www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2026 43 identify relevant contacts more efficiently. Industry participation and outlook Exhibitors confirmed for 2026 include Beckhoff, Solutions PT, Epicor, Ericsson, Prod Utech, Fanuc and Sage. Grace Gilling, Event Director at Smart Manufacturing Week said: “Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 is all about bringing the future of advanced manufacturing and engineering to life. This year, we’re introducing brand-new features designed to showcase the very best the industry has to offer. “Our Meet the Buyer programme helps visitors source the most efficient and profitable solutions for 2026, ensuring every moment delivers real value. “The Future Stage will showcase breakthrough thinking and bold ideas from pioneering innovators, offering debate on the strategies shaping the next decade. Plus, the expanded Ambassador Programme brings more industry leaders for enhanced networking, learning, and inspiration. “Together, these features make Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 an evergrowing festival for all facets of industry. It’s the destination for industrial transformation and a glimpse of what manufacturing and engineering can achieve.” Further announcements, including keynote speakers, are expected in the coming weeks. Registration is now open via the Smart Manufacturing Week website: www.smartmanufacturingweek.com maintenance and asset management strategies associated with Maintec. The Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit is expected to attract senior representatives from organisations including AstraZeneca, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus and Atlas Copco. In 2025, the event welcomed more than 13,500 attendees from across manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors. Chris Allen, Marketing Manager of Smart Manufacturing Week, noted the event’s unique value in the market: “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. It’s a place where conversations spark innovations.” New features for 2026 The 2026 edition will introduce new features aimed at increasing engagement. One addition is Fight Fest, a robotics competition located within the Drives & Controls section and hosted on the Accu Bots stand. The competition will feature both student teams from across the UK and professional participants, focusing on areas such as mechanical design, programming and prototyping. While positioned as an interactive feature, it also reflects the importance of engaging the next generation of engineers. Expanded networking and targeted engagement The Ambassador Programme will return in an expanded format, providing structured opportunities for individuals to connect and collaborate on shared industry challenges. In addition, a dedicated networking platform will enable attendees to arrange one-to-one meetings in advance. Supported by matchmaking services and on-site assistance, the system is designed to help participants
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=