From Factory Floor Hacks to Future Trends: Smart Manufacturing Week 2025

20 January, 2025

In addition, SMW 2025 will continue its commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and manufacturers through its dedicated STEM Programme, sponsored by returning Platinum Partner FANUC. Now extended to focus on school year students, as well as those in further education, hundreds of students and apprentices will have the chance to interact directly with industry experts, offering a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of advanced manufacturing and engineering.

As in previous years 2025 will also play host to several satellite events, such as The Manufacturer Top 100 Awards and the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit. This two-day conference for senior leaders, which attracts many of the top 250 manufacturers from across the UK, is focussed on the application of digital technologies to enhance the processes, efficiencies, and outcomes of the manufacturing industry.

On the fun side the much-loved Guitar Legends competition will make a return – with a 3D printed guitar to be awarded to the winner - and adding to the festival atmosphere, The Shadow Monkeys will return with their signature high energy and crowd-pleasing hits to close out the first evening’s visitor party. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, this year’s event introduces an exciting new feature: ‘Smart Tank’. Designed to inspire and empower budding innovators, this platform invites entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and product concepts to a panel of industry experts. Additionally, event attendees can explore the dedicated tech demo area, where innovative solutions will be showcased, offering a detailed look into some of the most exciting developments in technology.

Smart Manufacturing Week continues to prioritise sustainability, returning as a carbon-neutral event in 2025. In collaboration with Forest Nation, the organisers have pledged to plant one tree for every attendee, a practice introduced in 2023 that has helped reduce the event’s environmental impact while supporting global reforestation efforts.

"Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 is laser focused on the visitor experience while ensuring exhibitors have the best opportunity to connect with their target customer base. We create a festival type atmosphere that is entertaining as well as a fantastic opportunity to connect businesses, encourage innovation, and create a platform for industry-shaping conversations." said Managing Director, Grace Gilling.

Smart Manufacturing Week will be taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on the 4th and 5th of June 2025. Other exhibitions are also taking place at the NEC at the same time, and these include Automechanika run by Messe Frankfurt; Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty from Rapid News Group and Subcon from the Mark Allen Group. One visitor badge provides access to all events.

Register now for free to secure your place at the UK’s most anticipated manufacturing event of the year: https://bit.ly/4iy8LxT

For more information and updates, visit www.smartmanufacturingweek.com

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