“Location, location, location.” “Timing is everything.” We most often use these maxims in relation to the real estate business, but they also apply to the manufacturing industry in general and the Manufacturing Technology Series in particular.
To illustrate, manufacturers of every stripe engage in large-scale, face-to-face learning and networking opportunities every two years at The Association for Manufacturing Technology’s (AMT’s) International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), but they also have a need to connect at smaller, regional events during the years IMTS doesn’t take place. So, the Manufacturing Technology Series was created. Coproduced by AMT and SME, the series brings four longstanding regional manufacturing events together under one umbrella. HOUSTEX, EASTEC, WESTEC and SOUTHTEC offer manufacturers, OEMs and major distributors a way to meet up in key geographic areas, while their intimate settings provide buyers and sellers with the time to sit down and discuss their latest projects and challenges. In essence, both exhibitors and attendees get a concentrated, hands-on, direct-interaction, regional opportunity.
Smaller, regional series events allow the conversation and connection between buyers and sellers to continue every year. This provides you with ongoing resources for finding manufacturing solutions that strengthen your company, customers, employees and the industry.
A key feature of Manufacturing Technology Series events is their location in key manufacturing hubs across the country. HOUSTEX is in Houston; EASTEC is in W. Springfield, Mass.; WESTEC is in Long Beach, Calif.; and SOUTHTEC is in Greenville, S.C. That’s the “location, location, location” part.
Then there’s the “timing is everything” part. The Manufacturing Technology Series provides a year-round opportunity to connect and do business throughout major regions; HOUSTEX is in the winter, EASTEC is in the spring, and WESTEC and SOUTHTEC are in the fall — all great times to visit those areas.
Focusing on the manufacturing technology industry, the series brings decision makers from the automotive, aerospace, defense and medical industries together to meet, connect and collaborate with leading suppliers of advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment and tooling. You’ll see the latest equipment and processes along with breakthrough technologies associated with artificial intelligence, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, robotics, automation and big data.
Plus, each event includes educational presentations focusing on a mix of topics and technologies. For example, the next event in the Manufacturing Technology Series, WESTEC, will feature presentations on additive manufacturing, 3D printing, robotics, blockchain technology, tooling and metal forming, among other topics.
SME and AMT are long-time, dedicated partners in strengthening the U.S. advanced manufacturing technology industry and its workforce. In 1989, the two organizations first collaborated on an event-related agreement designed to combine resources in the formation of regional forums where manufacturers could see the latest technologies.
Today, they continue to collaborate on the Manufacturing Technology Series. To get a taste of the series’ regional flavor, attend its western event, WESTEC, Sept. 24-26, in its new location at the Long Beach Convention Center.
