Top US Manufacturing Trade Shows for Procurement Professionals and Job Shop Execs

The manufacturing industry actively engages in sales promotion and networking at trade shows. It’s an efficient opportunity to physically showcase/view products, parts, and systems on the spot, allowing companies to introduce themselves/deepen understanding all at once! (Although it does require a lot of energy from both exhibitors and attendees!)

In this article, we would like to introduce major US trade shows that sales and marketing representatives, as well as procurement managers, of manufacturers in industrial domains and fabricators or job shops supplying parts to such domains, should utilize as effective business opportunities.

FABTECH

https://www.fabtechexpo.com/

• Schedule: October 15-17, 2024
• Venue: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
• Number of exhibitors: Over 1,500
• Number of attendees: Over 40,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

FABTECH stands out as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. It offers a “one-stop shop” for attendees to meet with over 1,500 world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and discover tools to improve productivity, increase profits, and find new solutions to all metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing needs. The event facilitates unparalleled networking opportunities, sharing of knowledge, and exploration of the latest technology, alongside insights into industry trends.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

For exhibitors and sponsors, FABTECH provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage a captive audience of high-level decision-makers, making it a pivotal moment to come together and advance the metal fabrication industry. Exhibitors can benefit from the exposure to a large and targeted audience, with the event boasting a history of attracting thousands of professionals from the sector, thereby enhancing brand visibility and forging new business relationships.

IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show)

https://www.imts.com

• Schedule: September 9 – 14, 2024
• Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
• Number of exhibitors: Approx. 1,800
• Number of attendees: Over 86,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

IMTS 2024 is the premier event for the manufacturing technology community, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and peers. The event showcases the latest in innovations and technologies shaping the future of manufacturing, including advanced and traditional manufacturing, robotics, automation, and digital transformation. It’s a platform where industry professionals from around the globe gather to be inspired, discover new solutions, and see firsthand the rapidly accelerating technologies driving manufacturing forward.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

For exhibitors and sponsors, IMTS provides a unique platform to showcase their latest products and technologies to a highly engaged and specialized audience. It is a strategic venue to connect with both the creators and users of manufacturing technology, offering extensive networking opportunities, the potential to generate leads, and the chance to contribute to the industry’s dialogue on innovation and future trends. The show’s global reach and reputation make it an essential event for companies looking to make a significant impact in the manufacturing technology sector.

Smart Manufacturing Experience

https://www.smartmanufacturingexperience.com

• Schedule: June 4 & 5, 2024
• Venue: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
• Number of exhibitors: Over 60
• Number of attendees: Over 1,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

The Smart Manufacturing Experience focuses on the intersection of technology, people, and knowledge, showcasing new advancements in smart manufacturing. This event is designed to bring smart technology directly to attendees, addressing emerging needs and priorities in the industry such as supply chain evolution, product design, and productivity enhancements through smart technologies. It features a Technology Showcase, inspiring keynote series, and Tech Hub Presentations, providing a deep dive into the technologies leading the smart revolution in manufacturing.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

Exhibitors and sponsors at the Smart Manufacturing Experience gain the opportunity to engage directly with an informed and motivated audience that is actively seeking smart manufacturing solutions. The event allows companies to showcase their latest innovations in additive manufacturing, automation & robotics, cybersecurity, AI & machine learning, data analytics, and virtual/augmented/mixed reality, among other areas. It’s an excellent platform for demonstrating products, interacting with potential customers, and increasing brand visibility within the smart manufacturing community.

Design-2-Part Trade Shows

https://www.d2p.com

• Scheduled dates and venues for Spring 2024:Texas: March 13 & 14, Irving, TXSoutheast: March 27 & 28, Atlanta, GANorthern California: April 10 & 11, Santa Clara, CASo. New England: April 24 & 25, Uncasville, CTGreater Chicago: May 8 & 9, Schaumburg, ILGreater Denver: June 5 & 6, Denver, COGreater Detroit: June 19 & 20, Novi, MI
• Scheduled dates and venues for Fall 2024:Southeast: September 10 & 11, Greenville, SCSo. California: September 25 & 26, Long Beach, CANew England: October 16 & 17, Marlborough, MAGreater Ohio: October 23 & 24, Akron, OHMid-South: November 19 & 20, Nashville, TN
• Number of exhibitors: Although it varies by location, the number of exhibitors is generally around 200 companies.
• Number of attendees: Although it varies by location, the number of attendees is generally between 1,000 to 2,000 people.

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

Design-2-Part Shows are acclaimed as America’s largest design and contract manufacturing trade shows, providing an unmatched opportunity for attendees to meet face-to-face with the finest American manufacturers of custom parts, components, services, and design. These shows are the best venues to find new suppliers for parts and manufacturing services, making them stand out for their focus on American manufacturing excellence and innovation.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

Exhibiting at Design-2-Part Shows offers manufacturers and service providers a unique platform to showcase their capabilities to a targeted audience of buyers and engineers from OEMs and large companies. These shows differentiate themselves by emphasizing the quality and wide range of custom manufacturing services, from initial design to final production, highlighting the full spectrum of American manufacturing prowess.

SEMICON West

https://www.semiconwest.org

• Schedule: July 9-11, 2024
• Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
• Number of exhibitors: Over 500
• Number of attendees: Over 22,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

SEMICON West is the premier event in the microelectronics industry, dedicated to exploring groundbreaking technologies that are transforming the sector and enabling smart applications. This event offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to connect with top minds and manufacturers in the industry, fostering collaboration and innovation. With a rich program including CEO Summits/Keynotes, Market Trends & Data, Sustainability, TechTALKS, and a variety of workshops and symposiums, SEMICON West is a unique platform for professionals looking to advance in the rapidly evolving microelectronics field.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

For exhibiting companies and sponsors, SEMICON West provides a vital opportunity to showcase their latest technologies and solutions to a highly engaged and specialized audience. The event emphasizes collaboration and innovation, offering a variety of networking and activation opportunities such as receptions, lounges, award ceremonies, and private meeting rooms. Exhibitors and sponsors can benefit from the targeted exposure to decision-makers and influencers across the microelectronics sector, making it a key event for companies aiming to make a significant impact in the industry.

Automate

https://www.automateshow.com

• Schedule: May 6–9, 2024
• Venue: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Number of exhibitors: Over 750
• Number of attendees: Over 30,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

Automate is North America’s largest robotics and automation event, making it an essential venue for anyone working with or interested in automation. This trade show offers immediate takeaways for attendees by providing hands-on solutions, opportunities to connect with industry leaders, and inspiration for business breakthroughs. It features a comprehensive conference program with tracks designed to boost careers in the automation industry, showcasing innovations in robotics, AI, motion control, and more. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in next-level learning experiences and hear from other automators about the transformative impact of robotics and automation on businesses.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

Exhibiting at Automate presents companies with over 30,000 chances to share their solutions with decision-makers and professionals from various fields. Last year’s event drew more than 30,000 attendees, and similar or higher numbers are anticipated for 2024. This provides a significant opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and innovations to a wide and engaged audience, making it a key event for companies looking to make a substantial impact in the automation and robotics industry.

Advanced Manufacturing Expo

https://www.advancedmanufacturingexpo.com/agenda-2024

• Schedule: August 7 & 8, 2024
• Venue: DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
• Number of exhibitors: Over 300
• Number of attendees: Around 5,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

The Advanced Manufacturing Expo is structured around three different halls (Automation Hall, Metalworking Hall, MRO/Safety Hall, and i4.0 Tech Hall) focusing on diverse aspects of advanced manufacturing. Attendees can explore the latest in robots, cobots, laser markers, cutting tools, coatings, work and tool holding, metalworking fluids, additive manufacturing, and inventory management solutions. Additionally, the show offers a wide variety of new and advanced industrial and safety products. Seminars and expert discussions on Automation, Metalworking, Mechanical, and other manufacturing issues, as well as state and federal grants for training, equipment, or energy savings, provide valuable insights for professionals.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

Exhibiting at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo gives companies an unparalleled opportunity to display their products and technologies across various sectors of manufacturing, including automation, metalworking, and safety. With special live demonstrations and the opportunity for companies to engage with potential customers and industry peers, this event stands out for its hands-on approach to showcasing innovations and facilitating direct interaction between manufacturers and the manufacturing community.

The Assembly Show

https://www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show

• Schedule: October 22-24, 2024
• Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
• Number of exhibitors: Over 200
• Number of attendees: Over 5,000

Highlights of the trade show for attendees

The Assembly Show is a premier platform that offers attendees the opportunity to discover new assembly resources, evaluate the automation of existing processes, and accelerate business and career growth. This 3-day event provides a unique interactive experience where participants can test equipment hands-on, evaluate new products, learn from industry experts, and network with peers. The Show caters to a wide range of industries, offering solutions and ideas for assembly-related challenges, including custom automated assembly systems, robotics, adhesives, plastics assembly, and much more.

Highlights of the trade show for exhibiting companies

For exhibitors and sponsors, The Assembly Show represents a significant opportunity to place their products and services in front of a targeted audience actively seeking new processes, technologies, and strategies for assembling parts into finished products. The event is known for its engaged attendees, many of whom bring parts to the exhibit floor seeking advice on assembly solutions. This environment provides exhibitors with a chance to directly interact with potential buyers, demonstrate their solutions, and build powerful connections within the industry.

HOUSTEX, EASTEC, SOUTHTEC, and WESTEC

HOUSTEX https://www.houstexonline.com/
EASTEC https://www.easteconline.com/
SOUTHTEC https://www.southteconline.com/
WESTEC https://www.westeconline.com/

Each event is uniquely tailored to reflect and cater to the manufacturing ecosystem of its respective geographic area, offering a comprehensive platform for innovation, learning, and networking.

Schedule: HOUSTEX, EASTEC, SOUTHTEC, and WESTEC are held biennially, and the scheduled dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed. However, in 2023, HOUSTEX was held in February, EASTEC in May, SOUTHTEC in October, and WESTEC in November.

HOUSTEX

• Venue in 2025: Not specified, traditionally held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.
• Number of exhibitors: Around 300
• Number of attendees: Around 5,000
• Highlights for attendees: Features workshops, keynotes, and a smart manufacturing zone theater, focusing on innovative manufacturing processes, materials, and best practices.
• Highlights for exhibiting companies: A chance to reach a wide audience in the Southwest, emphasizing the transformation in advanced manufacturing.
• Industries Represented: HOUSTEX is expected to feature a significant presence from the oil and gas, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing sectors, reflecting the Southwest’s industrial strengths. Texas’s position as a leading state in manufacturing, coupled with its focus on energy and healthcare, makes HOUSTEX a critical event for companies operating in these and related sectors.

EASTEC

• Venue in 2025: Not specified, the 2023 event was at the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA.
• Number of exhibitors: Over 700
• Number of attendees: Over 12,000
• Highlights for attendees: Regarded as the largest show in the Northeast, it’s an event where manufacturing ideas, processes, and products are showcased through exhibits, education, and networking.
• Highlights for exhibiting companies: Provides exposure to more than 500 exhibitors to a vast audience of manufacturing professionals, emphasizing innovation in manufacturing technology.
• Industries Represented: Expected to attract companies and attendees from sectors such as medical devices, biotech, aerospace, automotive, and advanced materials. The Northeast’s diverse industrial base and focus on research and development make EASTEC a significant event for showcasing a wide range of manufacturing technologies and solutions.

SOUTHTEC

• Venue in 2025: Not specified.
• Number of exhibitors: Over 250
• Number of attendees: Over 6,000
• Highlights for attendees: Focuses on new technologies and innovative solutions specific to Southeastern manufacturing, offering insights from industry leaders and a smart manufacturing experience.
• Highlights for exhibiting companies: An opportunity to connect with decision-makers from diverse industries, showcasing technology that leads Southeastern manufacturing.
• Industries Represented: With its location in the Southeastern U.S., SOUTHTEC likely sees a strong representation from the automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. The region’s growing manufacturing industry, combined with an increasing focus on advanced manufacturing and automation, positions SOUTHTEC as a key venue for innovation in these fields.

WESTEC

• Venue in 2025: Not specified.
• Number of exhibitors: Over 350
• Number of attendees: Around 10,000
• Highlights for attendees: Offers an unparalleled experience connecting decision-makers across manufacturing disciplines with leading suppliers, featuring technology exhibits, keynote presentations, and smart manufacturing insights.
• Highlights for exhibiting companies: A platform to showcase new technologies and innovative solutions, attracting key decision-makers in manufacturing.
• Industries Represented: Likely to have a strong presence from aerospace, defense, technology, and entertainment industries given its location in the Western U.S., especially California. This region’s emphasis on high-tech and innovative manufacturing solutions makes WESTEC a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Ignite your business growth!

Are you ready to take your manufacturing game to the next level? Then mark your calendars for these must-attend US trade shows! From the latest tech innovations to unparalleled networking opportunities, these events have it all. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow with the best in the business!

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