Are we missing anything? Please email us and we’ll update this list right away.

---

As a manufacturing staffing agency working closely with teams across the industry, we know firsthand how much value comes from connecting with experts, seeing new technology, and staying plugged into emerging trends. That’s why we’ve rounded up every major manufacturing conference in 2026 to help you stay ahead of the curve.

2026 is expected to be a year of major transition for manufacturers as companies increase investment in smart manufacturing, AI, and supply chain resilience, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook. With so much change underway, attending the right manufacturing conferences can help leaders stay informed, explore new technologies, and prepare for both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Before we dive in, here’s the cream of the crop.

---

Top Manufacturing Conferences in 2026

All of the events below can be valuable, but if your travel budget is limited, most manufacturers prioritize these must-consider conferences:

IMTS: The flagship U.S. manufacturing technology show and the broadest cross-industry event.
Automate: The premier conference for robotics, automation, and AI shaping the future of manufacturing.
FABTECH: The leading event for metal forming, fabrication, welding, and heavy industrial production.
MODEX: The top supply-chain automation show that connects factory floors to distribution.
RAPID + TCT: The key U.S. conference for additive manufacturing and advanced production technologies.

Keep these top-of-mind as you scan the full list below. Without further ado, here’s your complete list of manufacturing conferences in 2026.

Related: 25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs (Official U.S. Labor Data)

---

January 2026

AIAA SciTech Forum 2026

Date: January 12-16
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: https://scitech.aiaa.org/
A leading aerospace forum where engineers, researchers, and technologists share new work in aeronautics and space systems, including topics that intersect with advanced manufacturing.

---

February 2026

3D Experience World 2026

Date: February 1-4
Location: Houston, TX
Website: https://www.3dexperienceworld.com/
A design-to-manufacturing conference focused on SOLIDWORKS, digital engineering, simulation, and product development workflows that support modern manufacturing teams.

MD&M West / Sustainable Manufacturing Expo

Date: February 3-5
Location: Anaheim, CA
Website: https://www.mdmwest.com/ | https://www.sustainablemanufacturingexpo.com/
MD&M West continues the unified event format that merged the former IME West shows into one integrated experience. The show spans MedTech, automation, design and manufacturing, plastics, and packaging, giving attendees a connected view of the technologies shaping high-spec manufacturing. The Sustainable Manufacturing Expo has also been folded in, shifting to a conference format within MD&M West for 2026, adding dedicated programming around sustainability and cleaner production practices.

Military Additive Manufacturing Summit and Technology Showcase

Date: February 3-5
Location: Tampa, FL
Website: https://www.militaryam.com/
A summit focused on how additive manufacturing is reshaping defense and military supply chains.

METALfab 2026

Date: February 11-13
Location: Reno, NV
Website: https://www.nomma.org/mpage/METALfab26
A focused event for metal fabricators featuring training, industry updates, and new fabrication tools and techniques.

Pack Expo East

Date: February 17-19
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://www.packexpoeast.com/
A leading trade show where manufacturers explore the latest packaging and processing machinery, materials, and automation solutions all in one place.

GlobalChem 2026

Date: February 22-24
Location: Washington, D.C.
Website: https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/news-trends/press-release/2025/globalchem-2026-registration-now-open
The premier U.S. conference on chemical regulation and TSCA policy, offering industry leaders timely updates on federal and international chemical management.

MINEXCHANGE 2026, SME Annual Conference & Expo

Date: February 22-25
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Website: https://smeannualconference.org/
An event where mining professionals gather to explore new technologies, share insights, and advance practices in mining and mineral processing.

The Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show and Conference

Date: February 23-25
Location: Branson, MO
Website: https://www.manufacturerstradeshow-conference.com/
Connects Midwest manufacturers with suppliers and emerging technologies.

The Fabrication and Metals Industries Leadership Conference

Date: February 24-26
Location: Clearwater Beach, FL
Website: https://www.fmamfg.org/annualmeeting
Designed for leaders in fabrication and metals, with a focus on management, technology, and strategy.

---

---

March 2026

Powder Coating Week 2026

Date: March 2-4
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Website: https://www.powdercoatingweek.com/
Covers powder coating processes, equipment, and training.

Pittcon 2026 Conference and Expo

Date: March 7-11
Location: San Antonio, TX
Website: https://pittcon.org/
A leading conference on laboratory science and analytical instrumentation.

Design-2-Part | Southeast

Date: March 10-11
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

MFG 2026

Date: March 10-12
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Website: https://savethedate.mfgmeeting.com/
Brings together leaders from the manufacturing technology industry to discuss business strategy, market trends, and innovation in production equipment.

Cascadia Connect: Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Tech (AMIT) Conference

Date: March 11-12 (Source)
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Website: https://www.cascadiaconnectadvancedmanufacturing.com/
A curated leadership and investment conference focused on advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, and scaling industrial tech companies.

IPC Apex Expo 2026

Date: March 13-19
Location: Anaheim, CA
Website: https://www.apexexpo.org/
An electronics manufacturing event focused on PCB fabrication, assembly, inspection, and electronics factory processes.

AMPP Annual Conference & Expo 2026

Date: March 15-19
Location: Houston, TX
Website: https://ace.ampp.org/home
The largest global event for corrosion control, coatings, and materials protection.

AMUG Conference 2026 (Additive Manufacturing Users Group)

Date: March 15-19
Location: Reno, NV
Website: https://www.amug.com/
A leading additive manufacturing conference focused on applications, training, and innovation.

American Manufacturing Summit

Date: March 17-18
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.manusummit.com/
A leadership event where manufacturing executives discuss operations, plant performance, digital transformation, and workforce strategy.

PTXPO 2026

Date: March 17-19
Location: Rosemont, IL
Website: https://www.plasticstechnologyexpo.com/
A plastics-focused show highlighting injection molding, extrusion, moldmaking, and processing technologies for plastics manufacturers.

World of Wood Convention 2026

Date: March 17-19
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Website: https://www.iwpawood.org/mpage/WOW2026
A global wood products convention for importers, manufacturers, and suppliers.

Aerospace & Defense Supplier Summit

Date: March 18-19
Location: Seattle, WA
Website: https://seattle.bciaerospace.com/
A supply-chain event that connects primes, tier suppliers, and contract manufacturers through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings and technology-focused sessions.

MAX (Manufacturing & Automation Exchange)

Date: March 25-26
Location: Nashville, TN
Website: https://manufacturingandautomationexchange.com/
A hands-on event where manufacturers see automation and production technologies in live demos, connect with experts, and explore practical smart-factory solutions.

DMC 2026, Defense Manufacturing Conference

Date: March 30 – April 2
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: https://www.dmcmeeting.com/
A defense-focused manufacturing conference bringing together DoD, primes, suppliers, and engineers to address technology needs and strengthen the defense industrial base.

NHS Concept to Commerce 2026

Date: March 30 – April 2
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Website: https://www.nhsconcepttocommerce.com/
Formerly the National Hardware Show, this retail sourcing event connects manufacturers, brands, and global suppliers with buyers looking for new products and private-label partners.

ABMA Boiler Expo 2026

Date: March 31 – April 2
Location: Nashville, TN
Website: https://abmaboilerexpo.com/
An industry event focused on boiler and burner manufacturing, energy efficiency, safety, and heat-generation solutions for industrial and commercial facilities.

---

April 2026

Design-2-Part | Texas

Date: April 1-2
Location: Irving, TX
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

ISA International Sign Expo 2026

Date: April 7-10
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: https://www.signexpo.org/
A manufacturing event for signage, printing, and graphics.

Western Turbine Users 2026 Expo (WTUI)

Date: April 7-10
Location: Long Beach, CA
Website: https://www.wtui.com/
The largest aero-derivative gas turbine users group event, focused on maintenance, repair, and operational best practices.

MODEX 2026

Date: April 13-16
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website: https://www.modexshow.com/
A leading supply chain and material-handling show showcasing warehouse automation, robotics, software, and equipment that link manufacturing operations to distribution.

RAPID + TCT / AeroDef Manufacturing 2026

Date: April 13-16
Location: Boston, MA
Website: https://www.rapid3devent.com/ / https://www.aerodefevent.com/
A co-located event combining a major additive manufacturing show with an aerospace and defense-focused program on advanced production technologies.

MFGCON 2026, The NC Manufacturing Conference

Date: April 14-15
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Website: https://www.ncmep.org/mfgcon
A regional manufacturing leadership and workforce event.

Metalcasting Congress 2026

Date: April 14-16
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Website: https://www.afsinc.org/tradeshows/metalcasting-congress-2026
Focused on casting technologies and advanced foundry processes.

WCX 2026

Date: April 14-16
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: https://www.sae.org/events/wcx
An SAE event where automotive engineers and manufacturers explore new technologies in vehicle design, propulsion, safety, and production.

Adhesive and Sealant Council Convention and Expo

Date: April 20-22
Location: Nashville, TN
Website: https://www.ascouncil.org/events/2026-annual-convention-and-expo
An industry gathering for adhesives and sealants.

North American Manufacturing Excellence Summit (NAMES)

Date: April 20-22
Location: Houston, TX
Website: https://www.executiveplatforms.com/names/
A leadership summit where operations, supply chain, and quality leaders share best practices for improving manufacturing performance.

Design-2-Part | Greater New York

Date: April 22-23
Location: Secaucus, NJ
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

MD&M South / The Battery Show South / Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo South

Date: April 22-23
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: https://www.mdmsouth.com/en/home.html | https://www.thebatteryshowsouth.com/ | https://www.evtechexposouth.com/
A co-located, multi-sector event bringing together medical device, automation, plastics, packaging, and battery/EV technologies for thousands of engineers and manufacturers.

Related: Why Use a Staffing Agency? The Real Advantages and Considerations

---

May 2026

SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026

Date: May 3–6
Location: National Harbor, MD
Website: https://www.selectusasummit.us/
A U.S. event connecting global investors with American manufacturers, economic development groups, and industrial leaders evaluating expansion, reshoring, and supply chain partnerships.

AISTech 2026, Association for Iron and Steel Technology

Date: May 4-6
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: https://www.aist.org/Conferences-Expositions/AISTech/Registration-Housing
An event for steel production, automation, and optimization.

Ceramics Expo / Thermal Management Expo

Date: May 4-6
Location: Cleveland, OH
Website: https://www.ceramicsexpousa.com/ / https://www.thermalmanagementexpo.com/
Co-located events focused on advanced ceramic materials and thermal management solutions used in demanding manufacturing applications.

Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo

Date: May 4-6
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/supply-chain-us
A strategy-oriented event for supply chain leaders across manufacturing, logistics, and distribution, covering planning, resiliency, and digital transformation.

SME Fusion

Date: May 5-6
Location: Nashville, TN
Website: https://tux.toolingu.com/
A workforce-focused event where manufacturers, educators, and partners address skills gaps, training models, and the future of manufacturing talent.

Sensors Converge

Date: May 5-7
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Website: https://www.sensorsconverge.com/
A technology show for sensors, embedded systems, and electronics that support smarter products, equipment, and connected manufacturing.

Design-2-Part | Greater Chicago

Date: May 6-7
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

ASMC 2026, Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference

Date: May 11-14
Location: Albany, NY
Website: https://www.semi.org/en/connect/events/advanced-semiconductor-manufacturing-conference-asmc
A technical conference focused on semiconductor manufacturing challenges, yield improvement, and process innovation.

2026 FAME National Conference

Date: May 12-14
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Website: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/events/2026-fame-national-conference/
Centered on manufacturing workforce development and talent pipelines.

CTI Symposium USA 2026

Date: May 19-20
Location: Novi, MI
Website: https://cti-symposium.world/us/
A powertrain and EV propulsion conference for automotive manufacturers.

Design-2-Part | Greater Denver

Date: May 20-21
Location: Denver, CO
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

---

June 2026

Space Tech Expo USA

Date: June 2-4
Location: Anaheim, CA
Website: https://www.spacetechexpo.com/
A key platform for space, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

MSEC 2026, Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference / NAMRC 54, North American Manufacturing Research Conference

Date: June 14-18
Location: State College, PA
Website: https://event.asme.org/MSEC | https://namrc.sme.org/
A combined academic and industry forum focused on manufacturing research, spanning processes, materials, modeling, automation, and production systems.

Connected Manufacturing Forum

Date: June 15-16
Location: St. Louis, MO
Website: https://connectedmanufacturing.wbresearch.com/
An Industry 4.0 event for manufacturers implementing smart-factory technologies, data platforms, and connected production systems.

Design-2-Part | Greater Detroit

Date: June 17-18
Location: Novi, MI
Website: https://www.d2p.com/
Regional events where manufacturers connect with U.S. job shops and contract manufacturers to source custom parts, components, and manufacturing services.

Automate 2026

Date: June 22-25
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.automateshow.com/
A major event for robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing.

Foam Expo / Adhesives and Bonding Expo

Date: June 23-25
Location: Novi, MI
Website: https://www.foam-expo.com/ / https://www.adhesivesandbondingexpo.com/
The largest free trade fair for foam products and industrial bonding solutions.

---

August 2026

Welding Summit 2026

Date: August 5-7
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Website: https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit-save-the-date-2026/
A conference where welding professionals and industry experts gather to share knowledge, explore innovations, and discuss best practices in welding and fabrication.

MEDevice Boston

Date: August 26-27
Location: Boston, MA
Website: https://www.medeviceboston.com/en/home.html
A regional event where medical-device professionals and suppliers connect to explore innovations, manufacturing, and business opportunities in the med-tech industry.

---

September 2026

IMTS 2026 (International Manufacturing Technology Show)

Date: September 14-19
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.imts.com/
One of the largest global events for manufacturing technology and equipment suppliers.

---

👋✌🏾👍🏻 Need extra hands around the shop? Get temp staff fast.

---

AU 2026: The Design & Make Conference (Autodesk University)

Date: September 15-17 (Source)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Website: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/
A conference for design, engineering, and manufacturing teams focused on digital tools, automation, simulation, and product development workflows.

CAMX, The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo

Date: September 21-24 (Source)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website: https://www.thecamx.org/
A key event for composites and advanced materials manufacturing.

ICAM26, ASTM International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing

Date: September 28 – October 2
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: https://amcoe.org/event/icam2026/
A technical conference focused on standards, qualification, and certification for advanced manufacturing technologies, especially additive and hybrid processes.

Related: How to Become a CNC Machinist: A Comprehensive Guide

---

October 2026

The Battery Show North / Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo North

Date: October 12-15
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: https://www.thebatteryshow.com/ | https://www.evtechexpo.com/
An event for advanced battery systems and electric vehicle technologies, spanning design, manufacturing, and integration.

SEMICON West

Date: October 13-15
Location: San Francisco, CA
Website: https://www.semiconwest.org/
A leading event for semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing, covering equipment, materials, process technology, and supply chain trends.

Pack Expo International

Date: October 18-21
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.packexpointernational.com/
One of the largest U.S. events for packaging and processing technology, showcasing advanced machinery, automation, and production-line solutions across manufacturing sectors.

FABTECH

Date: October 21-23
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Website: https://www.fabtechexpo.com/
North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing.

SMTA International

Date: October 25-29
Location: Rosemont, IL
Website: https://www.smtai.org/
A conference where electronics manufacturing professionals explore new developments in assembly, packaging, and reliability.

AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference, Association for Manufacturing Excellence

Date: October 26-29
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Website: https://www.ame.org/event/ame-milwaukee-2026-international-conference
A premier lean and continuous improvement conference.

The Assembly Show

Date: October 27-29
Location: Rosemont, IL
Website: https://www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show
An event focused on assembly technology where manufacturers explore equipment, robotics, fastening systems, and inspection tools to improve production and quality.

MD&M Midwest

Date: October 28-29
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: https://www.mdmmidwest.com/en/home.html
Features medtech manufacturing, plastics, automation, and packaging.

---

November 2026

American Food Manufacturing Summit

Date: November 2-3
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: https://foodmansummit.com/
A leadership summit for food and beverage manufacturers focused on operations, automation, safety, and supply chain performance.

---

Major Global Manufacturing Events You Should Know

If you’ve got the ability to travel outside the United States, here are the major global conferences worth considering.

Hannover Messe 2026 (Germany)

Date: April 20-24
Location: Hannover, Germany
Website: https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/
A leading global trade fair showcasing industrial technology, automation, energy systems, and the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing.

Mach 2026 (UK)

Date: April 20-24
Location: Birmingham, UK
Website: https://www.machexhibition.com/
A UK event showcasing machining, fabrication, automation, and production technologies across modern manufacturing.

TCT 3Sixty (UK)

Date: June 2-4
Location: Birmingham, UK
Website: https://tct3sixty.com/newfront
A leading UK exhibition focused on industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing tools, materials, and workflows.

Smart Manufacturing Week (UK)

Date: June 3-4
Location: Birmingham, UK
Website: https://www.smartmanufacturingweek.com/
Brings together manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders to explore smart factory solutions, digitalization, and data-driven production.

Manufacturing World Tokyo (Japan)

Date: July 1-3
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://www.manufacturing-world.jp/tokyo/en-gb.html
A large-scale exhibition covering factory automation, digital manufacturing, mechanical components, and production technologies across Japan’s manufacturing sector.

CIIF 2026, China International Industry Fair (China)

Date: October 12-16
Location: Shanghai, China
Website: https://www.ciif-expo.com/en/
A large-scale industrial fair covering smart manufacturing, automation, robotics, digital factories, and advanced production technologies.

JIMTOF 2026, Japan International Machine Tool Fair (Japan)

Date: October 26-31
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://www.jimtof.org/en/
A prominent Japanese exhibition featuring machine tools, precision equipment, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Formnext 2026 (Germany)

Date: November 17-20
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Website: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/expo-convention.html
An international event focused on additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, highlighting advanced materials, production technologies, and end-to-end AM workflows.

---

Final Thoughts

With so many manufacturing conferences in 2026, there are plenty of opportunities to explore new technologies, meet partners, and learn from experts across every corner of the industry. Whether you’re attending for equipment insights, leadership development, or workforce strategy, these events can help you stay competitive in a changing manufacturing landscape.

If your 2026 goals include growing your manufacturing team or solving a skills gap, feel free to reach out, Amtec’s manufacturing recruiters are here to help.