EVENT PREVIEW numbers . Attracting an audience of more than 26,000 people to meet and network with around 500 exhibitors , business attributed to MACH in 2022 amounted to more than £ 180m ,” added the association .
Engineering Supply Chain Show
Co-locating with MACH 2024 will be the Engineering Supply Chain Show ( ESC ), sponsored by Lloyds Bank and the Engineering Industries Association ( EIA ). Based in Hall 6 , this new exhibition is , for the most part , a response to the immediate needs of UK manufacturers and engineers for new opportunities . It also brings together a wider audience focused on capacity in the UK subcontracting and supply chain sectors . This three-day event is where engineering and manufacturing buyers go to find suppliers in the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain as well as to source subcontracted products and services .
For 2024 , the ESC show will include new specialist zones with a strong focus on energy efficiency in the engineering supply chain , machine and equipment safety , motion control and sensors used in manufacturing . It will feature a strong message around greener manufacturing , with UK-sourced goods and services helping to reduce goods ’ miles .
The MTA ’ s adoption of a new engineeringbased manufacturing cluster features both the Engineering Industries Association ( EIA ) and AMUK , the UK trade association for additive manufacturing and 3D printing . Each member of the cluster will have a strong presence at MACH . The EIA will again be organising its Engineering Supply Chain Show , while AMUK is advocating through the Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Zone at MACH .
Sustainability in focus
A key theme of MACH 2024 will be around sustainability , supporting UK manufacturers ’ transition to a low-carbon , sustainable business
model . MACH exhibitors will demonstrate their latest techniques and trends to improve productivity , reduce the material resource and energy used in the process and help to ensure a sustainable future , contributing to the drive towards Net Zero .
Dave Atkinson , UK Head of Manufacturing , Lloyds Bank , commented : “ Making the transition to Net Zero represents a significant growth opportunity for the UK economy , particularly for the manufacturing sector . However , we must invest in technology and skills to support such an ambitious change .” With challenges mounting for the UK ’ s engineering-based manufacturers , the
Manufacturing Technologies Association is taking a proactive approach to the current situation with a show-ready ethos that promotes the green agenda . The approach is in keeping with recommendations from the Association of Event Organisers , which has published guidance for venues , contractor and organisers to promote more sustainable events not just in terms of environmental impact but true sustainability for encouraging talent and diversity , greener events and social responsibility .
Examples of the sustainability approach include the re-use of the MTA exhibition stand from MACH 2022 , the development of a ‘ Green Mark ’ badge of honour for exhibitors adopting re-used stands and , as far as possible , a digital-only approach to marketing material to reduce unnecessary printing . The NEC ’ s own plan includes an LED light replacement programme and zero waste to landfill policy and recycling sent to a plant just seven miles from its campus to reduce unnecessary transport miles .
“ In keeping with this , examples of show readiness will include the use of lightweight
ISMR March 2024 | ismr . net | 27