2025 is in full swing, and to help start the year as we mean to go on, we’ve pulled together some of the top industry events for the manufacturing and automation sector and some of the top trends we can expect to see over the next 12 months.
Events 2025
Industry events are an ideal opportunity for every industry member to learn, collaborate, gain inspiration, and find opportunities.
To hear and see what it is that customers and the sector actually want and then to take away ideas that you can develop into sustainable solutions.
Automation and innovation events in 2025 include:
Sustainable manufacturing Expo
4-5 February, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim CA
Sustainability remains at the forefront of conversations and helping meet regulatory requirements, strengthen brands, and drive long-term goals, the sustainable manufacturing expo is your opportunity to join in the conversation, have your say, and drive the evolution of sustainable manufacturing. Discover cutting-edge innovations, gain expert insights, and connect and collaborate with others in the sector.
National manufacturing conference
4th March, QEII Centre, London
MAKE UK’s annual flagship event is back with a range of speakers from across the sector, as the focus turns to coming together, sharing best practices, and celebrating industry achievements. With several breakout sessions from the main stage, this is an excellent opportunity to speak with specialists and have your questions answered.
25th and 26th March, NEC Birmingham
Many manufacturers are making 2025 the year to embrace automation more openly and move business and strategy forward. A large event for the sector, with industry thought leaders sharing their secrets about operational success, trends, and developments, manufacturers will have access to exhibitors, peers, conference sessions, and main shows at this year’s robotics and automation event.
7-8 May, CBS Arena Coventry
Automation UK is an inspiring event showcasing the latest innovations and developments in automation and robotics, highlighting that the economy’s future growth lies with the integration of the right automation and the most appropriate robotics.
4-5 June – NEC Birmingham
For designers and engineering professionals, the design and engineering expo provides those in the sector an opportunity to review, streamline, and optimise strategies. A two-day event where you can check out the latest technologies, learn from others, and connect with suppliers.
Sustainable Manufacturing Strategies Summit
26-27 June 2025 – Lisbon, Portugal
This invitation-only event focuses on addressing some of the key challenges manufacturers face in meeting sustainability goals. Promoting engagement, an opportunity to debate discussions, learn from others’ experiences, and share information, this is a very focused event in the industry calendar.
23-25 September, Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham
An event specifically designed for those working with and in processing equipment, packaging machinery, industrial robots, and machine vision systems. PPMA is a chance to network, source new ideas, and meet with potential suppliers, influencers, technical experts, and more. Covering a range of sectors, you can access speakers, exhibitors, and various products.
29th-30th October, NEC Birmingham
Advanced engineering is an opportunity to connect with decision-makers and check out the latest in research and development and the solutions on offer to help tackle current industry challenges.
27th November, Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle
Bringing together design and production, engineering solutions live focuses on keeping those in the industry ahead of the latest developments and solutions. Providing inspiration and ideas, connecting with others, and staying on top of the latest trends in engineering.
Trends to look out for in 2025
Looking at the manufacturing sector as a whole, some of the main trends we are likely to see in 2025 include:
Data-driven automation – smart data integration with further convergence in IT/OT operations will be integral to manufacturing throughout 2025 as we see the benefits of smarter machinery maintenance coming to the forefront. Helping to reduce downtime and improve efficiencies in production – leading to improved sustainability and a more proactive approach to machinery wear and tear, we will see the use of advanced sensors, enhanced data analytics, and control technologies all come into play.
The use of real-time data to drive decision-making, react to market changes, improve production quality and consistency of adaptive control systems, and the use AI will be imperative. Helping to reduce errors and waste and achieve optimal performance, with real-time data at your fingertips, you can gain a competitive advantage. Real-time data also promotes transparent decision-making, showing high levels of quality and control, allowing you to build trust and boost reputation.
Collaboration with others will be the talk of the sector in 2025 as manufacturers, designers, engineers, and automation specialists come together to develop solutions that more closely meet the market’s needs. Working with the right people can lead to more opportunities, innovations, and possibilities.
Focus on safety. Safety is always at the forefront of manufacturing and production lines, and with an increased focus on regulations and compliance, robotics and cobots will be the way forward. Integrating automation to take over the repetitive tasks and introducing cobots to work alongside experienced employees will be seen as an innovative move for the sector.
Smarter product and component design. This is a key area for manufacturers in 2025 as many look to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency while maintaining high performance and quality.
Innomech 2025
As a team, we understand that the sector faces ongoing challenges, from labour shortages to supply chain issues, and we know that the global market is ever-changing.
That’s why we work with manufacturers to design and develop specific and special-purpose automation machinery that meets the requirements of the business and supports the business’s strategy.
We aim to support manufacturers in building resilience by investing in the future of the sector. We bring experience in robot handling, pick and place vision systems, PLC control, mechatronics, and control systems.
Contact us today to see how we can help you improve productivity, compliance, and profitability.
