Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 to address sector-wide transformation challenges
Published: 06 May, 2026
The UK manufacturing sector continues to operate under increasing pressure from digitalisation, supply chain instability and the transition to Net Zero. For many organisations, the priority is no longer identifying these challenges but determining how to respond in a structured and commercially viable way. OEE reports.
These issues will form the basis of Smart Manufacturing Week (SMW), which returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-4 June 2026 for its fifth edition.
Commenting on the show’s previous edition, returning exhibitor Daniela David, Field Marketing Specialist at IFS Ultimo, said: “In my view, industry events are more than just lead generation opportunities. The energy and synergy before and during the event are the real drivers of success. For me, it’s the collaboration, the engagement, the learning, and the exchange of valuable insights that are the true gold. Maintec, as part of Smart
Manufacturing Week, was exactly that.”
Structuring around sector priorities
The 2026 programme is organised around five strategic pillars:
Digital Transformation
Sustainability and Circular Economy
Supply Chain Resilience
Innovation and Smart Technologies
Workforce and Skills
The framework reflects ongoing external pressures, including tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty and energy costs, all of which continue to affect supply chain stability. In this context, manufacturers are being required to strengthen risk awareness, improve responsiveness and maintain continuity while
meeting customer expectations.
Alongside these operational challenges, the sector continues to face a skills shortage. An ageing workforce and persistent misconceptions about manufacturing careers are contributing factors. As a result, many organisations are placing greater emphasis on upskilling, training and building more diverse, future-ready teams.
Technical content and applied insight
The event will feature more than 170 free-to attend sessions delivered across eight Solution Theatres. The programme is designed to focus on implementation and application, rather than high-level discussion.
Key topics include:
AI-driven productivity and machine learning applications
The deployment and practical value of digital twins
Strategies for Net Zero manufacturing
Workforce transformation and skill development in the automation era
By focusing on applied technologies and operational outcomes, the sessions are intended to provide attendees with insights that can be directly translated into practice.
Co-located events across the manufacturing lifecycle
Smart Manufacturing Week brings together six co-located events:
Smart Factory
Drives & Controls
Maintec
Design & Engineering
The Manufacturer Top 100
Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit
This structure reflects the interconnection between different stages of manufacturing, from design through to maintenance. For example, the
performance of a smart factory is closely linked to the maintenance and asset management strategies associated with Maintec.
The Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit is expected to attract senior representatives from organisations including AstraZeneca, Rolls
Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus and Atlas Copco.
In 2025, the event welcomed more than 13,500 attendees from across manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors.
Chris Allen, Marketing Manager of Smart Manufacturing Week, noted the event’s unique value in the market: “Smart Manufacturing Week is the one moment each year where our whole industry comes together – not just to showcase technology, but to share ideas, solve problems and genuinely connect. It’s a place where conversations spark innovations.”
New features for 2026
The 2026 edition will introduce new features aimed at increasing engagement. One addition is Fight Fest, a robotics competition located within the Drives & Controls section and hosted on the Accu Bots stand.
The competition will feature both student teams from across the UK and professional participants, focusing on areas such as mechanical design, programming and prototyping. While positioned as an interactive feature, it also reflects the importance of engaging the next generation of engineers.
Expanded networking and targeted engagement
The Ambassador Programme will return in an expanded format, providing structured opportunities for individuals to connect and collaborate on shared industry challenges.
In addition, a dedicated networking platform will enable attendees to arrange one-to-one meetings in advance. Supported by matchmaking services and on-site assistance, the system is designed to help participants identify relevant contacts more efficiently.
Industry participation and outlook
Exhibitors confirmed for 2026 include Beckhoff, Solutions PT, Epicor, Ericsson, Prod Utech, Fanuc and Sage.
Grace Gilling, Event Director at Smart Manufacturing Week said: “Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 is all about bringing the future of advanced manufacturing and engineering to life. This year, we’re introducing brand-new features designed to showcase the very best the industry has to offer.
“Our Meet the Buyer programme helps visitors source the most efficient and profitable solutions for 2026, ensuring every moment delivers real value.
“The Future Stage will showcase breakthrough thinking and bold ideas from pioneering innovators, offering debate on the strategies shaping the next decade. Plus, the expanded Ambassador Programme brings more industry leaders for enhanced networking, learning, and inspiration.
“Together, these features make Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 an ever-growing festival for all facets of industry. It’s the destination for industrial transformation and a glimpse of what manufacturing and engineering can achieve.”
Further announcements, including keynote speakers, are expected in the coming weeks. Registration is now open via the Smart Manufacturing Week website: www.smartmanufacturingweek.com
https://x.com/SmartMWeek
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/smart-manufacturing-week/
