge technologies, and present sustainable packaging solutions that meet evolving market demands. Visitors gain insights into industry trends, technological innovations, and best practices through guided tours and interactive sessions on the open lecture stage.
Beyond the exhibition booths, EMPACK Dortmund fosters a vibrant atmosphere for networking and knowledge exchange. Industry experts and thought leaders share their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the future direction of the packaging industry. This collaborative environment not only promotes professional development but also encourages meaningful connections among stakeholders.
Situated at the Westfalenhallen Dortmund, EMPACK benefits from excellent infrastructure and accessibility. The venue's modern facilities and convenient transportation options—including proximity to major highways, airports, and public transit—ensure a seamless experience for both exhibitors and attendees. This strategic location attracts visitors not only from northern and central Germany but also from neighboring Benelux countries and beyond.
Whether you're a manufacturer, service provider, packaging professional, or industry enthusiast, EMPACK Dortmund invites you to participate in shaping the future of packaging technology. Discover innovative solutions, explore new business opportunities, and engage with like-minded professionals at this essential event for the packaging industry.
Experience the forefront of packaging innovation at EMPACK Dortmund—a hub where ideas converge, innovations flourish, and partnerships thrive. Join us at Westfalenhallen Dortmund and be part of a dynamic community driving the packaging industry forward.
DORTMUNDER AMATEURFUNKMARKT
The Dortmunder Amateurfunkmarkt stands as a vibrant fair and treasure trove for amateur radio enthusiasts and electronics aficionados. Held annually in Dortmund, this event attracts numerous exhibitors who present a diverse array of new and used radio equipment, measurement technology, amateur radio technology, components, and an extensive range of accessories related to amateur radio and electronics. The fair provides a comprehensive selection of electronics items, catering to a wide spectrum of interests within the community.
The Dortmunder Amateurfunkmarkt is renowned not only for its extensive marketplace but also for its demonstration of the multifaceted nature of amateur radio. Various interest groups participate, showcasing the diverse applications and innovations within the hobby. Additionally, the AFU flea market, a key feature of the event, offers an assortment of spare parts, collectibles, rarities, and unique items for enthusiasts of radio and electronics.
The Dortmunder Amateurfunk Treffen (DAT) has become a staple event in the calendar for many amateur radio operators. It serves as an important occasion for maintaining existing contacts, expanding networks, and engaging in technical discussions. The event fosters a community atmosphere where participants can share knowledge, explore new developments, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hobbyists.
Overall, the Dortmunder Amateurfunkmarkt provides a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of both new and vintage technologies in the field of amateur radio and electronics. Its role as a gathering point for enthusiasts and professionals alike underscores its significance in the world of radio communications and electronic hobbies.
