The manufacturing industry is in the midst of its most significant transformation in a century. Buzzwords like Industry 4.0, digital twins, and the smart factory are now tangible realities, while intense pressure to build resilient supply chains and embrace sustainable practices has rewritten the rules of competition.
This is where attending a major manufacturing event becomes one of the most critical investments you can make. It's the bridge between theory and application. Reading about a new collaborative robot is one thing; seeing it perform a complex task on the show floor is another. These events are where cutting-edge technology—from additive manufacturing and AI-powered quality control to the specialised software used to manage complex global distributor networks is demonstrated, debated, and demystified.
These gatherings are about connection and knowledge exchange. It's your opportunity to network with global industry leaders and build the partnerships essential for a modern, interconnected ecosystem. Whether you're finding a new supplier, a systems integrator, or meeting potential distributors to expand your global sales channels, the connections made at these events are invaluable.
To help you navigate this exciting space, this guide covers the premier global trade fairs of 2026 you should have on your radar.
1. Hannover Messe
- Focus: Industrial Technology, Automation, and Digitalization (Industry 4.0)
- Location: Hannover, Germany
- Next Event: April 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: This is the world's most important industrial trade fair. If you want a comprehensive overview of the future of manufacturing, from AI and robotics to sustainable energy solutions, Hannover Messe is the one event you cannot miss.
- Pricing & Registration: Ticket prices range from expo-only passes to full conference tickets, typically starting around €35 for a day pass.
2. IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show)
- Focus: Machine Tools, Metalworking, and Manufacturing Technology
- Location: Chicago, USA
- Next Event: September 14-19, 2026 (Biennial)
- Why You Should Attend: IMTS is the largest and most essential manufacturing technology show in the Americas. It's the place to see the latest CNC machinery, automation solutions, and digital manufacturing tools in action from over 2,000 exhibitors.
- Pricing & Registration: Registration typically opens about a year in advance. An individual pass for the full event is generally in the range of $75-$100 if you register early.
3. Formnext
- Focus: Additive Manufacturing and Industrial 3D Printing
- Location: Frankfurt, Germany
- Next Event: November 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: Formnext is the premier global event for additive manufacturing, covering the entire industrial 3D printing ecosystem, from innovative materials and software to cutting-edge machines and post-processing solutions.
- Pricing & Registration: A full-event ticket typically costs around €140. Day tickets are also available.
4. Manufacturing World Tokyo
- Focus: Digital Transformation, Factory Automation, Additive Manufacturing
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Next Event: July 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: As one of Asia's leading manufacturing shows, it offers incredible diversity. It's a collection of specialized events in one, allowing you to efficiently explore everything from design engineering to factory facilities and digital transformation.
- Pricing & Registration: Visitor registration is typically free via their website.
5. China International Industry Fair (CIIF)
- Focus: Comprehensive Industrial Automation and Technology
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Next Event: September 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: As a key international industry fair in Asia, CIIF is your gateway to the massive Chinese manufacturing market. Its scope is enormous, with dedicated halls for robotics, metalworking, and information technology.
- Pricing & Registration: Pre-registering online is often free for trade visitors.
6. Automate
- Focus: Robotics, Automation, AI, and Machine Vision
- Location: Detroit, USA
- Next Event: May 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: This is North America's leading automation showcase. If your goal is to implement or upgrade robotics, machine vision, or AI-driven automation in your facility, Automate is the most focused and comprehensive event to attend.
- Pricing & Registration: The show itself is typically free to attend. Paid conference passes are available for deeper educational content.
7. EMO Hannover
- Focus: Machine Tools and Metalworking ("The World of Metalworking")
- Location: Hannover, Germany
- Next Event: September 2026 (Biennial, alternates with Milan)
- Why You Should Attend: EMO is a colossal trade fair for the metalworking sector, often seen as the European counterpart to IMTS. It has a huge international draw and is a key platform for launching new machine tools and precision technologies.
- Pricing & Registration: Day tickets start around €55, with full-event season tickets offering a better value.
8. FABTECH
- Focus: Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding, and Finishing
- Location: Orlando, USA
- Next Event: September 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: FABTECH is North America's largest event for the metal fabrication industry. It's the perfect place to see live machinery demos, find new suppliers, and learn about the latest techniques in welding and finishing.
- Pricing & Registration: Expo hall admission is often free if you register in advance. Additional fees apply for educational sessions.
9. Smart Manufacturing Week
- Focus: Smart Manufacturing, Digitalization, and Advanced Engineering
- Location: Birmingham, UK
- Next Event: June 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: This is the UK's most important event for advanced manufacturing. A festival of events including the Smart Factory Expo and Design & Engineering Expo, it's an ideal venue for discovering practical solutions in IoT, big data, and automation.
- Pricing & Registration: The expo is free to attend.
10. Manufacturing Expo
- Focus: ASEAN's Manufacturing and Supporting Industries
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Next Event: June 17-20, 2026 (Annual)
- Why You Should Attend: This is the leading event for accessing the fast-growing Southeast Asian (ASEAN) manufacturing market. It features seven co-located specialized events, covering everything from plastics and molds to automotive components.
- Pricing & Registration: Registration is typically free for trade visitors who register in advance.
11. Sustainable Manufacturing Expo
- Focus: Green Technology and Circular Economy in Manufacturing
- Location: Anaheim, USA
- Next Event: February 3-4, 2026
- Why You Should Attend: This highly focused expo addresses the critical need for sustainability. It's a key venue for discovering innovations that reduce carbon footprint, minimise waste, and implement circular economy principles in your production processes.
- Pricing & Registration: Part of the larger IME West event, a variety of pass options are available.
12. Wood Tech Warsaw Expo
- Focus: Woodworking and Furniture Manufacturing
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Next Event: 2026 (Annual, typically in March)
- Why You Should Attend: This is Central and Eastern Europe's key trade fair dedicated to the woodworking and furniture industries. It's an essential meeting place for professionals to see the latest machinery, tools, and components for furniture manufacturing.
- Pricing & Registration: Visitor registration is available online, often with a free option for industry professionals.
13. MSEC (Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference)
- Focus: Advanced Manufacturing Research and Academia
- Location: State College, Pennsylvania, USA
- Next Event: June 22–26, 2026
- Why You Should Attend: Organized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), MSEC is a premier academic forum for advanced manufacturing research. It’s the place to connect with leading researchers and get a glimpse of the foundational science that will drive future technologies.
- Pricing & Registration: Registration is typical for academic conferences, with tiered pricing for members, non-members, and students.
14. ICMMT (International Conference on Materials and Manufacturing Technologies)
- Focus: Materials Science and Manufacturing Technologies
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Next Event: March 26-29, 2026
- Why You Should Attend: ICMMT is an annual forum for leading researchers, scholars, and engineers to share the latest advancements in materials science and how they apply to manufacturing technologies, from synthesis to processing and performance.
- Pricing & Registration: Requires submission and registration for presenters and attendees.
15. Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Conference
- Focus: Aerospace Manufacturing Challenges and Innovations
- Location: Varies
- Next Event: TBD
- Why You Should Attend: This is an exclusive, invitation-only event that brings together senior executives from across the aerospace supply chain. It’s a high-level strategic forum for addressing the industry's most pressing challenges.
- Pricing & Registration: Invitation only.
Meeting potential distributors at these global events is the first step. The next is building a successful, scalable partnership. Journeybee provides the tools to streamline the entire process—from onboarding new distributors to managing your entire sales channel effectively.