Thousands of UK manufacturing and engineering organisations and businesses are set to gather at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull next week in what is said to be a UK first.
Twelve separate industry events, including Design & Engineering Expo and Smart Factory Expo, will come together under one roof for the first time, bringing together thousands of people from across the sectors on June 7 and 8 at 'Manufacturing and Engineering Week'.
The conference, which is expected to attract around 8,000 delegates, will host a range of events focusing on the future of manufacturing in the UK and what industry leaders say must be pushed on the agenda to enable growth.
Topics covered will include the skills gap and how manufacturers and engineers can achieve net zero.
Speakers include Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, and Stephen Phipson, chief executive trade body Make UK, who will outline the body's call for a UK Industrial Strategy.
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: "Manufacturing is a critical part of the regional economy and we work directly with circa 250 manufacturers through membership so we're really excited for M&E Week at the NEC.
"The sector is key to our region's past, present and future, with £16 billion GVA generated by the West Midlands' manufacturing sector for the national economy."
Haf Cennydd, portfolio director at the conference's organiser Nineteen Group, added: "M&E Week comes at an important time, bringing communities together to debate and discuss the current challenges faced by the sector.
"We find ourselves in a pivotal moment, with industries across the UK pulling together to create a shared agenda and move for a clear industrial strategy.
"As the sector comes together in Birmingham, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, we have the opportunity to address major concerns such as ongoing skills shortages and the release of the first roadmap to net zero."
