Smart Manufacturing Week returns for its fifth edition at the NEC in Birmingham on 3-4 June 2026. The show is home to six exclusive live events: Smart Factory, Drives & Controls, Maintec, Design & Engineering and Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit, proving it a must attend for event for anyone in the sector.
Other fringe events will also be taking place as part of Smart Manufacturing Week 2026, including The Manufacturer Directors’ Forum breakfasts and dinners, the Marketing to Manufacturers Breakfast and partner events. The show is designed to help support the sector in all stages of its smart manufacturing and engineering journeys.
Last year Smart Manufacturing Week welcomed 13,500 manufacturers, engineers, designers, maintenance professionals, industry leaders and technology solution providers from across every vertical sector.
What’s going on?
Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 will include a raft of new features and attractions for visitors, delegates and sponsors alike.
2026 will see the introduction of Fight Fest – taking place on the Accu Bots stand, this is a new, high-energy competitive element of the show aligned with automation and robotics – a core theme of the event – and located within Drives & Controls. In addition, there will be professional teams competing live at the show throughout the course of the two days.
Back again is the Ambassador Programme, celebrating individuals passionate about driving change in manufacturing and engineering, giving them a platform to share insights that help the whole industry thrive. New for 2026, the programme goes further, introducing exclusive networking time for ambassadors to connect, collaborate and tackle today’s most pressing challenges together.
Smart Manufacturing Week will also provide a dedicated networking platform with the ability to arrange 1-2-1 meetings making it easier for attendees to find the right people who match their requirements.
Manufacturing keynotes
Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 will also showcase over 150 expert speakers across its seven theatres for its visitors. The first six keynotes have been announced.
- Alexia Williams, Technical Lead Rolls-Royce
- Carl Milborne, Group Operations Director, Sertec
- David Roberts, Founder, Evtec
- Kirstie Kennedy, HR Manager, Lisi Aerospace
- Rebecca Galley, CEO, Tornado Wire
- Rob Blanchard, Research, Development and Quality Systems Manager Executive, I Holland
Over the two days, each of these manufacturing leaders will take to the stage to discuss leadership, strategy, workforce development, trade, sales and sustainability.
Not only that, but last years spotlight keynote, was ex-Haas Formula 1 Team principal, Guenther Steiner, who filled the theatre seats with his fireside chat, giving insider knowledge of managing big personalities, inside and outside the factory.
This year, the show is ramping it up with another spotlight keynote, although, no spoilers yet, so stay tuned to find out who will be taking to the stage.
Plan your visit
We know leaving the office can be tricky; businesses are busy and work continues even when you’re not there, so taking time out must be worth it. That’s why for another year Smart Manufacturing Week (including Smart Factory Expo, Drives + Controls, Maintec and Design + Engineering Expo) is partnering with Interplas, TCT 360, Med-Tech and Subcon, all taking place at the NEC on the same dates. Your single ticket will give you access to every show.
So, what are you waiting for? Secure your free ticket today.
