Design Insights is a new daily column recapping some of the trends and highlights from Machine Design editors.
The Shows Must Go On
There is cautious optimism—emphasis on both words—that we soon will be able to more safely venture from our home bases and get together in public. States are loosening pandemic restrictions and baseball stadiums will allow a percentage of fans in live attendance when the season starts next month.
For the next couple of months, industry trade events will continue to be virtual, and two important ones on the near horizon are in April. The annual The International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference will be virtual on April 27-29, and plans a live event in suburban Chicago on Aug. 24-26.
The virtual event will cover topics ranging from computational modeling to hazard management, with an emphasis on its key role in the 3D printing industry.
ProMat is another major event which focuses on the much-discussed supply chain industry. ProMat is a key event each spring, but this spring the event moves to a digital format and has been rebranded as ProMat Digital Experience, or ProMatDX for short. From April 12-16, attendees will get product solutions, up-to-date research and best practices.
One of the highlights of ProMat each year is the MHI Industry Report. The MHI research, conducted in collaboration with Deloitte, is one of the best benchmark research pieces in the industry and its worth the time online to review. Their insights this year on the future after a year of supply chain disruption will be especially important.
Looking Forward: A Good IDEA!
Machine Design already is planning for a return to live events, and the Industrial Design, Engineering & Automation Show—we just call it IDEA!—will be Nov. 9-12 in Cleveland. Held in conjunction with Industry Week’s outstanding M&T Show, IDEA! will offer cutting-edge speakers focused on advanced manufacturing, IoT, motion control and power systems, and more. We’ll also present the first IDEA! Awards for product innovation and convene our Women In Science & Engineering luncheon panel to discuss opportunities and challenges for women in engineering fields.
Registration is now open, and exhibitors can reserve their floor space as well. We look forward to that day when we can safely reconvene in person.