Two weeks until Advanced Engineering 2024

In its 15th year, the show promises to be a must-attend for professionals across sectors including aerospace, automotive, composites, and Industry 4.0, with over 400 exhibitors and 9,000 visitors anticipated.

The show will feature a cross-industry floor layout that encourages interaction among a diverse range of exhibitors, with added focus on sectors such as marine, motorsport, construction, medical, rail, and sport.

One of the highlights this year is the Enabling Innovation competition, which gives startups and SMEs the chance to showcase their breakthrough technologies. The contest has been expanded due to its growing popularity, and finalists will present their innovations in the dedicated Enabling Innovation Zone.

On the second day, they'll compete on the Main Stage for a coveted prize – a free exhibition stand at next year’s show. Previous winners, like OxDrive and iCOMAT, have seen substantial business growth after their victories.

In addition, the Main Stage and the Advanced Materials & Technologies forum will again be packed with keynotes and expert discussions. There will be over 150 speakers talking about a variety of topics ranging from sustainability and AI to automation, with confirmed speakers including Brian Holliday of Siemens Digital Industries, Matthew Atkinson of Jaguar Land Rover and Shaun Harris CBE from the RAF, among others.

Elsewhere, the Meet the Buyer scheme, in partnership with ADS, will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to connect directly with procurement representatives from leading aerospace OEMs. After the success of last year’s meetings, which facilitated important business relationships, this year’s scheme is expected to exceed expectations.

The exhibition will also feature live demonstrations and interactive displays across a wide range of sectors. Among the exciting technology set to debut is Flux Aviation’s prototype electric aircraft. The innovative startup is on a mission to accelerate the transition of aviation towards electric power, having recently been recognised as the ‘Most promising solution by Innovation Zero’.

Other innovations on display include ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric powertrain, Ohmio’s autonomous shuttle, BEDEO’s electrification retrofit technology and Mark3D’s latest developments in 3D printing and robotics.

“We received positive feedback from last year’s show, so we’re continuing the cross-industry floor layout that encouraged collaboration and interaction,” said Alison Willis, director and CEO of Easyfairs, the event’s organiser. “We’ve refined certain elements to make this year’s event even more impactful, allowing attendees from one sector to further explore and learn from speakers from an entirely different sector.”

Advanced Engineering is supported by a diverse group of industry leaders, including major organisations like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Composites UK, Make UK, UKRI, the UK Space Agency, and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Additional support also comes from associations such as GAMBICA, BARA, and the Department for Business and Trade.

These partnerships ensure that the show remains at the forefront of the latest trends and challenges facing the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Combined with its innovative exhibits, forums, and networking opportunities, Advanced Engineering provides a platform for the future of engineering and technology.