Be inspired by innovation

FEATURING SEVEN show zones, four forums, thousands of engineering professionals and over 400 cutting-edge exhibitors, Advanced Engineering is intended to help UK manufacturers compete and grow in an ever-competitive global market.

Attendees can discover innovative new developments and learn about fascinating case studies, all while earning CPD points across the Aerospace, Composites, Connected and Automotive forums. Confirmed speakers include Stephen Phipson, CEO, Make UK; Bethany Hall, electrical systems project engineer, Rolls-Royce; David Morgan, director of flight operations, Easyjet; Alan Banks, lightweighting innovations manager, Ford; and Zi Jian Yeo, senior battery modelling simulation engineer, Electroflight.

Making connections

At this year’s Advanced Engineering UK automotive and aerospace businesses will have the opportunity to meet with buyers from the sector's OEMs, courtesy of the exhibition’s partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) and ADS.

The Meet the Buyer event will be open to SMMT and ADS members, as well as exhibitors at Advanced Engineering, with SMMT hosting automotive businesses on day one, and ADS hosting for the aerospace industry on day two. Interested buyers and suppliers simply need to register their interest on the  Advanced Engineering website. Details will then be passed to the relevant trade body, who will find the perfect buyer and arrange the meeting.

Selected businesses can also attend a networking lunch hosted by SMMT on day one of the exhibition, and a breakfast hosted by ADS – the premier trade organisation for companies in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors – on day two, which will take place in the show’s networking area between the aerospace and automotive show zones, giving them further opportunity to form new partnerships with some of the world’s leading OEMs.

Advanced Engineering UK will house 40 private meeting rooms, thanks to an expansion of floor space at this year’s event, where confidential conversations with eager buyers can take place. The buyers have been carefully selected by the SMMT and ADS respectively, based on their purchasing requirements and
enthusiasm to form new relationships, making this an opportunity that cannot be missed.

Alison Willis, director at Easyfairs, the organiser of Advanced Engineering, commented: “The Society of Motor Manufacturers and ADS have been longstanding partners of the show for several years. Both are valued members of our advisory board, which add huge value to exhibitors and visitors as it gives us insight into the leading issues in automotive and aerospace respectively. We’re confident that this event will prove popular with its members, so we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch soon to avoid missing out on meeting slots.”

Key partner

ADS represents and supports over 1100 UK businesses operating in aerospace, defence, security and space, making it a key partner at this year’s show. Kevin Craven, ADS chief executive commented: “ADS is delighted to support Advanced Engineering. This is a versatile event that showcases the outstanding quality, innovation and capability of the UK manufacturing industry. The Meet the Buyer programme is an opportunity for national and international companies to make business partnerships with the UK, and we look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

SMMT is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. With over 800 current members, it acts as the voice of the UK motor industry.

“A competitive and resilient domestic supply chain is essential if we are to anchor vehicle production in the UK,” added Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Given the tough trading environment and pace of technological change, innovation will be key and Meet the Buyer, which brings together automotive manufacturers with suppliers to develop new business, provides the perfect platform for suppliers to demonstrate their creativity and technological advancements. It has become an essential event on the calendar and SMMT is delighted to bring it to Advanced Engineering for the first time. The broad audience of supply chain and engineering professionals at the show offers the opportunity to forge new links between automotive and other manufacturing industries, to the benefit of all.”