FEATURE

By Karen Parker, Editor-in-Chief, Adhesive and Sealants Industry

With the synergy created by five of BNP Media’s manufacturing brands, MAX is an event that reflects all parts of modern manufacturing and automation.

The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) is coming to the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, March 25-26, 2026. Previously known as the ASSEMBLY Show South, The Quality Show, and Adhesives in Action, the reimagined event is responding to the changes shaping the manufacturing industry, including smart factories, integrated systems, workforce challenges, and the need for collaboration across disciplines. MAX brings together BNP Media's five manufacturing brands: ASSEMBLY, Quality Magazine, Adhesives & Sealants Industry (ASI), Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), and Packaging Strategies. Using the synergy created by these five brands, MAX is an event that reflects all parts of modern manufacturing.

When announcing MAX, Bill DeYoe, group publisher at BNP Media, explained, "The strategy behind MAX reflects our vision for a unified, future-forward platform that mirrors the interconnected nature of modern manufacturing. By integrating the trusted voices of ASSEMBLY, QUALITY, ASI, ISHN, and Packaging Strategies, we’re creating a central hub for innovation and collaboration — a place where silos are broken down, and real progress is made. This evolution empowers us to serve engineering, manufacturing, and operations professionals in a deeper, more integrated way. Breaking down silos isn't just a strategic goal — it's essential for driving meaningful progress. True innovation happens when these disciplines collaborate, share insights, and work in sync. MAX is designed to be that catalyst — a space where integrated thinking leads to smarter, more agile, and more resilient outcomes for the entire manufacturing ecosystem."

Educational Opportunities

The show floor for MAX will be a single, integrated environment, allowing attendees to see the most up-to-date solutions for real-world manufacturing environments. The event features a dynamic show floor where attendees see live equipment, hands-on demos, and real solutions in manufacturing. Learning Hubs — small stages on the show floor — will provide 15-minute session about cutting-edge technologies to solve the latest manufacturing challenges. MAX also features a day of pre-show workshops that provide a deeper dive into critical areas of interest and change within manufacturing.

Who Should Attend

Industry professionals who are tasked with process improvement, product quality, automation systems, or worker safety are encouraged to attend MAX. Attendees will include manufacturing and process engineers, plant managers and directors, automation and controls professionals, quality assurance and quality control leaders, operations executives, research and development and product development teams, and environment, health and safety professionals.

Registration

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn, observe, share, and explore the future of manufacturing and automation. Get ready to meet new friends, be inspired by the latest technologies, and empowered with the insights and tools needed to drive innovation and success in your organization.

Additional details about speakers and registration will be shared as the event date approaches.