Top North American Manufacturing Conferences to Attend in 2026
Why Manufacturing Conferences Still Matter in 2026
In a rapidly evolving sector shaped by reshoring, AI-driven automation, and supply chain resilience, staying current isn’t optional—it’s a competitive edge. North America's manufacturing conferences offer high-value opportunities to gain insights, build partnerships, and future-proof your business.
1. IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show)
Date: September 14–19, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: www.imts.com
Focus: Advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, machine tools
Why Attend: North America’s largest manufacturing event with 2,000+ exhibitors and deep dives into smart manufacturing and digital twin applications.
2. FABTECH
Date: November 2026 (Exact dates TBD)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Website: www.fabtechexpo.com
Focus: Metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing
Why Attend: Hands-on tech demos, workforce development panels, and deep engagement with fabrication innovation.
3. AeroDef Manufacturing
Date: March 2026 (Exact dates TBD)
Location: Long Beach, CA
Website: www.aerodefevent.com
Focus: Aerospace and defense manufacturing
Why Attend: High-level networking with OEMs, insights on composites, additive manufacturing, and military-grade production.
4. Smart Manufacturing Experience
Date: June 2026 (Exact dates TBD)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: www.smartmanufacturingexperience.com
Focus: Digital transformation, IIoT, AI, robotics
Why Attend: Designed for manufacturers at the edge of digital transformation, this event connects emerging tech with real-world implementation.
5. The Manufacturing Summit (NAM)
Date: Spring 2026 (TBD)
Location: Washington, DC
Website: www.nam.org
Focus: Policy, economic outlook, and industrial strategy
Why Attend: Run by the National Association of Manufacturers, it’s ideal for leaders navigating regulatory changes, workforce challenges, and global competitiveness.
6. PACK EXPO International
Date: October 2026 (TBD)
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: www.packexpointernational.com
Focus: Packaging innovations, manufacturing automation
Why Attend: A crucial event for CPG and industrial manufacturers looking to innovate their production and packaging lines.
7. WESTEC / EASTEC (SME Events)
Dates:
WESTEC: Fall 2026 – Long Beach, CA
EASTEC: Spring 2026 – Springfield, MA
Website: www.sme.org
Focus: Precision manufacturing, machining, automation
Why Attend: These regional expos offer a local view into global innovation, featuring live equipment demos and workforce development resources.
8. MODEX 2026
Date: March 9–12, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website: www.modexshow.com
Focus: Supply chain, logistics, automation
Why Attend: While technically a supply chain show, MODEX is a must-attend for manufacturers modernizing warehousing, fulfillment, and production logistics.
9. Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis
Date: October 2026
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: www.advancedmanufacturingminn.com
Focus: Medtech, materials, and design-to-production
Why Attend: Especially valuable for manufacturers in life sciences, medical devices, and precision components.
10. PTDA Industry Summit
Date: October 2026
Location: TBD (Rotates annually)
Website:www.ptda.org
Focus: Power transmission/motion control manufacturing
Why Attend: A strategic event for OEMs, distributors, and manufacturers in mechanical power transmission, with networking-heavy programming.
