Advanced Engineering 2026 attracted a record 10,482 attendees to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 November, marking a 15.3% increase on 2025 and reinforcing the event's position as a key meeting point for the UK engineering and manufacturing sectors.
The growth extended across the exhibition hall, with co-located UK Metals Expo attracting 6,581 visitors, up 23.8% year on year. Together with Lab Innovations, the three exhibitions welcomed 16,128 unique attendees, creating opportunities for businesses to connect with customers, suppliers and potential partners across related industries.
Bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, researchers and technology developers, the exhibition provided a platform to showcase new technologies, explore future manufacturing trends and develop commercial relationships.
Exhibitors reported strong engagement throughout the two-day event, citing high-quality conversations, significant lead generation and new business opportunities.
Among them was motion plastics specialist igus, which generated more than 300 leads and secured new business during the exhibition. The company, which has exhibited since 2024, has already booked a larger stand for 2027.
Harry Worts, Learning and Development Specialist for igus UK, said: “Advanced Engineering continues to get better each year. We've been exhibiting since 2024, and this year's event has generated more than 300 leads, plenty of valuable conversations and new business opportunities.”
Returning exhibitor Zünd UK also reported strong activity across both days. Sales and Marketing Director John Kerr highlighted the number of new opportunities entering the company's sales pipeline and welcomed the variety of conversations taking place across the exhibition floor, including with visitors attending UK Metals Expo. He also praised the layout of the technical forums, which helped maintain footfall throughout the event.
The Composites Networking Lounge once again proved a focal point for industry engagement. PRF Composite Materials reported a high level of activity and quality leads, while also highlighting the value of the networking area in bringing together customers, suppliers and industry contacts.
Hannah Khusainova, Marketing Director at PRF Composite Materials, said: “Advanced Engineering has been a fantastic show for PRF. We’ve been consistently busy on both days, with a very high standard of conversation and some very promising new business opportunities to follow up on. The Composites Networking Lounge has been particularly successful, providing a great environment to connect with customers, suppliers and industry colleagues. The support from the Easyfairs team has been excellent, helping us to develop the lounge and make the most of the opportunities it offers.”
Alongside the exhibition, visitors had access to an extensive conference programme featuring more than 200 speakers across six industry forums. Sessions covered developments in aerospace, defence, automotive, electrification, composites, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics, artificial intelligence and electronics.
Discussions focused on many of the key challenges facing the sector, including digital transformation, materials innovation, sustainability, skills shortages and supply-chain resilience, while providing opportunities for knowledge-sharing across industries.
Innovation remained a central theme of the event. The Enabling Innovation competition gave 12 start-ups and SMEs the opportunity to showcase new technologies before taking part in a Dragons' Den-style pitch final.
Oxford RF was named the 2026 winner for its patented 360° radar sensor technology, which eliminates the need for rotating components and is designed to improve safety, reliability and lifetime ownership costs. Developed in the UK, the technology has potential applications in autonomous vehicles and robotics, offering reliable detection in challenging environments including rain, snow, fog and dust.
Support for emerging businesses was further strengthened through Investor Day, which connected companies with potential investors and commercial partners to help accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies.
The co-location of Advanced Engineering, UK Metals Expo and Lab Innovations also encouraged greater cross-sector collaboration, enabling exhibitors and visitors to explore applications beyond their traditional markets and exchange expertise across complementary industries.
Commenting on the event, Simon Farnfield, Show Director, said: “Welcoming more than 10,000 attendees to Advanced Engineering, with growth of over 15% compared with last year, is a fantastic result. What has been particularly encouraging is the feedback from exhibitors about the quality of conversations, new business opportunities and connections made throughout the two days.
“With more than 16,000 people attending the three exhibitions, we’ve demonstrated the value of bringing complementary industries together. It’s been particularly pleasing to see the level of engagement across the exhibition, forums, and networking areas, with visitors actively seeking solutions, suppliers, and partners.”
With exhibitors now following up leads and commercial opportunities generated at the show, Advanced Engineering 2026 demonstrated the continuing value of face-to-face engagement for the UK's engineering and manufacturing industries. The event returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-4 November 2027.