44 n SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING PREVIEW January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com Southern Manufacturing & Electronics returns to Farnborough International Exhibition Centre from February 3–5, 2026, marking its 28th year as the South of England’s leading annual showcase for manufacturing and electronics innovation. As the first major industry gathering of the year, the show is set once again to anchor the UK engineering calendar with its trademark mix of heritage, technology and hands-on expertise. Southern Manufacturing & Electronics draws engineers, designers, procurement specialists, and innovators from across the UK. That strong national audience is bolstered by a growing international presence, as global exhibitors and visitors continue to view the event as a gateway to building UK supply chains and forging new collaborative partnerships. At the heart of the event is the country’s largest dedicated electronics trade show, bringing together the full breadth of the supply chain in one concentrated and highly accessible format. Visitors can expect to see everything from components and PCBs, to test and measurement equipment, embedded systems, design services and nextgeneration production equipment. For engineers seeking fresh ideas, or procurement teams searching for new suppliers, the show is a source of innovation, commercial connections and technical know-how. The 2026 event is approaching full capacity, with only a handful of stands still available, underscoring the event’s value for manufacturing and electronics technology. This will be the second edition of the show under the ownership of Easyfairs, one of the world’s top 20 exhibition organisers. It is promising an enhanced experience built around smart tools, intuitive digital technologies, and a broader industry reach. Visitors and exhibitors will benefit from access to the event app and smart badge technology, enabling seamless information exchange and streamlined networking. These capabilities are designed to maximise return on time and investment – an increasingly important factor as companies seek to make every business conversation count. Easyfairs’ extensive international network promises to bring fresh insights, curated content and new connections to the show floor, offering attendees a more enriched experience. New Features A crowd favourite is returning to the show: the Global Electronics Association’s soldering competition, which consistently draws large audiences and enthusiastic participants. For 2026, the organisers are introducing a new feature – the Wire Harness Competition – which is expected to become another major visitor attraction. Education continues to be a central pillar of the show, and the 2026 edition will once again have two CPD-accredited seminar theatres: one focused on manufacturing; the other on electronics. Sessions will run throughout all three days and will explore practical approaches to tackling some of the sector’s most urgent challenges – from improving productivity and streamlining production workflows, to strengthening the digital capabilities of factories of all sizes. Experts will discuss how manufacturers can integrate digital tools and systems better, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth. The programme is likely to be a major draw for attendees seeking actionable strategies rather than high-level theory. Simon Farnfield, event director at Easyfairs UK & Global, describes Southern Manufacturing & Electronics as “the beating heart of the UK’s engineering calendar for nearly three decades.” He emphasises Easyfairs’ commitment to preserving the heritage and community spirit of the show, while adding new layers of value through smart, visitorfocused tools and technologies. Visitor registration for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026 is now open, with attendance once again being free of charge. As the UK manufacturing and electronics sectors continue to evolve at speed, the 2026 edition promises to deliver a timely, content-rich and opportunity-packed start to the year – making it an essential date for every engineer, designer, manufacturer or procurement professional planning ahead. n Next month, the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026 returns to its Hampshire venue, for the second time under its new owners, who are promising several new innovations for the event. Celebrating 28 years of engineering excellence SHOWFACTS Where: Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, Hampshire When: 3–5 February, 2026 Entry: Free (register on Web site) Parking: Free Website: www.southernmanufacturing-electronics.com/en X: https://x.com/Southern_Mfg LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ southernmanufacturing-electronics
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