Meeting your prospective electronics manufacturing partner face-to-face can be a valuable part of the process of assessing whether (or not) they're the right 'fit' for your company.
Manufacturing trade shows offer the perfect opportunity to meet and compare a whole range of contract manufacturers under one roof - whether you're looking to strike up an initial conversation or to continue your discussions in more depth.
Here's our pick of three UK electronics manufacturing exhibitions coming up in 2019 that we think will definitely be worth a visit.
1. Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019
The Southern Manufacturing and Electronics exhibition returns to the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in February 2019, providing a showcase of what's new in electronics production, assembly, machinery, equipment, tooling, components, and subcontract services.
Visitors can take advantage of a free seminar programme which will include sessions on the Shingo Model of operational excellence; what to expect in the next twenty years of electric vehicle development; innovation in the aerospace supply chain; applications in 3D printing; the use of advanced digital technologies and Industry 4.0; and the utilisation of carbon and natural flax fibre technologies for component and tooling applications.
Representatives from JJS Manufacturing will be exhibiting on Stand Number K60 - please pop by and say hello.
When: 5 - 7 February 2019
Where: Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, GU14 6FD
Opening Times: Tuesday 5 February - 9.30am to 4.30pm; Wednesday 6 February - 9.30am to 4.30pm; Thursday 7 February - 9.30am to 3.30pm
Entry: Entry to the exhibition and seminar programme is free. Visitors can pre-register here
Getting There: The Farnborough International Exhibiton and Conference Centre is located just off the A325, with access from the M3 motorway and A31. Parking is free, with spaces for up to 3,500 cars. If using SatNav, please note the postcode is GU14 6AZ.
2. Subcon '19
The UK's premier subcontract manufacturing trade show Subcon returns to Birmingham's NEC, June 4 to June 6, 2019. The event is in fact three exhibitions in one, with visitors having free entry to Subcon, the Advanced Manufacturing Show and The Engineer Expo.
Visitors will be able to meet face-to-face with leading suppliers, discover the latest innovations, and gain insight on the biggest issues affecting the UK technology sector. Subcon typically attracts in excess of 400 exhibitors and more than 4000 visitors. And, according to Subcon's most recent visitor stats, 70% of those who attended in 2018 came with the intention of sourcing new suppliers or solutions.
When: 4 - 6 June, 2019
Where: NEC, Hall 3, North Avenue, Birmingham, B40 1WT
Opening Times: Tuesday 4 June - 9.30am to 4.30pm; Wednesday 5 June - 9.30am to 4.30pm; Thursday 6 June 9.30am to 4.00pm
Entry: Subcon is a free-to-attend, trade-only event (please note persons under the age of 16 will not be admitted to the show.) Visitors can pre-register here.
Getting there: The NEC is clearly signposted from the M1, M6, M40 and M42 motorways. On-site parking is available for over 21,000 vehicles, and a regular bus service runs from the car parks to the exhibition entrance.
3. Made in the Midlands
The UK's largest regional manufacturing and engineering exhibition, Made in the Midlands (MIM) will mark its tenth year of operation when it opens its doors at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry next June.
MIM has always had a specific focus on small to medium enterprises, and prides itself on providing an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, to meet new contacts and to support ongoing cooperation within the Midlands manufacturing community.
The value of collaboration lies at the core of the exhibition's ethos, with members being encouraged to work together for mutual gain. "It's a simple approach," say the organisers, "but the tried and tested nature of this has proved consistently successful."
When: 20 June 2019
Where: Ericsson Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE
Entry: Free entry
Getting There: The Ricoh Arena is situated less than a mile from junction 3 of the M6 and is in easy reach of the M1 and M40 motorways. There are three on-site car parks with a total of 2,000 spaces (please note there is strictly no parking in the side streets surrounding the Arena.)
