2026 content agenda

Free-to-attend sessions delivered by manufacturing and engineering experts covering Digital Transformation, AI & Industrial Data, Connected Factories, Design & Product Innovation, Leadership & Strategy, Maintenance, Digital Transformation and Manufacturers & Engineers of the Future.

Through a series of case studies, interviews and panels, discover the industry latest first-hand.

Live Music & Drinks

Gather around the Headline stage to hear our guest band play during the networking party! Enjoy a drink on us to wind down after a busy day.

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Official Event App

The all-new way to experience Smart Manufacturing Week. 

✅ Interactive Event Schedule

✅ Exhibitor Directory & Maps.

✅ Live Notifications & Updates

✅ Exclusive Networking

✅ On-Demand Content

 

Pint Sized Mayhem! Fight Fest at SMW

An Initiative championed by Accu.co.uk, where delegates battle fighting robots LIVE on the show floor. Their AccuBots are available for visitors to battle with and see up close and personal how important it is to champion 3D printing technology, precision components, CAD design and innovation.

Witness an unbeatable blend of sport, engineering and glorious mechanical mayhem.

Guitar Competition

Back for 2025, our Guitar Legends competition saw several attendees showcasing their guitar talents to the world! Our Day 1 winner was lucky enough to play alongside our resident band The Shadow Monkeys, and our winners also took home their very own, fully functional, 3D printed guitar!

VIP Programme

Reserved for senior players, our VIP programme was a place for you to network with your peers away from the busy show floor. Including VIP lounge access.

Top 100 Awards

An evening event celebrating years of inspirational industry leaders and publicly recognising the heroes of UK Manufacturing, nominated by the industrial community.

Directors' Forum

Focused roundtable discussions about the realities of running a manufacturing business providing the best opportunity for open insight into real and current business issues.

Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit

Attendees will find out how digital technologies and processes (such as IT/OT convergence, AI, machine learning, IoT, 5G, digital twins, automation & advanced analytics) improve competitiveness & profitability.

Innovation Alley & Start Up Zone

Located at the very heart of Smart Factory Expo, Innovation Alley is the UK's leading showcase of all the new and developing technologies that will change the landscape of manufacturing over the next 5-10 years.

2026 will see ground-breaking new solutions from the next wave of tech and consultancy businesses targeting the UK manufacturing sector. 

Visitors are able to meet and engage with early-stage companies and their founders to uncover game-changing opportunities waiting for their business.

STEM Programme - Manufacturers of the Future

Our dedicated STEM afternoon enabled students and apprentices about to take the first step into their careers to engage with the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing.

Dedicated Visitor Trails

Crafted by our team to ensure you meet all exhibitors relevant to your needs, the visitor trails guide you perfectly through the halls and put you where you need to be.

Best of British Showcase

Returning for 2026 - Join us in a celebration of domestic manufacturing, featuring world-beating new designs, innovative modes of manufacture, products that redefine categories, and export successes that plant the flag in overseas markets. 


 

IfM Masterclasses

Designed to challenge and extend your thinking in relation to some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities you and your organisation face.

FANUC WorldSkills UK Qualifiers

Taking place at the show is an amazing opportunity for young people to compete and find their passion in the world of robotics.

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity and a partnership between employers, education, and governments. Together, they are raising standards in apprenticeships and technical education to enable more young people get the best start in work and life.

They work with FANUC to host qualifiers for this year's Industrial Robotics competition at Smart Manufacturing Week!

 

A True Festival Experience

Fun

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Immersive

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Memorable

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REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR 2026 AND JOIN THE FUTURE OF SMART MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING