The Top 10 Manufacturing Trade Shows and Conferences in North America [Updated for 2026]

Manufacturing trade shows provide a unique opportunity to bring together hard-to-reach decision-makers in one place. At shows like WESTEC, professionals can share innovations, display new products and processes, and explore ideas.  

Attending these events can help your company become part of the manufacturing and automation conversation, connect with motivated buyers, and showcase your latest innovations. 

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What is the manufacturing industry? 

The manufacturing industry is a sector of the economy that is concerned with the production of goods. Once the raw materials are sourced, they must be shaped into usable products. Without manufacturing, you can say goodbye to anything from pens to laptops.  

Despite most US manufacturing firms being small, they significantly impact the economy, with every $1.00 spent in manufacturing having a total impact of $2.60 on the overall economy. The industry is still growing, with nearly 13 million employed workers in 2022 and another 4 million manufacturing jobs needed by 2030. 

What Happens at Manufacturing Trade Shows? 

Automation is critical in improving systems and processes for efficient output. It’s no surprise that most trade shows emphasize advancements in robotics and electronics. Exhibitors can build networks, gather new leads, and raise brand awareness with the right exhibit design and construction. 

Top 10 Manufacturing Trade Shows and Conferences

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10. The Powder Show (International Powder Bulk Solids) 

WHEN: 27 - 29 April 2027

WHERE: Rosemont, IL 

The Powder Show is a unique tradeshow on the west coast that aims to unite the powder and bulk solids handling and dry processing sector in a single event. Industry professionals from various fields, including agriculture, plastics, energy, and others, gather at this event to exchange ideas, innovations, and expertise. 

REGISTRATION: Become an Exhibitor | The Powder Show  

9. Sensors Converge 

WHEN: 05 - 07 May 2026

WHERE: Santa Clara, CA 

Sensors Converge is the ultimate destination for design engineers, offering North America's largest electronics event exclusively for them. This three-day event boasts impressive statistics, including 5,000 registrants, 275 exhibitors, 100 speakers, and 75+ sessions.  

Sensors Converge's prospectus reports that  

• 93% of attendees plan on attending again  
• 78% have purchasing power
• 31% are enterprise level companies  

Whether exhibiting at the show or attending as an attendee, you can find valuable networking opportunities and grow your business. Sensors Converge is genuinely a design engineer's dream come true. 

REGISTRATION: https://www.sensorsconverge.com 

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8. Westec SME 

WHEN: 07 - 09 October 2025

WHERE: Anaheim, CA 

WESTEC is a significant manufacturing tradeshow held in California and serves as the west coast counterpart of EASTEC. As stated on their website, the event attracts attendees from diverse industries such as aerospace, industrial machinery, automotive, and fabricated metal. It's excellent news for those planning to attend EASTEC but located on the west coast, as WESTEC would be the ideal tradeshow for them to attend 

REGISTRATION: https://west.mtseries.com

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7. CAMX Composites and Advanced Materials Expo 

WHEN: 08 - 11 September 2025

WHERE: Orlando, FL

CAMX is the top market program focused on composite and advanced materials, offering a variety of events and services to promote the success and growth of manufacturing companies across numerous industries. The attendees and exhibitors at CAMX include prominent professionals from various markets, including but not limited to Aerospace, Consumer goods, electronics, architecture, and automotive. 

REGISTRATION: CAMX 

6. EASTEC - Society of Manufacturing Engineers 

WHEN: 11 -13 May 2027

WHERE: West Springfield, MA 

EASTEC is recognized as one of America's most esteemed manufacturing trade shows and the largest in the Northeast. Their website emphasizes their aim to foster industry advancements and establish meaningful connections. EASTEC draws over 13,000 attendees with 76% influencing purchasing decisions and 32% possess budgets exceeding $200,000 for manufacturing equipment.  

REGISTRATION: https://east.mtseries.com

5. Automation Fair - Rockwell Automation 

WHEN: 12 - 20 November 2025

WHERE: Chicago, IL

Held in Anaheim, Automation Fair is a complimentary event by Rockwell Automation and members of the PartnerNetwork program. Build relationships, learn, and be a part of the automation/manufacturing conversation. 

REGISTRATION: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/events/automation-fair..html

4. Automate - Robots, Vision, Motion, Solutions 

WHEN: 22 - 25 June 2026

WHERE: Chicago, IL 

The 4-day exhibition and conference Automate, held in Detroit, Michigan, specifically focuses on bringing together the industrial automation community. In 2022, the event attracted 

• 25,000 registrants
• 600 exhibitors
• 200 speakers.  

As per the Automate website, more businesses are exploring automation to help them accomplish their objectives.  

REGISTRATION: https://www.automateshow.com

3. MD&M West 

WHEN: 03 -05 February 2026

WHERE: Anaheim, CA 

MD&M West is unmatched in bringing together the complete spectrum of advanced manufacturing under one roof. With 330,000 sq ft of show floor space and 13,500 attendees spanning three days of packed exhibitions, keynotes, demos, and more, you can expect an unparalleled experience. 

 REGISTRATION: https://www.mdmwest.com/en/exhibit/why-exhibit.html

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2. SEMICON West

WHEN: 07 - 09 October 2025

WHERE: San Francisco 

Semicon West is a vital link connecting the extended electronics supply chain. Industry leaders, researchers, and analysts from across the microelectronics supply chain gather here to share knowledge and conduct business. The 2022 post-show report says  

• 79% of attendees influenced buying decisions
• 34% represented engineering or technology roles
• 19% hailed from international locations.

The opportunities from exhibitors couldn’t be clearer!  

REGISTRATION: https://www.semiconwest.org

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1. International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 

WHEN: 14 - 19 September 2026

WHERE: Chicago, IL 

IMTS is a heavyweight contender among manufacturing trade shows. Here are some stats from the 2024 post show report 

• 89,020 attendees
• 1,737 exhibiting companies
• 1.2 million sq ft of show floor space.  

The top five industry groups in attendance in 2024 included machine shops, aerospace, automotive, metalworking machinery, and distribution.

REGISTRATION: https://www.imts.com/imts-plus/

If you're interested in exhibiting at any of these trade shows, please don't hesitate to contact us below to schedule a meeting with one of our sales consultants today. 

The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005 to get the ball rolling

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