5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show Experiences Growth in Attendance, Exhibit Space
November 7, 2017
Last month, 5,250 engineers and executives responsible for assembly manufacturing converged at the 5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show, held Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
The trade show and conference, which focuses on assembly technology, equipment and products, boasted a 12 percent increase in attendance and a 15 percent increase in exhibit space, compared with 2016, according to BNP Media, which produces the show.
The bustling event drew 295 exhibiting companies occupying 76,800 net square feet of expo space, with nearly 8,000 industry professionals from 48 states and 28 countries registered to attend.
In response to this uptick, more than 75 percent of the show’s exhibitors renewed booth space onsite for the 2018 event, according to show officials.
“For five consecutive years, we have stayed focused on assembly manufacturing and each year we bring together more and more vendors who are offering the latest advancements in products and services with more and more buyers of these solutions,” explained Tom Esposito, publisher of ASSEMBLY Magazine, which is published by BNP and sponsors the show.
The show’s conference program paid particular focus to top-of-mind industry topics including automation, robotics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with industry experts sharing their knowledge in educational sessions ranging from Industry 4.0 and Creating the Future of Manufacturing, to Beyond the Edge of IIoT and Operational Excellence.
In addition, a dozen educational sessions presented by leading exhibiting companies were held in theaters set up on the showfloor, covering topics including smart and cyber safe production environments; the starting point for robot automation; the future of intelligent pneumatics; finding leak testing success, how to choose the right transfer system and solving the OT-IT system conflict.
During his keynote speech, Gene Hopkins, director of applications, information technology of Faurecia North America focused on his company’s initiative to transform itself into a digital enterprise and how they looked at every area where digital technology could enable gains in efficiency including applying simulation tools in R&D, capturing data from every machine and process and deploying collaborative engineering technology.
Preceding the keynote, Austin Weber, senior editor for ASSEMBLY Magazine, presented the Assembly Plant of the Year Award to AGCO of Jackson, Minn.
Making its debut at The ASSEMBLY Show this year was TASTV, which featured exclusive interviews, show highlights and presentations that were broadcast onsite as well as online.
The show also featured a host of networking opportunities including the popular “Taste of Rosemont” Networking Reception, which kicked off the event and attracted hundreds of attendees that had a chance to enjoy food and refreshments while visiting with the exhibitors on the showfloor, as well as a fun and lively Pub Night on the second evening.
“We are so pleased that this year’s event had the most demonstrations of the latest robotic equipment as well as a comprehensive educational program and valuable networking opportunities,” Esposito said.
He added, “We are thrilled with the response from the industry and thank the exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and speakers who made this such a worthwhile event for the fifth year in a row.”
The ASSEMBLY Show will return Oct. 23-25 to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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