MD&M West, Day 1: A Spirit of Innovation
Additive Manufacturing Technology Takes the Focus at MD&M West
Following the fallout of COVID-19, many event organizers wondered whether business would ever be “normal” again.
A couple of years out from initial lockdowns and event cancellations has taught the organizers of IME West that the new normal should be a hybrid event—one that incorporates both in-person and virtual components.
Global smart manufacturing market size is expected to reach a valuation of $727 billion by 2030, according to Straits Research. Disruptive changes during the post-pandemic period will spark prospects for trade shows to raise the game on performing a valuable function for exhibitors and attendees alike.
IME West will embrace the challenge when it once again brings the largest annual advanced manufacturing expo in North America to Anaheim from Feb. 7-9, 2023.
Two unique advantages stand out. The first is that the event co-locates five shows at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif. That means more than 1,400 of suppliers and developers—from medtech and robotics to packaging, design plastics and quality—can connect and showcase the latest and most innovative solutions across multiple verticals and industries.
The second is that the event is now a Smart Event. The in-person conference experience is augmented by an online resource center, allowing attendees to access advanced manufacturing topics and speakers and to research suppliers, products and engineering solutions ahead of the event. There’s a bonus: Attendees can be more effective at scheduling meetings with speakers, exhibitors and attendees because the advanced digital component is open two weeks before and two weeks following the in-person event.
Five Trade Shows in One
Representing 70 countries and attracting 13,000 attendees who can interact across 300,000 square feet of floor space, these are the five co-located show brands:
- MD&M West is a medical technology trade show.
- D&M West exhibits technologies and services that transform design and manufacturing processes.
- WestPack showcases packaging and logistics industry solutions.
- ATX West focuses on robotics and smart manufacturing technology.
- Plastec West focuses on biocompatible polymers and cutting-edge large-scale injection molding solutions, in addition to uncovering technology solutions in medical design and manufacturing, 3D printing and robotics.
The nine conference tracks for 2023 are:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Product Design & Development
- Emerging Technologies & Next-Gen Design
- MiniTec, presented by SPE
- MedTech Security, UI, UX, & Digital Transformation
- Business and Brand Development
- Regulations, Research & Development
- Investment Showcase: Medical Devices, IVDs & Wearables, presented by Chemical Angel Network
Innovation Showcase Award
IME West invites exhibiting companies to submit their latest products, product launches and services. The program gives products and services exclusive exposure and publicity and the chance to win an Innovation Showcase Award. Entry forms should be completed online by the Fri., Jan. 27, 2023.
Battle of the Brick Bots
Among the 2023 highlights is a brick-building competition hosted by master builder Bryan Firks. Teams will design and build robots from scratch; they will be judged for aesthetics, last one standing and use of motion (featuring LEGO Technic and LEGO Powered Up motors).
Sustainability Efforts
IME West is making an effort to improve and inspire sustainable development. The event organizers noted that a series of activities will be carried out between 2020 and 2025 to help drive a commitment to becoming a zero waste and net zero carbon business. Some of these initiatives include discontinuing the use of carpeting the expo hall floor, eliminating a printed event guide in favor of digital platforms, replacing traditionally printed signage with digital options, and surveying exhibitor and attendee travel patterns for participation.
Get the Most Out of Your Visit
An A to Z listing of the exhibitors, along with their booth numbers, is now available and accessible online.
More show and registration information can be found here.
