This year marks a significant milestone in the world of medical technology and advanced manufacturing—the 40th anniversary of MD&M West. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California Feb. 4-6, the show and expo invites engineers, R&D experts, manufacturing professionals and industry leaders to join in celebrating the past 40 years and to envision the next chapter in the manufacturing journey.
To celebrate, let’s look at how the show has evolved over the past 40 years. MD&M West first emerged in 1985, initiated by Canon Communications LLC as a B2B gathering in the Disneyland Hotel. It aimed to bring together local manufacturers specializing in medical device components and manufacturing equipment, providing purchasing companies with access to the latest innovations in the medical technology sector.
As the event grew in popularity, it expanded to the Anaheim Convention Center to accommodate the increasing number of exhibitors and attendees. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, MD&M’s growing reputation attracted more companies from diverse manufacturing sectors. The introduction of educational conferences and networking opportunities facilitated connections between attendees and exhibitors, allowing participants to adapt to the rapid advancements in the industry.
READ MORE: ICYMI: What Was Displayed at IME West 2024?
The early 2000s was a transformative period for MD&M West. Following the acquisition of Canon Communications by United Business Media (UBM), the trade show rebranded as UBM Canon, and the show expanded its reach beyond regional boundaries, showcasing manufacturers from around the world. The international exposure allowed attendees to engage with cutting-edge technology from diverse markets.
In 2018, UBM was acquired by Informa Markets, helping to broaden the event’s digital presence and introducing immersive experiences for attendees. The trade show and conference draws tens of thousands of attendees and features thousands of exhibitors. The event has evolved with the changing landscape of medical technology, with a focus on not only mechanical components but embracing smart devices, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable manufacturing practices.
One Show, Four Sectors
Attendees at last year’s event will remember five shows co-located under the IME West umbrella— MD&M West, ATX West, D&M West, Plastec West and WestPack. This year’s event unifies four of these shows—all but WestPack—into one cohesive event, MD&M West. With four interconnected sectors, the expo covers every aspect of the manufacturing process.
MedTech Manufacturing. Showcasing leading medical device and digital health companies, this sector highlights the advanced components and technologies that are essential in life-saving medical devices. Attendees can network with colleagues and partake in various conferences and workshops.
Automation. This segment focuses on driving efficiency and manufacturing processes. Top automation companies present innovative machinery and technologies, and industry leaders in AI, robotics and AR/VR share insights into future trends.
Design & Manufacturing. Dedicated to creativity and innovation, this sector connects designers and engineers who are bringing advanced concepts to fruition through state-of-the-art technologies like 3D printing and CAD/CAM software.
Plastics Manufacturing. This area showcases cutting edge solutions in 3D printing, injection molding and more with a focus on reliable and sustainable practices in the plastics industry.
WestPack, Sustainable Manufacturing Expo to Co-Locate
Not to worry: The show for packaging solutions isn’t going far. WestPack will be positioned alongside a new Sustainable Manufacturing Expo in the North Hall of the Anaheim Convention Center. Why the shift? Sustainability is not just a fleeting trend. By aligning with an expo dedicated solely to sustainability, WestPack aims to draw an engaged audience, particularly among key players in the food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, who are increasingly pressured to adopt sustainable packaging practices.
California is leading the charge in environmental legislation, recently passing transformative laws such as the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (SB 54), which is set to take effect this year. These regulations compel manufacturers to incorporate sustainable practices ranging from material choices to comprehensive product lifestyle management. These laws apply to all manufacturers operating within the state’s borders, making the push for sustainable packaging more urgent than ever.
Education Opportunities Abound
For attendees who are looking to sharpen their skill set, stay ahead of the trends and dive into the latest technologies, the event offers conferences, workshops, show floor demonstrations and sponsored educational opportunities. MD&M West aims to provide tailored education to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the advanced manufacturing industry.
