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.
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 then that most trade shows emphasize advancements in robotics and electronics. With the right exhibit design and construction, exhibitors can build networks, gather new leads, and raise brand awareness.
Here are the top 10 manufacturing Tradeshows in North America.
1. International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
WHEN: September 9th – 14th, 2024
WHERE: Chicago, IL
IMTS is a heavyweight contender among manufacturing trade shows. Here are some stats from the 2022 show
- 83,307 attendees
- 1,816 exhibiting companies
- 1.2 million sq ft of show floor space.
The top five industry groups in attendance in 2022 included machine shops and contract manufacturers, metalworking machinery and equipment for fabrication, aerospace for aircraft, space and missiles, automotive and transportation, and industrial machinery.
REGISTRATION: IMTS 2024
2. SEMICON West
WHEN: July 9th – 11th, 2024
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: SEMICON West
3. IME West
WHEN: February 4th – 6th, 2025
WHERE: Anaheim, CA
This show offers five interconnected expos at one epic event: MD&M, WestPack, ATX West, D&M West, and Plastec West. At IME West, you will have the chance to discover and experience the newest products and technology from over 1,500 exhibitors. With 300,000 sq ft of show floor space and 15,000 attendees spanning three days of packed exhibitions, keynotes, demos, and more, you can expect an unparalleled experience.
REGISTRATION: IME West
4. Automate – Robots, Vision, Motion, Solutions
WHEN: May 6th – 9th, 2024
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: Automate
5. Automation Fair – Rockwell Automation
WHEN: November 18th – 21st, 2024
WHERE: Anaheim, California
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: Automation Fair
6. EASTEC – Society of Manufacturing Engineers
WHEN: TBD
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: EASTEConline
7. CAMX Composites and Advanced Materials Expo
WHEN: Sept 9 – 12, 2024
WHERE: San Diego, CA
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
8. Westec SME
WHEN: TBD
WHERE: Long Beach, 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: Become an Exhibitor (westeconline.com)
9. Sensors Converge
WHEN: June 24 – 26, 2024
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: Sensors Converge
10. The Powder Show (International Powder Bulk Solids)
WHEN: April 29 – May 1, 2025
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
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 972-734-8585.
Photo Credit: Pexels
