Manufacturing Day

YouTube | MFG Day 2025 - Inspiring the Future of Manufacturing

Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is an opportunity for manufacturers to highlight what's taking place on factory floors across the country and to energize a future pipeline of skilled workers. An annual event that occurs on the first Friday of October, MFG Day is an occasion during which manufacturers open their doors to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers. This year, MFG Day kicks off on Friday, October 2, 2026 with events continuing throughout the month. Organizations show the public what manufacturing really looks like through more than 3,000 events across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico with over 325,000 students, parents, and community members attending.

The rallying point for a growing mass movement, MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive. Since its inception, the MEP National Network^TM has participated in MFG Day by hosting, coordinating, and promoting events. You can read this blog to learn more about how MFG Day is changing perceptions and the role the Network has played.

This page provides information on events and resources from MEP Centers and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). You can find additional information on what other federal agencies have planned at manufacturing.gov.

Celebrate MFG Day with the MEP National Network

You can celebrate MFG Day 2026 with the MEP National Network by attending one of the events below. This is not an exhaustive list of the many events MEP Centers are hosting or participating in across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. Check back often!

Arkansas

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions

Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase
September 30-October 1, 2026 
Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, AR
The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase brings manufacturers, industry partners, and manufacturing leaders from across the state together for two days of learning, networking, and practical solutions. Hosted by Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, the event features 130+ exhibitors, technology and automation demonstrations, expert-led breakout sessions, and discussions focused on the issues shaping manufacturing today, including workforce, operational excellence, technology adoption, energy, and supply chain resilience. Learn more

Idaho

TechHelp

2026 Idaho Manufacturing Tradeshow & Conference
November 19, 2026
Boise Centre West, Boise, Idaho
The 2026 Idaho Manufacturing Tradeshow & Conference brings together manufacturing professionals, suppliers, solution providers, and industry partners from across Idaho for a day focused on connection, learning, and innovation. The event features 80+ exhibitors, expert-led learning sessions, keynote presentations, and opportunities to explore technologies, services, and resources addressing today’s manufacturing challenges. TechHelp is proud to support the event as a Program Sponsor and participate alongside the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance and Idaho’s manufacturing community. TechHelp connects Idaho manufacturers with resources, expertise, and partners to support business growth, innovation, and continued competitiveness.

Illinois

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)

Makers on the Move Bus Tour
October 2-9, 2026
Throughout the state of Illinois
Makers on the Move is a dynamic, statewide bus tour celebrating Manufacturing Month by shining a spotlight on the innovation, opportunity, and impact of modern manufacturing. Throughout the month, the tour will visit factories, technical colleges, and high schools across the state—offering an up-close look at today’s high-tech, clean, and sustainable manufacturing environments. With each stop, Makers on the Move aims to inspire students, engage communities, and connect employers with the next generation of talent. This is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to redefine what manufacturing looks like and highlight the diverse, rewarding careers available in this vital industry. Learn more

Michigan

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)

Future in Focus: MFG Day with MMTC
October 1, 2026
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
This year's event will showcase cutting-edge technologies like collaborative robots, our new state-of-the-art AI Lab, 3D printers, Smart factory tour, and other technology tools for manufacturers. Students from local high schools will rotate through demonstration stations, get hands-on with automation and robotics, and learn how today’s manufacturers are building a smarter future. A presentation on Artificial Intelligence and its Applications in Manufacturing, presented by Josh Johnston, MMTC Lean Program Manager, will also be presented. This Manufacturing Day event underscores MMTC’s mission to promote awareness of high-skill careers in Michigan’s manufacturing sector, which plays a vital role in the state’s economy and technological advancement.

Northern Michigan (Traverse City) Mfg Day
October 2, 2026 
Traverse City, MI (and surrounding areas)
MMTC’s Northern Michigan team is celebrating Manufacturing Day by connecting students from five area middle schools with 12 local manufacturers for a morning of hands-on exposure to modern manufacturing. Students will visit two manufacturing facilities, where they can see real-world operations, learn about advanced technologies and processes, and explore the wide variety of career opportunities available in manufacturing. The event is designed to strengthen connections between education and industry, change perceptions about manufacturing careers, and help build Northern Michigan’s future manufacturing talent pipeline.

Missouri

Missouri Enterprise

Missouri Enterprise is providing MFG banners to manufacturing clients across Missouri to display within their facilities. The initiative is designed to increase awareness of the MEP National Network and highlight the partnership between Missouri Enterprise and the manufacturers we serve. By displaying these banners in manufacturing facilities across the state, Missouri Enterprise is helping strengthen the visibility of the MEP National Network while celebrating Missouri manufacturers and the important role they play in their communities and the state’s economy. Please contact gharrell [at] missourienterprise.org (gharrell[at]missourienterprise[dot]org) for more information.

Montana

Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC)

Manufacturing Day in Missoula
October 1, 2026
 15+ manufacturing facilities in Missoula
The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and partners at the MT Department of Labor and Industry will host the 6^th annual Manufacturing Day in Missoula. Approximately 15 manufacturing facilities will open their doors to middle school and high school students for tours of what's new and what's next in manufacturing. Several hundred students are scheduled to attend. Please contact MMEC Business Advisor (and event organizer) Steve Dybdal at steven.dybdal [at] montana.edu (steven[dot]dybdal[at]montana[dot]edu) for more information. Registration website for schools: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGkELjR1wsMU0aNhn7BVVaumBmaGIU2ym-7WrKeHNuxWm7gw/viewform

2026 Flathead Manufacturing Symposium
October 13, 2026
Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, MT
As part of Manufacturing Month, the Kalispell Chamber’s Manufacturing Alliance will host the 2026 Flathead Manufacturing Symposium on Tuesday, October 13 . The half-day event will offer numerous informational sessions, including presentations by MMEC Director Paddy Fleming and Kalispell Business Advisor Clint Finlayson. The Chamber also offers manufacturing tours and other events throughout the month. Go to the event website to see the list of tours. Learn more

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP)

NH's 24th Annual Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology SUMMIT
October 9, 2026
Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH
Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology SUMMIT on October 9, 2026 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. The New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP) invites you to connect with industry leaders, manufacturing professionals, technology experts, workforce partners and fellow innovators while gaining valuable insights, making meaningful connections and discovering what’s next for NH manufacturing. Register

New Mexico

New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (New Mexico MEP)

FCHRA/SHRM Gallup Satellite Event
October 27, 2026
UNM-Gallup Caampus or Zoom
Learn about human resources, setting Gallup HR and workforce development opportunities as well as connecting with employers, educators and community leaders. Register

North Carolina

North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)

Dell Technologies Facility Tour
October 2, 2026
Apex, NC
The Dell Apex manufacturing facility has been supporting this event for 8 years. As one of 3000+ plus sites around the country, the facility opens its doors to local educators, policymakers, customers, and residents. The facility is showcased through manufacturing floor tours, interactive demonstration tables, and community and culture exhibits that share Dell Technologies’ Culture Code with the public. Registration required

Central Carolina Community College Manufacturing Day Industry Showcase
October 2, 2026
Sanford, NC 
To celebrate National Manufacturing Day, Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) hosts an annual Manufacturing Day Industry Showcase on the first Friday of October. This event is held at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center. Manufacturing-related companies from our three-county service area, as well as faculty and department chairs from CCCC’s manufacturing-related programs, are onsite to showcase their products and programs. Get ready to explore the exciting world of our local manufacturing industry! MFG Day is a floating event designed to let you set your own pace as you follow the flow through our diverse lineup of exhibitors. Along the way, you’ll connect directly with local manufacturers and discover the incredible educational programs that train our community for high-tech manufacturing and manufacturing-adjacent careers. Register

Core Technology Multiple Student Events throughout October 2026
Whitsett, NC
Core Technology Molding Corp. is a North Carolina-based custom plastic injection molding manufacturer serving customers across the aerospace, automotive, medical device, appliance, consumer goods, and outdoor equipment industries. To celebrate National Manufacturing Day and month, Core Technology hosts elementary and middle school groups for tours, hands-on activities, and exposure to advanced technology and STEM topics in a modern manufacturing environment. Core Technology's goal is to teach today's youth to create tomorrow's future through Molding Kids For Success. This nonprofit organization strives to educate the youth of our community in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They do this by combining classroom experiments with real-world applications on the manufacturing floor. The goal of "Molding Kids For Success" is to expose kids to STEM at an early age. Learn more

Pennsylvania

Catalyst Connection

Annual National Mfg Day Event at Mill 19
October 2, 2026
Mill 19 Building A, Pittsburgh, PA 
Annual Manufacturing Day Event at Mill 19 hosted by Catalyst Connection, CMU Manufacturing Futures Institute, ARM Institute welcoming local high schools to interact with manufacturing company, community college, workforce development partners, and other vendor tables, demos, and hands-on activities.

Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC)

IMC & PDC Spas Collaborative PM Exchange
October 1, 2026
PDC Spas, Williamsport, PA
Join the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) and PDC Spas for our October 1, 2026 PM Exchange as we celebrate National Manufacturing Month and the strength of manufacturing right here in Central Pennsylvania. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to tour the PDC Spas manufacturing facility in Williamsport and see firsthand how their products are made from start to finish. The tour will showcase how PDC Spas combines decades of manufacturing experience with modern processes and continued innovation. Guests will enjoy refreshments and networking while connecting with others who are helping strengthen and grow manufacturing throughout our region. Come celebrate American manufacturing, innovation, craftsmanship, and the people behind it with IMC and PDC Spas. IMC looks forward to welcoming you to PDC Spas and celebrating National Manufacturing Month together! Register 

MANTEC

Manufacturing Month Celebration: JST and Lancaster Brewing Company
October 22, 2026
JST Corporation and Lancaster Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA 
Please join us for October’s Manufacturing Month Celebration! We will be joining the team at JST in Harrisburg, PA for a Company Overview, Facility Tour, and Industry Veteran Storytelling Session, and finish the day with a Manufacturing Meet Up at Lancaster Brewing Company. Please join us for food and beverages, networking, and forming positive connections with other young people in the manufacturing industry! Register

Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC)

MFG DAY 2026
October 7, 2026
Bayfront Convention Center, Erie PA
For more than 12 years, the MBA has brought together area manufacturers, educators and over 2,000 students to highlight the high paying, high-tech careers that are available in today’s diverse manufacturing industry. Learn more

Rock the Block: A Celebration of Manufacturing
October 1, 2026
Acutec Precision Aerospace, Meadville,PA
A free community block party celebrating manufacturing and our community. Food, music, tours, activities and more! Learn more

Rhode Island

Polaris MEP

RI’s Future In The Making
October 21, 2026
Farm Fresh RI, Providence, RI 
Polaris MEP will host its fourth annual Manufacturing Day (MFGDay) Career Exploration Experience event on October 21, 2026. Local manufacturers and training program partners will host interactive stations. High school students from around the state will arrive by bus for a hands-on manufacturing experience. Learn more

Texas

TMAC

Metroplex Manufacturing 2026: Schools
October 2, 2026
Fine Arts Academy, Fort Worth, Texas
In the next 18-42 months (yes, months!), the Metroplex will need over 31,000 NEW employees in manufacturing. Join TMAC as they introduce your students to the innovative careers waiting for them as Modern Makers in manufacturing! Register

Utah

University of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP)

Northern Utah Manufacturing Excellence
September 30, 2026
Cache County Event Center, Logan, Utah

October 1, 2026 
Factory Tours In Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Morgan, & Davis Counties
Join UUMEP for the biggest event of the year for Northern Utah manufacturers. Get insights you can’t get anywhere else on the toughest topics in manufacturing at the 5th Annual Northern Utah Manufacturing Excellence Conference. Register 

Manufacturing Expo at Southwest Tech
October 1, 2026
Southwest Tech Main Campus
In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, the Southern Utah Manufacturing Expo will take place on Thursday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Southwest Technical College. More than 400 attendees, including high school and college students, educators, and community members are expected. Come meet local manufacturing partners and learn about exciting career opportunities! Learn more

Vermont

Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)

Making It Together: STEAM to Manufacturing
October 15, 2026
Generator Makerspace, Burlington, VT
Join VMEC to celebrate manufacturing and its important impact on the Vermont (VT) economy! Co-hosted once with Generator Makerspace, the focus of this annual Advanced Manufacturing Day event will be learning from VT-based programs that are currently utilizing their skills and connections in closing workforce gaps. Attend to share your challenges and hear what others have accomplished so you can prepare and move forward with your own success story. Connect, Collaborate and Plan so you may build a stronger manufacturing workforce. Register

Virginia

GENEDGE

The State of Manufacturing: A Southern Virginia Perspective
October 9, 2026
West Piedmont Higher Education Center, Martinsville, Virginia
The State of Manufacturing: A Southern Virginia Perspective is a premier regional Manufacturing Day event bringing together manufacturers, business and industry leaders, elected officials, educators, workforce professionals, and community partners to celebrate Southern Virginia’s manufacturing past, present, and future. The program will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, industry insights, and networking opportunities focused on workforce and talent development, technology, automation and artificial intelligence, economic growth and innovation, industry trends, and manufacturing success stories. As part of the celebration, we will recognize several Virginia manufacturers that have achieved more than 100 years of excellence, honoring their longevity, accomplishments, and lasting contributions to Virginia’s economy and communities. We anticipate presenting state and local proclamations recognizing Manufacturing Day/Month and the importance of manufacturing to the Commonwealth and Southern Virginia. Register

Washington

Impact Washington

Smart Manufacturing Forum - Southwest Washington
October 26, 2026
Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver
The Smart Manufacturing Forum brings together manufacturers and industry leaders from Southwest Washington to explore the strategies, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of manufacturing in Washington. Through keynote presentations, expert panels, and peer discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into:

• Smart manufacturing and technology adoption
• Workforce development and talent strategies
• Leadership and change management
• Economic trends influencing manufacturing performance
• Resources and partnerships available across Washington's manufacturingecosystem

NIST Manufacturing Efforts Highlighted for MFG DAY

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports the American manufacturing sector in implementing innovative manufacturing techniques and in efficiently creating reliable, safe products. NIST partners with industry to identify challenges and provide solutions that benefit entire sectors. American manufacturers succeed in domestic and global markets because of NIST research, products, and services. Other federal agencies are also celebrating MFG Day with resources available on manufacturing.gov.

Office of Advanced Manufacturing 

 Check out NIST's Office of Advanced Manufacturing social media accounts for information on careers and occupations, making the connection between modern makers and the Occupation and Competency Framework.

Manufacturing USA

Together with the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and federal agency partners, the Manufacturing USA network celebrates the manufacturers who make the products that keep us safe, enrich our lives, strengthen our economic and national security, and provide countless opportunities for our communities and workforce. Learn more