Countdown to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026
5 January 2026 
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics returns to Farnborough International Exhibition Centre from February 3–5, 2026, marking a major milestone – its 28th year as the South of England’s leading annual showcase for manufacturing and electronics innovation. As the first major industry gathering of the year, the show is set to once again anchor the UK engineering calendar with its trademark mix of heritage, technology, and hands-on expertise. PWE takes a closer look
Renowned for its uniquely British character and long-standing reputation as a hub for domestic manufacturing excellence, Southern Manufacturing & Electronics has consistently drawn engineers, designers, procurement specialists, and innovators from across the UK. That strong national audience is bolstered by a growing international presence, as global exhibitors and
visitors continue to view the event as a gateway to building sovereign UK supply chains and forging new collaborative partnerships.
At the heart of the event is the country’s largest dedicated electronics trade show, bringing together the full breadth of the supply chain in one concentrated and highly accessible format. Visitors can expect to see everything from components, PCBs and semiconductors to test and measurement solutions, embedded systems, design services and next-generation production equipment. For engineers seeking fresh ideas or procurement teams searching for new suppliers, the show remains an unparalleled source of innovation, commercial connections and technical know-how.
This comprehensive offering has long made Southern Manufacturing & Electronics the “go-to” event for anyone looking to keep pace with fast-moving sectors. With the 2026 edition approaching full capacity, and only a handful of stands still available, exhibitors are securing their places at record speed, underscoring the event’s ongoing value as the UK’s most important marketplace for manufacturing and electronics technology.
Competitions and new features for 2026
A crowd favourite is making a return: the Global Electronics Association’s Soldering Competition, which consistently draws large audiences and enthusiastic participants. For 2026, the organisers are introducing a brand-new feature the Wire Harness Competition – which is expected to become another major visitor attraction. These interactive elements provide a welcome blend of skills showcase, friendly competition, and live technical theatre, giving the event an additional layer of energy and engagement.
A stronger seminar programme
Education continues to be a central pillar of the show, and the 2026 edition will once again feature two CPD-accredited seminar theatres: one focused on Manufacturing and the other on Electronics. Sessions will run throughout all three days and will explore practical approaches to tackling some of the sector’s most urgent challenges—from improving productivity and streamlining production workflows to strengthening digital capability in factories of all sizes.
Experts will discuss how manufacturers can better integrate digital tools and systems, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth within increasingly competitive markets. For attendees seeking actionable strategies rather than high-level theory, the programme is likely to be a major draw
A community with heritage and momentum
Reflecting on the event’s legacy and the opportunities ahead, Simon Farnfield, Event Director at Easyfairs UK & Global, describes Southern Manufacturing & Electronics as “the beating heart of the UK’s engineering calendar for nearly three decades.” He emphasises Easyfairs’ commitment to preserving the heritage and community spirit of the show while adding new layers of value through smart, visitor-focused tools and technologies
Registration now open
Visitor registration for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026 is now officially open (https://www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com), with attendance once again free of charge. As the UK manufacturing and electronics sectors continue to evolve at speed, the 2026 edition promises to deliver a timely, content-rich and opportunity-packed start to the year – making it an essential date for every engineer, designer, manufacturer, or procurement professional planning ahead.
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The 2026 event marks the second edition under the ownership of Easyfairs. While the show will preserve its much-loved foundations, Easyfairs says its involvement promises an enhanced experience built around smart tools, intuitive digital technologies, and a broader industry reach.
Visitors and exhibitors will benefit from access to the Easyfairs event app and smart badge technology, enabling seamless information exchange and streamlined networking. These features are designed to maximise return on time and investment—an increasingly important factor as companies seek to make every business conversation count.
Beyond technology, Easyfairs’ extensive international network promises to bring fresh insight, curated content and new connections to the show floor, offering attendees a more enriched professional experience
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