AMT President Doug Woods opened The MFG Meeting 2026 with a clear vision on what the future of industry means for manufacturing leaders today.

To say that additive manufacturing (AM) is still young, especially for standardized manufacturing processes and practices, is to greatly understate the case.

Manufacturers gain an edge by creating value closer to demand. The “proximity revolution” combines execution, ecosystems, and innovation.

With exports growing, trade partnerships shifting, and new investments in EVs, robotics, and chips underway, China's industrial story in 2026 is one of active transition. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.

Many smaller exhibitors can outperform larger ones by focusing on the right strategies before and during IMTS. With smart planning, targeted outreach, and the right tools, even a 10-by-10 booth can generate enough leads to fuel a sales pipeline for a year.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a new “Made in America Loan Guarantee” to expand domestic manufacturing capacity. Eligible small manufacturers can use the funds to upgrade equipment, modernize facilities, expand, and reshore production.

IMTS 2026 offers the Western Hemisphere’s largest exhibition of machine tools, featuring the world’s leading providers of CNCs for milling, turning, grinding, drilling, tapping, facing, gear-cutting, and more in its technology sectors.

The additive manufacturing (AM) market reached a new phase of structural maturity in 2025. This followed several years of experimentation, rapid technology development, fluctuating venture capital activity, and turbulent public market performance.

The MFG Meeting recap; New AMT board of directors; What comes next with tariffs; and more.

Manufacturing technology underpins the defense industrial base. At The MFG Meeting 2026, leaders highlighted digital tools, supply chain visibility, and broader industry engagement.