Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show to feature “bigger, better and refreshed” show experience: SME

In light of a recent report forecasting a surge in manufacturing growth in the Quebec aerospace industry, coupled with newly released statistics that show manufacturing accounted for 16.1 percent of the Quebec economy last year (compared to 12.8 percent elsewhere in Canada), the upcoming Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show (MMTS) is gearing up for a record event.

This year’s show features a 15 percent increase in show floor space, a revitalized educational component and more opportunities for networking through on-site interactive sessions and social media.

“This is the event the Quebec industry has been waiting for,” said Nick Samain, group show manager with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), organizer of the event, noting that exhibit booking sales are fast approaching capacity well in advance of the show’s start. “Just as the Quebec manufacturing sector has had to re-invent itself in recent years, we’re also returning with a ‘re-booted’ event designed to better serve heightened interest in manufacturing innovations and trends,” said Samain.

The new MMTS format includes a greater emphasis on social media outlets – such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram – as a means to deliver a truly interactive user experience that will keep attendees and exhibitors engaged and sharing information before, during and after the show. Plans are also under way to introduce a brand new Interactive Practical Education Component (IPEC) that will feature sessions held right on the show floor. Rather than traditional classroom-style sessions in private conference rooms, IPEC demonstrations will take place alongside equipment exhibits and will highlight key advances in such areas as high-speed machinery, aerospace, transportation, energy, efficiency, Lean manufacturing and much more.

“We’re making it easier than ever for participants to engage in real conversations with suppliers who can help them achieve their goals, whether those conversations take place face-to-face or online,” said Samain, noting that the bi-annual event is as much about education and networking as it is about purchasing new products. “Our goal is to connect manufacturers with the technology, equipment and services they need to remain competitive, and we’re embracing modern ways to do that.”

Key exhibitors already secured for MMTS include: Sandvik, Elliott Matsura, Machineries BV, Huron Canada, Megatel, Ellison Technologies/Mori Seiki and AW Miller. More than 5,000 attendees are expected to attend the show, representing a cross-section of more than 20 manufacturing industries. The event is produced in partnership with the Quebec Aerospace Association (AQA), Canadian Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (CMTDA), Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA), Canadian Wind Energy Association (CANWEA) and Les Affaires.

The Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show is taking place May 14-16, 2012 at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, Que. For more information, visit www.mmts.ca or call (888) 322-7333.