43 www.drivesncontrols.com May 2026 SMW PREVIEW n you informed with real-time alerts on session changes, special announcements and networking opportunities. n Exclusive networking, connecting you with like-minded professionals, and allowing you to schedule meetings, and engage in meaningful discussions. n On-demand content, giving you access to presentations, White Papers and exclusive industry insights, even after the event. Best of British showcase This feature, returning for 2026, offers you the chance to discover the products, processes and ideas that are redefining British manufacturing and engineering. It brings together groundbreaking designs, pioneering manufacturing methods and export successes that champion UK innovation. From world-first technologies to iconic engineering excellence, this is where Britain’s manufacturing and engineering story is told boldly, credibly and at scale. Curated in partnership with The Manufacturer, the showcase features finalists from the magazine’s MX Awards, companies from its Top 100 programme, and editorial selections, chosen for their impact, ingenuity and leadership. Previous showcases have shone a spotlight on some of the most respected names in UK manufacturing and engineering, including LEVC Taxi, JLR, BMW Mini, Leonardo, Farm Urban, Aurrigo, Aston Martin, BAC Mono, Airbus and A-Safe. These organisations continue to push boundaries across the automotive, aerospace, defence, food, automation and advanced engineering sectors. STEM programme SMW 2026 will continue its commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and manufacturers through its STEM programme. Hundreds of students and apprentices will have the chance to interact with industry experts, offering a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of advanced manufacturing and engineering. Festival vibes SMW will once again be as fun as it is informative, with a festival atmosphere making the show an occasion as much as an exhibition. With live music, on-site competitions, and celebrity lookalikes, SMW will once again offer a high-energy, crowd-pleasing visitor experience Innovation Alley As well as the giant technology players on the show floor, there will also be representation from cuttingedge start-ups and innovative small businesses set to revolutionise the sector. Located at the heart of the Smart Factory Expo, Innovation Alley will showcase emerging manufacturing technologies. Following last year’s success, where attendees engaged with groundbreaking ideas from the next wave of tech and consultancy businesses, the 2026 event will provide opportunities to meet start-ups and early-stage companies and their founders, uncovering transformative technologies that promise to reshape manufacturing in the future. Visitor Trails This service helps you meet the most relevant companies to your business and to make the most out of your experience of the show. The trails provide a pathway for attendees to discover the capabilities of SMW exhibitors and sponsors – a lot easier than reading through all of the listings in the show directory! The trails cover: n Digital transformation (exploring the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning, and cloud computing) n Innovation and smart technologies (highlighting cutting-edge automation, robotics, and innovative manufacturing methods) n Sustainability and the circular economy (emphasising green manufacturing, carbon reduction strategies, and sustainable practices) n Supply chain resilience (focusing on mitigating risks, ensuring continuity and improving agility in supply chains) n Design and engineering n Industrial components and maintenance (exploring innovations in components, equipment reliability, and predictive maintenance to enhance operational efficiency) A highlight of SMW is the wide-ranging programme of presentations taking place in eight dedicated theatres on the show floor across both days. Visitors can expect more than 170 free-to-attend sessions led by global manufacturing and technology experts, centred on five strategic pillars: n Digital transformation n Sustainability and the circular economy n Supply chain resilience n Innovation and smart technologies n Workforce and skills Topics that will come under the microscope include: n AI-driven productivity and machine learning applications n The deployment and practical value of digital twins n Strategies for net-zero manufacturing n Workforce transformation and skill development in the automation era “Smart Manufacturing Week is the one moment each year where our whole industry comes together – not just to showcase technology, but to share ideas, solve problems and genuinely connect,” says the event’s marketing manager, Chris Allen. “It’s a place where conversations spark innovations.” n SHOW FACTS SMART MANUFACTURING WEEK 2026 Where: NEC, Birmingham When: Wednesday, 3 June, 09.30-17.00 | Thursday, 4 June, 09.30-16.00 Entry: Free Web site: www.smartmanufacturingweek.com X: https://twitter.com/SmartMWeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/smart-manufacturing-engineering-week Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartmanufacturingweek
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