Skip to content

Manufacturing Month

Manufacturing Month is a chance to celebrate modern manufacturing and inspire the next generation.

SME is proud to support Manufacturing Day, fostering collaboration between manufacturers and young creators. This day highlights the importance of manufacturing locally, nationally, and globally, as companies connect with young professionals to educate the next generation. SME champions programs that advance the industry.

Celebrated on the first Friday in October, SME joins thousands of manufacturers to showcase modern manufacturing. Throughout the month, we’ll host various events focused on STEM and careers in manufacturing, recognize this year's "30 Under 30" honorees as young leaders in the industry, host a digital competition among 25 SME PRIME® schools, and make new resources available for educators and manufacturers.

We're also proud to sponsor two local events this year:

The Henry Ford's Manufacturing Day celebration at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and Wayne County MFG Day.

Our webinars and virtual Shop Talks are open discussions featuring subject-matter experts sharing insights on key industry topics. All events are open to both SME members and non-members.

Manufacturing day

October 4 | MFG Day: Empowering the Future - Planting the Seeds of Careers

Celebrate Manufacturing Day with industry leaders sharing insights and inspiring the next generation of professionals through diverse experiences and exciting opportunities in manufacturing.

Oct 16 Shop Talk View Recording

October 16 | Shop Talk Diversity of Career Pathways

Join our panel of industry professionals in a discussion that shows anyone can thrive in this dynamic field and that there are many paths to success beyond traditional methods.

Additive Manufacturing day

October 29 | Additive Manufacturing Coffee Chat: Make AM Your Career.

For the final Additive Manufacturing Coffee Chat of 2024, industry professionals will share insights and guidance on how to start and grow a career in additive manufacturing.

Shop Talk Oct 30 View Recording

October 30 | Shop Talk: Women Driving Manufacturing Forward.

Discover how women are making a difference in manufacturing through impactful success stories, innovative approaches, and unique perspectives. Learn about the future trends shaping the industry and how our experts stay ahead with emerging technologies.

Fireside Chats

Fireside Chats

Fireside Chats are lively conversations with manufacturing industry leaders, exploring their remarkable journeys, groundbreaking projects, and the latest industry trends and advocacy efforts. Join us on Nov. 6 for a Fireside Chat with Shonali Ditz, Co-Founder & Executive Director of SparkShop.

Ann Pauley - 30 under 30

SME's 30 Under 30

The outstanding young people honored by SME’s 30 Under 30 program make an impact at work, in their communities and across manufacturing. They are mentors, role models, researchers, engineers, innovators, teammates, gearheads, volunteers and ambassadors for STEM education.

You're Invited

All SME Chapters and Members are encouraged to host Manufacturing Day/Month events. The Manufacturing Institute offers resources to help you plan and register your program. Download a one-page document that highlights those resources and see what other organizations are doing to celebrate careers in the manufacturing industry.

The Manufacturing Workforce Playbooks

Playbook for manufacturers

Manufacturer Playbook

Highlights ways for manufacturers to engage, support and develop relationships with local schools, students, community and future workforce to drive competitiveness and resiliency, and to support our national security.

Playbook for educators

Educator Playbook

Provides ideas for educators approaching future students, instructors and administrators to create awareness and inspire interest in the viable, engaging and exciting careers available in manufacturing.

Digital Bright Minds Student Summit

Throughout October, the Digital Bright Minds Student Summit takes over 1,000 SME PRIME students on an immersive journey through the world of manufacturing and engineering. This Digital Student Competition is designed to inspire the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent by offering engaging learning opportunities and showcasing the possibilities within these fields.