As we navigate through 2024, there’s still ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge, technological advancements and unparalleled value that this year’s manufacturing trade shows and expos have to offer. From employers to employees, these events are a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their presence in the US manufacturing scene.

The Top Manufacturing Trade Shows of 2024


Modex

Scheduled for March 11-14 in Atlanta, GA, Modex stands out among 2024’s top manufacturing trade shows. While Promat has already passed and won’t return until 2025, Modex continues to shine, thanks to MHI (The Material Handling Industry). It’s a pivotal gathering for supply chain professionals seeking to network and grow.

Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo 2024

This supply chain expo, happening May 6-8, delves into lessons learned from the pandemic and strategies for long-term success in supply chain management. It’s a must-attend for those in procurement, manufacturing management and logistics.

Automate

Mark your calendars for May 6-9 in Chicago for Automate, the automation event of the year. Covering the spectrum of automation in manufacturing sectors, it’s one of the key automation events for industry professionals.

NPE

The largest plastics tradeshow in America takes over Orlando, FL, from May 6-10. NPE is an expansive event that showcases the latest in plastics technology and innovation.

Skills USA National Leadership & Skills Conference

Focusing on promoting technical and trade careers, the Skills USA National Leadership & Skills Conference, happening June 24-28, is a unique blend of skill-building and leadership development.

RAPID + TCT

For those interested in additive manufacturing conferences, RAPID + TCT in Los Angeles from June 25-27 is the place to be. It’s a deep dive into how 3D printing technologies can revolutionize manufacturing processes.

Safety Conference & Expo

Set for August 7-9 in Denver, CO, the Safety Conference & Expo is organized by the ASSP and focuses on educational sessions and innovations in workplace safety.

Advanced Manufacturing Expo

Don’t miss out on this Industry 4.0 expo in Grand Rapids, MI, on August 7-8. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore advancements in automation and metalworking.

FABTECH

For professionals in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, FABTECH is the premier event, running from October 15-17.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

This Association of Equipment Manufacturers event, happening on November 13-15, is perfect for executives looking to gain industry insights on workforce development, data management and leadership.

BIOMEDevice

In Santa Clara, CA, from November 20-21, the BIOMEDevice event bridges Med Tech, Biotech, and Pharma, fostering education and partnerships in medical innovation.

Time to Grow

Choosing the right manufacturing trade show can open doors to new industry contacts, knowledge, and opportunities. Dive in, and you’re sure to learn and grow in ways you hadn’t imagined.

The year is almost halfway done, but there is still time to take advantage of the knowledge, technology, and value that manufacturing trade shows and expos bring to US manufacturing for both employers and employees.

The Shows You Missed:

The Shows You Can Still Attend:

Design-2-Part

Design-2-Part has many shows throughout the year (in spring and fall) and across the US, so find one near you! The greatest thing about Design-2-Part is the story behind Founder, Ben Edwards and how he began Design-2-Part shows.

Safety Conference & Expo

Start planning now because this one is happening in Denver, CO August 7-9th in 2024. In fact, 2024 will be the 63rd annual show! Put on by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the goal of this show is to bring together safety professionals for three days of educational sessions. There also are educational exhibits regarding the safety profession as well as safety innovation in the workplace. It’s called “the conference that’s by safety professionals, for safety professionals”.

Advanced Manufacturing Expo

Happening August 9 and 10, 2023, in Grand Rapids, MI, you could join 3000 manufacturers and manufacturing experts to explore all things automation, metalworking, or mechanical. If there is one to go to in 2023, this might be it!

PACK Expo

PACK Expo is a show with multiple events across the United States (as well as the world). At these shows, it’s all about packaging and processing solutions. Join Pack Expo Las Vegas from September 11th through the 13th this year!

FABTECH

This one is all about metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. It runs from September 11th through the 14th in Chicago, IL.

Injection Mold & Design Expo

During this two-day FREE expo, you’ll find a multitude of suppliers with expertise in molding machines and auxiliary equipment, equipment parts, molds and runners, design & molding software, and many other support services. Get to Novi, MI to experience this event on September 20 and 21 of 2023.

Industrial Transformation USA

Coming to Indianapolis during the fall of 2023 (October 10-12), are the big thinkers thinking about IIoT, 5G, cobots, and other Industry 4.0 technology as it relates to all types of manufacturing industries. You’ll find a little bit of everything related to automation, robotics, industrial data, AI, supply chain software, IIoT, as well as smart infrastructure.

NBAA – BACE (National Business Aviation Association)

From October 17-19, top manufacturers and businesses from the aviation industry will come together in Las Vegas to showcase the best of the best in aviation technology and aircraft.

Southtec / Westtec

Southtec is one of four Manufacturing Technology Series events and it’s happening in Greenville, SC from October 24-26th. Westec is another one of the four series events only it’s happening in Long Beach, CA from November 7-9, 2023. Houstex and Eastec have already come and gone in 2023 but don’t worry, all four will be back in full for 2024 because this one is backed by some of the biggest industry advocates, The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and

Rockwell Automation Fair

In Boston MA this year, you’ll find the future of manufacturing technology with this automation fair happening November 6th through the 9th.

2024 Trade Shows and Expos:

Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS)

We just missed this one for 2023 (it was April 18-20th) but they are already planning for 2025 (in Cleveland, OH) and so should you. This is the place to be when it comes to precision machining and precision machined components.

Skills USA National Leadership & Skills Conference

Skills USA is a great event with a different goal than most manufacturing expos. This one is about bringing together workers, leaders, students, and teachers to promote careers in trade and technical occupations. This one wrapped up June 23rd of this year, but they’ll be back again next year!

NPE

With over 1 million square feet of exhibit space, this expo is the largest plastics tradeshow in America. Make it a point to register in 2023 for the five-day event happening in Orlando, FL from May 6-10, 2024.

Modex

The Modex Show is happening March 11-14 in Atlanta GA next year (2024). Promat is show similar to Modex that has come and gone for 2023. However, both are shows put on by MHI (The Material Handling Industry) with the goal of connecting professionals in the supply chain industry.

That’s a Wrap:

Find one you like and give it a whirl. You’ll likely meet great industry contacts, be able to talk about yourself and your products, as well as learn a little (or a lot) something new!