If you are a small to mid-sized manufacturer—or you are working with one—you know that staying competitive is especially challenging as technology continues advancing, geopolitical changes influence supply chains and the need for a nimble, highly skilled workforce increases.
A 2022 survey of more than 250 individuals in the manufacturing industry by SME and CESMII—the Smart Manufacturing Institute found that 77 percent believe the implementation of smart manufacturing technology will increase their companies’ competitiveness, but only 40 percent had staff members dedicated to implementing these technologies and practices. Most manufacturing companies in the U.S.—75 percent according to SCORE—have fewer than 20 employees.
These companies are the real backbone of the American manufacturing sector and giving them a fighting chance to compete and thrive is why SME, dedicated to advancing manufacturing to drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security; and AMT—The Association for Manufacturing Technology partner to present the Manufacturing Technology Series.
Beyond Your Typical Trade Show
These in-person events and experiences—held in West Springfield, Mass., Anaheim, Dallas, and Greenville, S.C.—offer manufacturers the chance to access this content and make connections while reducing the time and travel commitment that’s often required to participate in more traditional industry shows, giving even the smallest companies the opportunity to benefit.
Each of the four regional events combine thought leadership from top companies, educational opportunities and a robust platform for companies to exhibit their equipment and services, connect with suppliers and customers and build relationships. Hundreds of interactive exhibits showcase the latest innovations and applications of advanced manufacturing technologies. SME believes fostering commerce is essential to the next wave of growth in the industry and considers providing multiple platforms like the Manufacturing Technology Series an important responsibility.
Why Anaheim? Among the fastest-growing manufacturing regions in the country, the West Coast is a national hotbed of opportunity for companies with new products and innovative ideas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region’s manufacturing industry employs a workforce of 3.03 million, and with a multitude of manufacturing programs at top universities it’s no wonder it is a hub for innovation in aerospace, medical devices, precision machining, and more.
Opportunities for Learning
A 2023 survey from SME and Laserfiche of more than 300 manufacturing professionals at organizations with 101 or more employees revealed that increasing overall process effectiveness and enabling data-driven decision making are top priorities for organizations as they consider the next steps in their digitalization journeys.
At Manufacturing Technology Series WEST in Anaheim, scheduled for Oct. 7-9, attendees can find the answers they need to overcome roadblocks with a multi-day schedule that includes an opportunity to hear directly from leaders in the industry through the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series as they discuss issues such as the impact of emerging technologies on manufacturing and change management. Additional speakers throughout the three-day event will provide valuable insights on tax credit availability, implementing AI, predictive maintenance, increasing automation, compliance issues, and more.
Among the companies represented on the stage at Manufacturing Technology Series WEST include Google, Matsuura Machinery USA, Kennametal, Teradyne Robotics, FANUC, and more. See the full list of speakers and sessions here.
Attendees will also have access to experts in cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, and other critical areas through the Smart Manufacturing Experience, where knowledge bars will allow companies to connect directly to examine problems and highlight solutions to strengthen competitiveness.
Supporting Companies’ Workforce Development Needs
The dependence on talent to innovate, design, program, and operate technology in manufacturing is ever-present. In fact, the SME and CESMII survey revealed that while cost, complexity, and time are top challenges, 59 percent of manufacturers face a lack of skilled talent in implementing advanced technologies, making it the top concern. And in July 2025, there were 419,00 job openings in manufacturing.
There is a clear gap between the demands of an increasingly technology-driven manufacturing workplace and the available workforce, which is why SME has committed to supporting the industry through Mission Critical: Workforce 2030. At Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, SME will offer its comprehensive workforce readiness assessment, a diagnostic tool that helps manufacturers identify potential gaps or challenges in their talent development, recruitment, training and retention programs, and supports companies with resources to address these challenges.
An important component of addressing workforce challenges is expanding the talent pipeline. The SME Education Foundation’s Bright Minds Student Summit will bring high school students from the region directly into Manufacturing Technology Series WEST to see the cutting edge of the industry up close, allowing them to experience the tools and equipment they can expect to see in the workplace. The experience inspires students with a hands-on first impression of modern manufacturing and promotes the field as an exciting, growing and lucrative career path. Eight schools from across California will participate.
Join Us
As small and mid-sized manufacturers navigate shifting supply chains, rapid technological change, and a growing workforce gap, the Manufacturing Technology Series offers a critical platform to access innovation, expertise, and talent solutions. By combining regional accessibility with education, thought leadership, and hands-on experiences, SME & AMT ensure even the smallest companies get the support they need to thrive in an evolving global market. Through events like Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, SME continues to drive lasting manufacturing growth.
Visit mtseries.com to register for Manufacturing Technology Series WEST on Oct. 7-9 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Steve Prahalis is the chief operating officer of SME, a Southfield, Mich.-based nonprofit which works to accelerate widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and to build North America’s talent and capabilities.
The post How Anaheim is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing: SME & AMT’s Manufacturing Technology Series WEST Empowers Manufacturers of All Sizes appeared first on Orange County Business Journal.