Machinebuilding.North 2026 Introduces A Hands-On Training Programme for Machine Builders and Automation Engineers Alongside Expert Workshops

The North's flagship event for the machine building, manufacturing and engineering industry, this year will once again bring together machine builders, systems integrators and manufacturing professionals for a highly focused one-day event dedicated to machine building and industrial automation.

Alongside a sold-out exhibition floor showcasing 140 specialist automation suppliers, MachineBuilding.North 2026 features a comprehensive programme of technical workshops and hands-on training sessions, giving engineers direct access to the expertise, technologies and practical knowledge shaping modern machine design and integration.

A new hands-on training feature for 2026

New for this year: MachineBuilding.North introduces hands-on IO-Link training sessions, designed to give engineers practical, real-world experience with one of the fastest-growing technologies in industrial automation. Attendees will learn:
- IO-Link integration and device parameterisation
- Implementing IO-Link with PROFINET
- Migration routes and best practices
- Practical configuration using real engineering setups

With only 16 places available per session, the training is designed to be highly interactive, providing engineers with knowledge they can apply immediately in machine design and integration projects.

A comprehensive technical workshop programme

Alongside the hands-on training, MachineBuilding.North will feature a two-theatre technical workshop programme, delivering practical insight into the technologies shaping modern machine building.

The sessions are designed to be concise, technical and immediately applicable, following the event's "all killer, no filler" approach.

Engineering and automation theatre

This stream focuses on practical solutions for machine builders, including:
- PILZ - The transition to the new Machinery Regulation and what it means for compliance
- SICK - Understanding critical machine safety characteristics and stopping performance
- Beckhoff - Cabinet-free automation and decentralised control architectures
- Lenze - The Cyber Resilience Act and its impact on machine builders
- B&R - Machine-centric robotics and integrated automation platforms

These sessions are designed to help engineers address real-world challenges across safety, performance, compliance and system design.

Industrial networks and connectivity theatre

A dedicated programme led by PI UK will explore the technologies enabling modern connected machines, including:
- SRCI - Standardising robot control for simplified integration
- Industrial Ethernet Security - Protecting connected machines and operational data
- IO-Link in practice - From smart sensors to wireless and safety integration
- PROFIsafe - The latest developments in networked machine safety
- APL & Single Pair Ethernet - The future of industrial connectivity
- MTP & NOA - Enabling modular, flexible production systems

Together, these sessions provide a practical overview of how connectivity, interoperability and security are shaping the next generation of automation systems.

Designed to deliver practical, actionable insight

MachineBuilding.North has been designed to deliver maximum value in minimum time.

The addition of hands-on training, combined with a comprehensive workshop programme and a sold-out exhibition of more than 140 solution providers, creates a complete environment for learning, discovery and problem-solving.

Register now

MachineBuilding.North 2026 takes place on Wednesday, 13th May at the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester.

Free to attend for manufacturing professionals, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge, discover new technologies and connect with industry experts in a single day.

You can secure your free VIP Badge here.