The U.S. manufacturing industry is facing an array of changes right now, as the country prioritizes scaling domestic clean energy and semiconductor production. At the same time, companies continue to navigate rising operational costs, labor challenges and the use of artificial intelligence in their factories.
To help you prepare for 2025’s slew of U.S. manufacturing conferences, Manufacturing Dive rounded up some of the country’s biggest events.
Conferences and trade shows span multiple sectors, including aerospace, batteries and semiconductors, as well as events that can appeal to manufacturing leaders in any field. Read on for what to attend in the coming months.
Top manufacturing conferences in 2025
Fabtech
Sept. 8-11
Chicago, Illinois
This conference is all about metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing. With over 800,000 square feet of exhibits, the metals conference delves into the latest in manufacturing equipment.
The Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit
Oct. 20-22
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit will focus on elevating local and national talent solutions, amplifying training strategies and providing attendees with opportunities to explore community partnership models regarding workforce challenges. Sessions will discuss employee retainment, training students and implementing child care benefits.
AME International Conference
Oct. 6-9
St. Louis, Missouri
This Association for Manufacturing Excellence International conference will host over 30 sessions on topics such as developing an evolving workforce, continuous integration tools and culture, nurturing thriving learning organizations, coaching the practice of problem-solving together and integrating people and AI.
Westec
Oct. 7-9
Anaheim, 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 various industries including aerospace, medical, industrial machinery, automotive, fabricated metal and more.
American Council of Engineering Companies Fall Conference
Oct. 5-9
San Diego, California
The conference is for companies offering products and services to consulting engineering firms, such as IT, insurance, and financial services, as well as material suppliers influencing design and specifications in various engineering disciplines. Key topics include disruptive technologies, AI, climate resilience, and workforce development.
The Battery Show North America
Oct. 6-9
Detroit, Michigan
This conference is for engineers and business leaders to learn about emerging applications in advanced battery and electric vehicle technologies. In October 2024, there will be more than 1,150 exhibitors for automotive, stationary, medical, aerospace, commercial and industrial applications.
American Food Manufacturing Summit
Nov. 4-5
Chicago, Illinois
This food manufacturing conference is designed to bring food and beverage executives and suppliers together to discuss topics such as food manufacturing software, food safety software, quality, sustainable food packaging and more. Featured speakers for the fall 2024 conference include executives from WK Kellogg Co., HelloFresh and Impossible Foods.
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo North America
Oct. 6-9
Detroit, Michigan
The electric vehicle conference will include over 1,150 battery manufacturers, discuss new ideas for increased battery efficiencies and reduced manufacturing costs and feature live product demos showcasing emerging battery technology. Professional attendees are from the advanced battery and H/EV communities.
Connected Manufacturing Forum
June 23-24
St. Louis, Missouri
Since 2018, this advanced manufacturing conference has covered the digital transformation and enablement of factories to boost efficiency, productivity and profitability. The event is for various industries, including automotive, consumer goods and aerospace.
Worldwide Advanced Manufacturing Symposium
July 14-16
Knoxville, Tennessee
The advanced manufacturing conference is for aerospace, defense, transportation and energy application industries. It will touch on additive manufacturing, modeling and simulation, development of new materials, joining and in-space manufacturing.
International Manufacturing Technology Show
Sept. 8-13
Chicago, Illinois
The industrial machinery and technology trade show featured 40 million pounds of machinery in 2024, with nearly 90,000 registrants. The event features a massive exhibition space as well as a conference focused on continuous improvement and tech integration.
