MTC Events and MACH have entered into a new strategic partnership that will see the launch of the Smart Industry Solutions Zone at the next MACH Expo at the NEC, in April 2026.
Powered by MTC Events, this new feature will serve as a dynamic hub at MACH, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions that are driving the future of UK manufacturing.
The Smart Industry Solutions Zone will focus on real-world applications that enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness, offering visitors an immersive, interactive and practical showcase of the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing.
This initiative forms part of a wider strategic collaboration between MTC Events and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), created in direct response to the evolving needs of the UK manufacturing sector. As traditional event formats have become less effective, marked by falling delegate numbers and concern among exhibitors about return on investment, this new partnership aims to reshape how industry events deliver value.
To ensure the approach reflects genuine industry needs, MTC Events and the MTA conducted extensive surveys with members and industrial partners. The feedback was clear: businesses are looking for more accessible, cost-effective events that prioritise real opportunities for lead generation, business growth, and meaningful engagement across the sector.
By bringing together the expertise, resources, and networks of both organisations, the partnership is designed to deliver industry-focused events that reflect industry needs and deliver greater value for all participants, including sponsors, exhibitors, delegates, and visitors alike.
“The sector has told us clearly what it needs from events: meaningful connections, tangible business opportunities, and platforms that genuinely represent the voice of industry,” Richard Watkins, Director of MTC Events.
This new partnership with the MTA and the creation of the Smart Industry Solutions Zone marks the next step in that journey. It extends our support to UK manufacturers and signals the beginning of a smarter, more unified approach to bringing the sector together - to engage, collaborate, and grow.
The result is a bold new approach that prioritises accessibility, relevance, and real-world impact.