National Manufacturing Week commences 9 May

National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2018 is coming to the Sydney Showground from 9–11 May, with more than 200 companies and 50 speakers having already confirmed their participation at the highly anticipated manufacturing event.

The three-day event provides an opportunity for industry decision-makers to network, collaborate and learn about the next generation of technology and industry growth. Thousands of manufacturing representatives from more than 40 countries around the world have registered to attend this year’s event, themed ‘Where Innovation Meets Opportunity’ to represent the leads, lessons and partnerships formed each year.

The conference program will be split into three theatres — the Industry 4.0 Theatre, the Business of Manufacturing Theatre and the Safety First Theatre. The exhibition area will meanwhile be divided into 11 Product Zones: advanced materials; additive manufacturing; automation and robotics; electrical; engineering; the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT); machine tools; industrial safety; supply chain and logistics; warehousing and materials handling; and welding technology.

Austrade CEO Stephanie Fahey will deliver the opening keynote address in the Industry 4.0 Theatre on day one, speaking on the importance of Australian manufacturers looking internationally to grow their business and the role innovation and Industry 4.0 can play in differentiating themselves to compete globally. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join industry leaders during Innovation Stories, a panel hosted by Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Managing Director Dr Jens Goennemann.

The Welding Institute of Australia (WTIA), supporter of the Welding Technology Product Zone, will be leading two sessions in the Industry 4.0 Theatre during the conference to discuss the new technologies that are transforming the welding sector. National Manufacturing Week has also announced Engineers Australia as a new supporter for 2018 and 2019.

Event attendees will also have the opportunity to drop into the Sydney stopover of Inside 3D Printing Conference & Expo, said to be the largest professional 3D printing and additive manufacturing event series worldwide. Attendees can explore the business applications of 3D printing through conference sessions led by industry experts, witness demonstrations of the latest 3D printers and services, and have exposure to programming for designers, professionals and makers.

For more information on NMW 2018 and to register, visit www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.