Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHWEST Relocates to Dallas for 2025 Event

The Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHWEST, featuring HOUSTEX, is scheduled to take place November 4-6, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. This regional event is part of the broader Manufacturing Technology Series, which aims to connect industry decision-makers with leading suppliers of advanced manufacturing technology, equipment, and tooling.

The move marks a relocation for the event after decades in Houston. Dallas was chosen as the new host city, reportedly ranking first among U.S. metropolitan areas for manufacturing activity in a 2024 report by Commercial Search.

Coproduced by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and SME, the Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHWEST is designed to bring together professionals from various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical device, and defense.

Texas has a notable presence in the manufacturing sector, leading the nation in manufactured goods exports and ranking second to California in factory production. The upcoming show in Dallas anticipates hosting over 150 exhibitors, attracting 3,000 industry professionals, and displaying more than 100 new products across 28,000 square feet.

The organizers highlight Dallas's manufacturing growth, noting the city has added approximately 9.2 million square feet of manufacturing space in the last five years and maintains competitive manufacturing labor costs.

According to SME, 77% of attendees at past events influence technology purchase decisions within their companies, and over a quarter manage equipment budgets exceeding $200,000. Additionally, 38% of the audience are new attendees.

"We are excited to provide an opportunity for company decision-makers in key areas to witness the newest technology firsthand and connect with each other," stated Dave Morton, SME group director, Manufacturing Technology Series. "Our strong lineup of presenters provides invaluable insight to small and medium-sized manufacturers as they navigate their futures. We're also looking forward to being in Dallas, which will engage a new audience of regional manufacturers."

Attendees can expect exhibits featuring automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, precision machining, software solutions, and IIoT. The event agenda also includes several specialized programs:

Smart Manufacturing Experience & Secure Shop Solutions: This area focuses on digital technologies for manufacturing operations, aiming to enhance production efficiency and address cybersecurity challenges.
Executive Perspectives Program: Features presentations from industry leaders. Scheduled sessions include "Opportunities and Challenges in Developing a Viable Workforce in the Fusion Energy Sector to Support U.S. Manufacturing," with keynote speaker Christian Newton, chief of staff at the Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy. A panel discussion on the same topic will follow, including Jean Paul Allain, Monica Cortez, and Michael Ginsberg. A town hall led by Michael Molnar, founding director of the NIST Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, will invite input for the "U.S. National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing - Requesting Input from the Manufacturing Community."
Knowledge Bar: Experts will discuss advanced manufacturing technologies, including the role of AI in addressing challenges for small- to medium-sized manufacturers.
SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030: A new feature designed to address workforce challenges through tools like the Readiness Assessment, expert consultations, and a Makers Lounge.
Networking Receptions: Daily opportunities for attendees to connect.

Registration is open for the event. AMT members can receive a complimentary attendee pass using the promo code "AMT" during registration. Further details are available on the Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHWEST website.