Inaugural Event Brings Together Industry Leaders to Explore AI, Automation, Workforce Development, and Smart Factory Innovation Across a Rapidly Growing Regional Market

NASHVILLE, TN / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2026 / Next week, manufacturing leaders, engineers, and technology innovators from across the country will gather in Nashville as the Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) makes its debut March 24-26 at the Music City Center. Produced by BNP Media, the inaugural event brings together the full manufacturing ecosystem to explore how automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation are reshaping modern production - particularly across the fast-growing Southeast.

"The Southeast has become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing manufacturing regions in the United States, attracting significant investment across automotive, electronics, advanced materials, and smart factory infrastructure," said Bill DeYoe, Executive Director, Manufacturing Technologies, BNP Media. "MAX arrives at a pivotal moment, bringing together regional manufacturers and global technology providers to share best practices and address critical challenges around workforce development, supply chains, and operational efficiency. Building on the strong foundation of The ASSEMBLY Show South and The Quality Show South, MAX expands into a comprehensive, cross-functional platform that reflects the full scope of modern manufacturing - while fostering the innovation and collaboration needed to power the next generation of smart manufacturing."

Designed as an immersive, hands-on experience, MAX combines a dynamic exhibit floor with the MAX eXperience educational program, featuring expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and real-world applications tailored to plant-floor challenges.

Event highlights include:

• Six Pre-Conference Workshops (March 24): Deep dives into critical topics including manufacturing safety, advanced measurement systems, AI on the assembly line, engineering sustainability, mixed-model line design, and automation in action.

• MAX eXperience Conference (March 25-26): Main Stage sessions and roundtables addressing responsible packaging legislation, reshoring strategies, smart factory innovation, and the future of coatings and materials in advanced manufacturing.

• Keynote Presentation (March 25, 9:00 AM):Jaemin Kim, Marketing Director, Smart Factory Solutions Center & Production Engineering Research Institute, LG Electronics, will share insights on AI-driven production, smart factory innovation, and global manufacturing strategy, drawing from LG's Tennessee Lighthouse Factory.

• Future-Ready Workforce Panel (March 26, 10:30 AM): Moderated by Allison Grealis, President of Women in Manufacturing, this session brings together leaders from Women in Manufacturing, Mavens of Manufacturing, Automation Ladies, and the U.S. Smart Factory Institute to explore strategies for attracting, training, and retaining talent. Topics will include generational workforce shifts, emerging skill sets, mentorship, STEM engagement, and advancing women into leadership roles.

• Learning HUBs on the Show Floor: Free, expert-led 15-minute presentations across four dedicated HUBs, enabling attendees to connect education directly with technologies showcased by exhibitors. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) will also host sessions focused on practical quality insights.

• Exclusive Plant Tours: Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant and the LG Tennessee Lighthouse Factory, offering firsthand exposure to world-class production environments and advanced automation systems.

• FIRST Robotics of Tennessee Showcase: K-12 student teams will demonstrate robots they have designed and built, highlighting the importance of STEM education and the future talent pipeline for manufacturing.

• Networking Opportunities: The Opening Night Reception (March 24), Happy Hour on the show floor (March 25), and Morning Mingle & Breakfast (March 26), foster connections across the manufacturing community.

Produced by BNP Media's industry-leading brands-including ASSEMBLY Magazine, Quality, Adhesives & Sealants Industry (ASI), Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), Packaging Strategies, and Paint & Coatings Industry - MAX is positioned as a future-focused event that reflects the speed, complexity, and integration of modern manufacturing.

Registration is now open at theMAXevent.com, with access to the expo floor and the option to upgrade to the MAX eXperience Pass. The premium pass includes VIP access to all pre-conference workshops on March 24, exclusive Main Stage sessions and roundtable luncheons with industry leaders on March 25-26, along with express badge pickup, special on-site recognition, and an exclusive attendee gift.

With MAX, BNP Media sets the stage for a future-focused, fully integrated manufacturing event-one that reflects the pace, innovation, and complexity of the modern production landscape. BNP Media, one of the country's leading business-to-business media companies, serves industry professionals through magazines, custom media, newsletters, webinars, events, and market research.

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Media Contact:

Amy Riemer
Media Relations Representative
978-502-4895
amy@riemercommunications.com

SOURCE: Manufacturing & Automation eXchange