NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In response to industry changes, BNP Media is rebranding three of its flagship manufacturing events into one, the Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX), which will make its debut March 25-26, 2026, at the Music City Center in Nashville.
The new show will combine The ASSEMBLY Show South, The Quality Show and Adhesives in Action under one roof — as well as incorporating elements from two new brands, Industrial Safety & Hygiene (ISHN) and Packaging Strategies. Organizers are expecting 225 exhibitors and 5,000 registrants.
The rebrand comes at just the right time for the fast-evolving manufacturing industry, Bill DeYoe, Group Publisher of BNP Media, said. “Today’s professionals — particularly on the factory floor — are often doing the work of three or four people, compared to just a few years ago. Expectations for quality, safety, ergonomics and regulatory compliance are higher than ever, and responsibilities like in-process packaging are increasingly falling on engineering and operations teams.
“This transformation is being powered by automation, software, advanced tools and smarter systems — solutions that have long found their home at The Assembly Show and The Quality Show. But now, the industry is asking for more integration, more collaboration, and more centralized access to these technologies. That’s exactly what MAX delivers. …It’s a rebrand, yes — but more than that. It’s a strategic evolution.”
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MAX will be geared toward professionals from across the automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, appliances, new energy and general manufacturing industries, from plant managers to manufacturing and process engineers to corporate management.
“MAX is an attendee-centric experience, with expanded show floor content, hands-on workshops, facility tours, high-impact main stage sessions and VIP vendor engagements. We’re creating an environment where attendees can tailor their involvement and get real value at every level,” DeYoe said.
MAX will also redefine the exhibitor experience by offering package pricing that, regardless of size, will include built-in features such as drayage, enabling exhibitors to bring in large systems and equipment without hidden costs. “This not only will reduce expenses but enhance the show floor with live demos, interactive displays, and real-world applications,” DeYoe said.
“By focusing on the needs of both attendees and exhibitors, we’re building a platform that fosters deeper collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem. MAX isn’t just another event — it’s a critical opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to connect, innovate, and shape the future of the industry.”
Reach Bill DeYoe at deyoew@bnpmedia.com
