EVENT PREVIEW the showcase features finalists from The Manufacturer MX Awards, companies from the prestigious Top 100 programme and exclusive editorial selections( chosen for their impact, ingenuity and leadership),” added the show organiser.
SMW 2026 will continue its commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and manufacturers through its dedicated STEM Programme. Hundreds of students and apprentices will have the chance to interact directly with industry experts, offering a hands-on introduction to the world of advanced manufacturing and engineering.
SMW will sport a festival atmosphere. With live music, on-site competitions and celebrity lookalikes, it aims to offer a high-energy, crowd-pleasing visitor experience.
As well as the giant technology players who make up the exhibitor floor, there will also be representation from start-ups and the innovative small businesses set to revolutionise the sector. At the heart of Smart Factory Expo, Innovation Alley will feature emerging manufacturing technologies. The 2026 event will provide opportunities to meet start-ups and early-stage companies and their founders, uncovering transformative technologies that promise to shape manufacturing over the next decade.
The Visitor Trails will provide a pathway for attendees to discover the enabling capabilities of Smart Manufacturing Week’ s exhibitors and sponsors— a fresh approach to mapping exhibitor capabilities( and a lot easier than reading through all the listings in the show directory).
The Visitor Trails will cover:
■ Digital Transformation( exploring the integration of Industry-4.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning and cloud computing).
■ Innovation and Smart Technologies( highlighting cutting-edge solutions, automation, robotics and innovative manufacturing methods).
Venue and opening times
Wednesday 3 June 2026 09:30-17:00 Exhibition( VIP entry from 09:00)
16:30-18:00 Drinks reception( last entry 16:30)
Thursday 4 June 2026 09:30-16:00 Exhibition( VIP entry from 09:00).
Hall 5 at the NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT, UK.
■ Sustainability and Circular Economy( emphasising green manufacturing, carbon reduction strategies and sustainable practices).
■ Supply Chain Resilience( focusing on mitigating risks, ensuring continuity and improving agility in supply chains).
■ Design & Engineering( highlighting design engineering solutions for attendees at the show.)
■ Industrial Components & Maintenance( exploring innovations in components, equipment reliability and predictive maintenance to enhance operational efficiency.)
New for 2026
A competitive element in the Drives & Controls section— Fight Fest by AccuBots( on the AccuBots stand)— is a high-energy robot fighting competition aligned with automation and robotics, a core event theme. Designed to encourage engagement and hands-on experience in engineering, the event will see students from across the UK competing with custom-made robots, alongside professional teams live over the two days.
“ While undoubtedly a fun feature of the show floor, Fight Fest showcases the need to engage and develop the next generation of engineers who must be proficient in mechanical design, programming and prototyping to meet the demands of the smart factories of the future,” commented the show organiser.
The SMW team has also reportedly lined up“ a compelling, show-stopping keynote” for this year’ s show.
“ The returning Ambassador Programme will be expanded for 2026, offering exclusive networking time for individuals passionate about driving change to connect, collaborate and tackle today’ s most pressing challenges together. Smart Manufacturing Week will provide a dedicated networking platform with the ability to arrange one-to-one meetings. Supported by additional matchmaking services and on-site assistance, this tool aims to overcome the challenge of finding the most relevant contacts at a large-scale trade show,” added the show organiser.
A new event app will help visitors to discover, network and plan their visits. The app includes an interactive event schedule; an exhibitor directory and maps; live notifications / updates; exclusive networking and on-demand content( e. g. presentations, white papers and industry insights).
SMW solution theatres
The content at SMW 2026 is researched and produced by The Manufacturer. The Solution Theatres at Smart Manufacturing Week 2026
ISMR April 2026 | ismr. net | 29