Industry Trends

10 Important Manufacturing Conferences You Should Attend

manufacturing conferences

Attending conferences allows you to stay up to date with industry best practices. And meeting other manufacturing professionals will facilitate advancements in your career. They’re important variables in achieving successful, long-term outcomes. But they’re also important personally, too.

They’re contributing factors to achieving effective business outcomes. But they’re also hands-on. These aren’t just platforms for words, but active learning and listening.

However, keeping up with the sheer amount of beneficial conferences could prove difficult. In fact, there are so many that it’s often daunting to even consider attending one. Which means that you may need a helping hand.

So, here it is. We’ve identified 10 upcoming manufacturing conferences.

1. AICPA Global Manufacturing Conference

When: September 11-13, 2017
Where: Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland

What it is: Global operations can be a touchy subject for any business leader. But when it comes to manufacturing, it could be a daily conversation that’s left unanswered. That’s where the AICPA Global Manufacturing Conference comes in. It’s also where they provide you with the information you need to take your manufacturing business to the next level.

What to expect: This conference will prepare you and your company’s strategy for the best and worst of times. Due to the uncertainty of, well, anything when it comes to life, AICPA is committed to educating you on the ability to stay objective through the peaks and valleys of manufacturing business ownership.

2. WESTEC 2017

When: September 12-14, 2017
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center

What it is: WESTEC is the West Coast’s largest and most renown manufacturing equipment conference series. Occurring every other year, this leading event gives you the opportunity to listen in on panel discussions that are created to advance you and your business’ long term objectives by supplying you with the necessary tools for longevity.

What to expect: You’ll experience the latest trends in manufacturing technology and equipment hands on as this engaging conference looks to assist you in achieving effective programming and installation. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to personally interact with international leaders in manufacturing equipment.

3. AME: Boston 2017

When: October 9-13, 2017
Where: Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts

What it is: AME is committed to growth. Which means that yours is important to them. And as one of the largest volunteer-based manufacturing associations in the country, AME’s focus is on leveling the manufacturing playing field for everyone.

What to expect: You’ll be able to see the conference’s main ideas in action as you’re invited to experience lean manufacturing in local facilities. Of course, this is in between keynote speakers who double as influential industry leaders and their encouraging messaging. Additionally, you’ll see how to truly engage your team in a true AME fashion.

4. FABTECH 2017

When: November 6-9, 2017
Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

What it is: Metal fabrications is important. And if that sentence isn’t news to you, FABTECH presents the individualized opportunity you’ve been longing for. You’ll be able to meet industry leaders in productivity and finishing while you’re given the chance to network with over 50,000 other interested manufacturing peers.

What to expect: This year, FABTECH is introducing a new 3D Manufacturing exhibition that will not only educate you on current best practices when it comes to 3D application, but also development and overall use. Additionally, you’ll be able to listen to industry leaders talk about topics that are vital to the longstanding of your company.

5. DMC 2017

When: December 4-7, 2017
Where: Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida

What it is: The DMC Conference is an open forum on the manufacturing behind defense in our country. Light will be shed on the capabilities of our country’s most influential defense manufacturers, and their persistence will act as inspiration for you and your business. With over 600 organizations represented by peers and speakers, it’ll be difficult to not take it all in.

What to expect: You’ll be able to network with over 1350 professional participants as you experience the intentions, processes, and exhibitions of 130 innovative defense manufacturers. Not only will you see industry best practices and trends, but you’ll hear from leaders who want you to see success, too.

6. Global Bioproduction Summit

When: February 5-6, 2018
Where: Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa in San Diego, California

What it is: The Bioproduction Summit is a vital factor in the advancement of biological production and manufacturing. In fact, if you attend, you’ll be able to see the possibilities within new regulations and, potentially, ways to increase yields and reduce costs within them.

What to expect: The 17th annual summit looks to educate you on topics such as lean and cell technologies, automation, and technology transfers. It sounds like a lot, because it is. But this is the future of us all. And it will prove beneficial to commit yourself to spending time and company with industry leaders who are committed to running efficient businesses while also maintaining top standings as manufacturing companies.

7. 2018 IPC APEX EXPO

When: February 27 – March 1, 2018
Where: San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California

What it is: This five-day event will continue your internal dialogue and understanding of circuit boarding and other electronic programming vital to our industry. You will experience first-handily the knowledge of global leaders in product development, but in doing so, also experience their relationship with professional development. Not only will your business benefit from an attendance, but so will your personhood.

What to expect: Technology moves fast, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to keep up. Stay up-to-date on current trends with global trade association leader IPC and further the longevity of your business. The electronics industry is important, especially within the context of manufacturing. In this way, it’s crucial to not only have an understanding of, but to apply. You’ll learn how to efficiently do both by attending.

8. The MFG Meeting

When: March 7 – 10, 2018
Where: Trump National Doral: Miami in Miami, Florida

What it is: Manufacturing for Growth commits to gathering industry leaders together each Spring in an attempt to facilitate interaction for the sake of long term success. These gatherings provide integral insight into the future of manufacturing as knowledge is spread throughout high-caliber networking events.

What to expect: Executive and senior level decision makers will lead you and your business in the right direction. Of course, that is, only if you ask. You’re encouraged to represent your company in the presence of people who are willing to help you take it to the next level. And by relishing in market trends with them, the application of your newfound understanding will prove beneficial.

9. American Manufacturing Summit 2018

When: March 27 – 28, 2018
Where: The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Chicago, Illinois

What it is: Industry leaders in manufacturing come together to focus on maintaining efficient floor operations and strategy when it comes to plant processes in this annual conference. Whether its profitability, innovation, or optimization, the American Manufacturing Summit will allow you the opportunity to build your business in the vein of some of our country’s most influential manufacturing corporations.

What to expect: With attendees such as Johnson and Johnson, BMW, GE, P&G, and many more, it’ll be difficult for you to not walk away inspired. Still, it’s important to keep an open mind as you network with industry leaders. Why? Your business is your business, and that’s the biggest message instilled by this summit. In fact, it’s what drives it.

10. IMTS 2018

When: September 10 – 15, 2018
Where: McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois

What it is: If you want to change your perspective on the manufacturing industry, this is the conference for you. Join over 115,000 industrial leaders as the newest advancements in manufacturing technology is showcased. Additionally, participate in dialogue that will allow you to stay ahead of your competition and increase the likelihood of your company’s long standing.

What to expect: You’ll be provided with insight from leading executives as to how to continue building your business in time of constant change. You’ll also see how to do so with the best possible technology at your fingertips.

Are you going to any manufacturing conferences?

What manufacturing conferences are you attending this year? Let us know by tweeting us at @AppleRubber.