General Atomics

Advanced Engineering 2025 to spotlight automation, sustainability, policy and skills

Advanced Engineering - taking place next month at the NEC, Birmingham (29th-30th October) - will focus on automation and robotics, sustainability, policy and the skills gap, whilst also highlighting additive manufacturing, advanced materials and composites, as well as aerospace, defence and satellite engineering.



Image courtesy Easyfairs

 
This premier event for the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors, will see industry experts and thought leaders deliver in-depth talks across multiple forums, offering practical knowledge and insights on the pressing challenges that the industry is facing.
 
The main stage
The key topics at this year’s main stage include automation and robotics, sustainability, policy and the skills gap. This sets the tone for the rest of the show and aims to address the biggest challenges and changes happening in the engineering and manufacturing space.
 
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive Officer at Make UK, will deliver a keynote speech focused on growth and the industrial strategy. With extensive experience in high technology manufacturing businesses and involvement in senior civil service roles, he will bring a fully rounded perspective to the main stage.
 
Composites engineering
The featured project on the Composites Forum is GKN Aerospace – ASPIRE, transforming high-rate composite airframe manufacturing through structural integration. Discover novel ways that composites are integrated into industry focuses like decarbonisation, intelligent materials, circular supply chain and high performance bio-composites.
 
Aerospace, defence and satellite engineering
On the Aerospace, Defence and Satellite Engineering Stage, the leading experts from the aerospace and defence sector will demonstrate how to turn innovation into results. Expect insight, strategies and case studies in lightweight design, propulsion and digitalisation among other next generation tools and skills to navigate this space.
 
Nichola Bates, Managing Director for Ventures and Innovation at Boeing and Managing Partner for Aerospace Xelerated, is a core speaker for this sector who knows how to turn strategy into execution. With extensive experience of international business development and insights into one of the world’s largest aerospace corporations, she has the background and network to address the sector’s current trends.

AM2
Replacing last year’s AMT forum, the AM2 Forum will tackle additive manufacturing and advanced materials. Application is key here, with sessions built around real case studies, measurable benefits and engineering-ready technologies.
 
“A pivotal aspect of our exhibition is hearing the voices of the industry,” explained Simon Farnfield, Event Director for Advanced Engineering. “This year’s conferences are split across five stages, with contributors allocated to unique and relevant themes. Absorbing the knowledge that these experts have to offer is what events like Advanced Engineering are all about.”
 
“Coming together and learning from each other is the best way for the industry to grow. Every forum is certified by the CPD Group, which allows attendees to further advance their knowledge and career. This provides an opportunity to develop chartered engineers and keep professionals up to date with ongoing trends.”
 

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