SMW insight interview - Grace Gilling

CDA: This is the fourth time that Smart Manufacturing Week has taken place. What's changed over that time?

Grace Gilling: Over the past four years, Smart Manufacturing Week has evolved into a powerhouse event, growing in both scale and influence. We’ve expanded significantly, more event components, more exhibitors, and more visitors, making it an unmissable fixture in the manufacturing calendar. What started with Manufacturing and Design Engineering Expos and Maintec has since been joined by Smart Factory Expo, Drives and Controls, Air-Tech, and Fluid Power & Systems, creating a comprehensive showcase of the entire manufacturing lifecycle.

With over 450 exhibitors and 13,500 visitors last year, Smart Manufacturing Week has become a one-stop shop for manufacturing solutions and insights. Plus, with co-located events like Subcon, TCT, and Automechanika, the entire ecosystem of manufacturing innovation is now under one roof; creating a dynamic experience for attendees.

CDA: What aspect of Smart Manufacturing Week are you particularly excited about this year?

Grace Gilling: This year, I’m particularly excited about how we’ve elevated the keynote programme. We've put a huge focus on curation, ensuring that manufacturing end-user keynotes are strategically scheduled, so they don’t compete with one another, and that there’s the right balance of leadership insights and technical deep dives. We’ve also introduced a brand-new panel format, allowing for a deeper exploration of key topics with multiple expert perspectives over an extended session.

CDA: How has the STEM programme developed?

Grace Gilling: Attracting the workforce of the future is one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers, and as part of our mission to support the sector, we’ve continued to develop and enhance our STEM programme. This year, we’ve further refined Manufacturers and Engineers of the Future sponsored by FANUC ensuring a dedicated focus on engaging younger generations with the industry. A key element is making sure exhibitors are aware that students will be attending during the afternoon of the second day, and most are eager to participate, they share our passion for inspiring the next wave of talent.

One of the biggest changes this year is the broader age range of students attending. We’re now welcoming pupils from age 11 and up, alongside university students and apprentices, with clearer signposting to ensure age-appropriate content and activities. The goal is to showcase manufacturing and engineering as dynamic, creative, and fun industries. In previous years, we've seen the joy it brings when young people engage with the show, it brings a lightness and great energy, making it more engaging for everyone.

‘Fun’ and ‘engineering exhibitions’ are not words that are often paired together. How do you go about creating the atmosphere?

A big part of that is our music festival theme, which runs throughout the event. From the moment attendees arrive, they’re met with music at the entrance and throughout the features at the event.

One of the standout attractions is the return of the Guitar Legends competition, where winners receive a custom 3D-printed guitar. We’re always looking for new ways to bring that entertainment factor, and this year, we’re introducing a baby grand piano busking spot, inspired by the ones you see in train stations. This invites spontaneous performances and interaction, adding a fun and lively vibe to the event.

CDA: Finally, what is it about Smart Manufacturing Week that you think makes it the essential event to attend?

Grace Gilling: Smart Manufacturing Week is becoming the UK’s largest and most ambitious event focused on the future of manufacturing and engineering, showcasing a wide range of cutting-edge technologies. What really sets us apart is the ecosystem we've built around the event, which includes the co-located exhibitions, the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit, and the prestigious Top 100 Awards.

This combination of ambition, expertise, and industry-driven content makes Smart Manufacturing Week not just an event, but the essential destination for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, engineering and technology.

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