EVENT PREVIEW
will spotlight the pressing and transformative themes shaping the future of industry.
“ Building on the success of last year’ s programme, visitors can expect seven theatres with sessions led by over 150 global manufacturing and technology experts. This year, the theatres will dive deeper into AIdriven productivity; digital twins; advanced robotics; net zero manufacturing; resilient supply chains and workforce transformation. Each session is designed to deliver practical solutions, proven strategies and insights into the technologies redefining modern engineering and production,” confirmed the show organiser.
Digital Transformation Stage
This year, the Digital Transformation stage is sponsored by Epicor. Leading with its industry insights on day one and two, the theatre will then be filled with experts providing knowledge on all areas of the factory of the future.
The theatre has been designed for transformation leaders seeking to embed digital technologies at scale. It will provide real-world examples, playbooks and lessons learned on navigating complex digital change.
AI & Industrial Data Stage
Connected workforce solution provider, Redzone, is sponsoring the AI & Industrial Data Theatre this year. As manufacturers, visitors can expect to gain strategic insight into the forces shaping modern manufacturing. With streams on workforce, sustainability, supply-chain resilience and sales / marketing, this theatre aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive competitiveness, growth and long-term resilience.
Connected Production Stage
Sponsored by Ericsson, the Connected Production Stage explores the technologies enabling seamless, intelligent production— where automation, data and connectivity converge to drive real-time performance. This
stage will dive into the integration of IIoT and 5G to optimise the shop floor, robotics and digital infrastructure.
Theatre highlight: On this stage, a panel of manufacturers, including Bubble Panda and Aurrigo International, will join other industry experts to discuss the practicalities of digital adoption. Together, they will explore how manufacturers of all sizes can bridge the gap between legacy systems and autonomous operations to turn real-time data into a true competitive advantage.
Maintenance Stage
Focused on operational efficiency, this stage delivers tactical and strategic insights for asset-intensive environments. This stage will cover topics such as predictive and prescriptive maintenance, leveraging condition monitoring and CMMS analytics to extend asset life, prevent downtime and drive energy-aware strategies.
Leadership & Strategy Stage
The Leadership & Strategy Stage has a strong line-up of keynotes this year, featuring many winners of The Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2025.
Theatre highlight: Join Kirstie Kennedy from LISI Aerospace and Rebecca Galley from Tornado Wire as they map out the future of high-level strategy in their keynotes. Diving deep into the Sales & Marketing stream, Rob Blanchard from I-Holland will share his secrets for market dominance and international trade.
Carl Millbourne from Sertec and David Roberts from Evtec will tackle the vital world of workforce development and upskilling in their talks.
Product Innovation & Design
Manufacturers featured in The Manufacturer magazine and past winners from The Manufacturer MX awards, will focus on how design and product innovation underpins competitive advantage in manufacturing.
Theatre highlight: On the afternoon of day one, a panel will discuss product design and process from conception to final delivery.
Manufacturers & Engineers of the Future
On day two of the event, the Manufacturers & Engineers of the Future stage will be a vibrant platform designed to engage, inspire and connect the next generation of makers, engineers and innovators. The stage will focus on topics such as apprenticeships, graduate schemes, early-career opportunities and career pathways into digital, green and advanced manufacturing.
Alongside this, the STEM Programme will take place on day two( Thursday 4 June 2026) of Smart Manufacturing Week 2026, with content tailored for manufacturers and students.
Theatre highlight: A keynote from Alexia Williams, Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce and winner of the Young Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2025. She will discuss how businesses can attract and retain young talent and what makes engineering the career for her. A subsequent featuring three young talented people from the sector will answer questions about career paths and highlight the roles that the industry has to offer.
Designed to support organisations at every stage of their smart manufacturing journey, Smart Manufacturing Week connects strategy, innovation and practical implementation. ISMR is an international media partner at SMW— meet the ISMR team there! n
www. smartmanufact uringweek. com
30 | ismr. net | ISMR April 2026