Advanced Engineering 2024 exceeds expectations

At the end of last month, over 9,800 engineering and manufacturing professionals descended on the NEC, Birmingham, to attend the 15th edition of Advanced Engineering. Across the two days (30 and 31 October), visitors witnessed the very latest that the industry had to offer, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing their innovations. The exhibiting companies included representatives from Atlas Copco, Optimas, Airtech Advanced Materials and RS Group. Several leading industry associations also had a presence, such as Composites UK, Innovate UK, the GTMA and the National Composites Centre. Advanced Engineering’s co-located sister show, Lab Innovations hosted a further 200 exhibitors, meaning visitors had access to professionals from the scientific community.

One exhibitor, James Watson, a regional director for Make UK Defence said: “This is our first time exhibiting and we have been blown away. We didn’t know what to expect, but the interest has been incredible. Our stand hasn’t stopped — we have seen a lot of existing members, along with a flood of new ones, and we have gathered dozens of actionable leads in one morning.”

Visitors included representatives from Airbus, Dyson, JLR, McLaren and Rolls-Royce, plus many more. The event had several features, new and returning, to keep attendees busy across the two days. This included the return of the Enabling Innovation zone — an area for start-ups and SMEs to showcase their cutting-edge technologies. On the second day, Enabling Innovation exhibitors were invited to pitch their company and technology to a panel of judges, including representatives from Innovation DB and Innovate UK. Dream Big Composites was crowned the winner, with its composite smart vacuum system — a ground-breaking IoT device that automates the critical monitoring and control of vacuum pumps to prevent leaks and thermal runaway in composite manufacturing.

Spectacular innovations
Mark Prince, founder/co-founder, Dream Big Composites Ltd, said: “It was just marvellous to be here and have a stand to tell people about our innovation and to connect with likewise businesses that we want to work with in the future. There isn't one company here today that isn't innovating spectacularly in some way, it is brilliant to be part of this.”

For companies targeting the aerospace and defence sectors, ADS returned with its Meet the Buyer programme, during which 103 suppliers registered for the event and 18 buyer representatives attended. Visitors also had access to over 200 industry-leading speakers across its forums. On Advanced Engineering’s main stage, which was sponsored by Lloyds Bank, Stephen Phipson chief executive of Make UK delivered the keynote speech. This came at the perfect time for manufacturing and engineering businesses, as the new Government's first Budget was delivered the previous day. Mr Phipson was able to deliver incredible insight into the UK Government’s focus for the year ahead.

Also, on the main stage were talks from Brian Holliday, head of Siemens Digital Industries for the UK and Ireland, Matthew Atkinson, lead research engineer at JLR and Shaun Harris, director of support and chief engineer in the Royal Air Force. There was also a question and answer session with Guy Martin, British motorcycle racer turned TV presenter. Innovate UK also hosted an impressive exhibitor pavilion showcasing its Driving the Electric Revolution initiative, featuring over 25 innovations in electrification and sustainable energy.

Visitors explored advancements set to transform automotive, aerospace and energy storage sectors via the role of electrification in modern engineering. Across the exhibition’s other forums: automotive; aerospace; composites; and advanced materials technology; visitors could hear from industry experts on topics ranging from supply chain management, digitalisation and the skills gap.

With visitor numbers increasing from 2023 and over 60 hours of content across the forums, it is no surprise that Advanced Engineering organisers, Easyfairs, received such positive feedback for this year’s event. 80% of exhibitor space is already sold for 2025, which will take place on 29 and 30 October at the NEC, Birmingham. Those interested in exhibiting at the leading event for manufacturing and engineering professionals, contact the organisers, Easyfairs, via the website here.