U.S. manufacturing activity has been increasing over the past year, with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and automation technologies driving new manufacturing projects.
To help stay abreast of the latest trends, products and insights, Manufacturing Dive rounded up some of the leading industry conferences happening in 2027.
Thousands of attendees, including executives, researchers, politicians and sales professionals, travel to these trade shows each year to network and learn about the state of the manufacturing industry or its various sectors such as robotics, aerospace, chemicals, steel and semiconductors.
Which other events are on your radar for 2027? Let us know at [email protected].
Manufacturing Dive conference/event list 2027
AAIA SciTech Forum
Jan. 11-15
Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando, Florida
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Science and Technology Forum attracts about 6,000 attendees from 46 countries and focuses on “breakthrough science, revolutionary technologies, and generation-after-next capabilities,” according to AAIA. The 2027 forum theme is “resilience in a changing world.”
Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase
Jan. 26-28
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida
The 11th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase is aimed at leaders across military, aerospace and defense 3D printing. “This educational and professional development event helps drive active dialogue surrounding the integration of 3D printing technologies across the Joint Force,” according to conference organizers.
MD&M West
Feb. 9-11
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California
MD&M West features advanced manufacturing exhibitions in the medtech, automation, design, plastics and packaging industries. Exhibitors will be able to showcase technologies to attendees seeking suppliers. This event is co-located with the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo.
American Manufacturing Summit
March 16-17
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Chicago
Generis’ American Manufacturing Summit focuses on technology trends, strategic insights on improving manufacturing efficiency and addresses industry challenges. Key themes in 2027 include AI, smart manufacturing, automation, operational excellence, supply chain modernization and industry 4.0.
NASCC: The Steel Conference
April 14-16
Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Billed as “the premier educational and networking event for everyone involved in the design and construction of steel buildings and bridges,” the NASCC Steel Conference features hundreds of technical sessions and exhibits to help companies “design and build better with steel.” Attendees can also connect with designers, fabricators and other colleagues.
North American Manufacturing Excellence Summit
April 19-21
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver
This summit brings together leaders in manufacturing, supply chain, operations and quality to share insights and cultivate innovation. Speakers include executives from Toyota, Dow, Target, Ford, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, PepsiCo and Microsoft, among others.
SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 2-5
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this event is where business leaders from around the world go to make connections with investors to establish operations and explore expansion opportunities in the United States. Earlier this year, it drew more than 5,500 participants from across 100 countries.
Automate
May 10-13
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
Billed as North America’s largest robotics and automation event, more than 50,000 attendees convene to catch a glimpse of the latest robotics, vision systems, motion control and other AI technologies. Organizers expect more than 1,000 exhibitors and 200-plus speakers to attend.
Defense Manufacturing & Materials Expo
May 13-14
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
The inaugural Dallas edition of the Defense Manufacturing & Materials Expo, which started in Poland, is “built for Texas’ industrial base,” according to organizers. It is aimed at North American manufacturers, suppliers and buyers, and focuses on sectors such as aerospace and airframe manufacturing, munitions and energetic materials, and advanced materials and additive manufacturing.
MD&M East
May 19-20
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York
This conference focuses on medical device manufacturing, automation, design, packaging, plastics and manufacturing quality technologies. Described by organizers as “the East Coast’s largest and most comprehensive design and manufacturing event,” MD&M East links domestic and international buyers and suppliers in all facets of advanced manufacturing.
Robotics Summit & Expo
June 2-3
Boston
This event brings together more than 6,000 robotics developers and engineers in aerospace, defense, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and other sectors. Attendees can explore humanoids, quadrupeds, autonomous pickers and other next-generation robotics, as well as learn about cutting-edge enabling technologies, engineering and system integration.
Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference
June 14-17
Hilton Albany, Albany, New York
Technical experts, process engineers, equipment manufacturers, academia and industry professionals come together to solve manufacturing challenges with research-driven strategies and methodologies. It is hosted by Semi, a California-based industry association.
Connected Manufacturing Forum
June 15-16
Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
This is where senior leaders focused on digital transformation can share what worked, and perhaps more importantly, what didn’t work when implementing artificial intelligence, automation, advanced analytics and other technologies on their factory floors. Attendees can expect conversations about timelines, costs, challenges and workforce impact so they can be empowered to make smarter decisions.
Advanced Manufacturing Expo
Aug. 11-12
DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Advanced Manufacturing Expo connects industry leaders, technology and solutions. Attendees can attend sessions and hands-on demonstrations exploring the latest in automation, metalworking, industry 4.0 technology and general manufacturing.
Fabtech
Sept. 13-16
McCormick Place, Chicago
Considered the premier event for the metal fabrication industry, it is one of the few conferences that showcases high-tech metalworking machinery alongside networking opportunities and educational sessions. Prior editions attracted more than 1,400 exhibitors and spanned more than 700,000 square feet of show floor.
Westec
November 16-18
Long Beach, California
The Manufacturing Technology Series in the West Coast covers how qualified buyers with sizable technology and equipment budgets can look for new ideas, solutions and suppliers to help them gain a competitive edge. It brings together four regional, smaller events — Westec, Eastec, Southec and Houstex — into one major conference. Attendees come from a variety of industries including aerospace, medical, industrial machinery, automotive, fabricated metal and more.
Disclosure: MD&M West and MD&M East are run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Manufacturing Dive. Informa has no influence over Manufacturing Dive’s coverage.
