VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) represents more than 3,100 mostly medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, making it the largest industry association in Europe. The association represents the shared financial, technical and scientific interests of the mechanical engineering industry, especially with respect to national and international authorities and business groups. For the purposes of safeguarding of their interests, members are entitled to instruction, advice and assistance.

VDMA is divided into 37 trade associations and working groups, cross-sector departments, branch offices in Berlin and Brussels, liaison offices in Brazil, China, India, Iran, Japan, Russia and Austria, international committees and forums, six state associations and several service organisations.

German Mechanical Engineering Commercial Services Co., Ltd. (Beijing) (referred to as GMECS) is the official service provider for VDMA China. GMECS has a branch office in Shanghai since 2015. All VDMA China events are organized by GMECS and are hosted by VDMA.