IoT will be a dominant theme at the show. The fitting of myriad equipment with sensors, and the ability to collect, transmit and interpret data in real-time, is enabling improved connectivity across industrial environments. It will provide companies with far better visibility of their assets, bringing the potential for smarter factories based on preventative maintenance methodologies.
 
“The move towards predictive methodologies means the maintenance role will become less about how quickly employees can fix assets, and much more about preventing equipment from failing in the first place,” says Lee Hibbert, industry analyst and content curator for Maintec 2017.
 
Maintec will also focus on how IoT will transform the way that equipment is monitored and repaired out in the field. For maintenance professionals, the increased connectivity will prompt the use of new technologies such as augmented reality and wearable devices, changing the way they perform their daily roles, and moving them up hierarchical structures.
 
These are also some of the topics, which are included in the extensive conference program accompanying the event. “We felt it was important to increase the educational aspect of Maintec to reflect the rapid pace of technological change in the industrial sector,” says Tim Else, Event Director. “IoT is set to revolutionise the way that modern maintenance engineers go about their daily tasks and it’s important that this trend features prominently at the show.”
 
Confirmed speakers include Steve Brambley, a director at Gambica, the trade association for instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology in the UK, who will speak about smart maintenance, focusing on how the industrial base can get involved with IoT demonstration efforts. Professor Rajkumar Roy, director of Through-life Engineering Services Centre, Operations Excellence Institute at Cranfield University, will speak on how digital technologies will underpin the concept of continuous maintenance, focusing at the foundations and technologies required to offer such service.

Meanwhile, Cyril Deschanel, head of IoT in Northern Europe for Vodafone, will discuss the role of IoT-enabled technologies in supporting reliable preventative maintenance programmes, while Chris Mitchell, principal consultant at US-software giant PTC will look at how augmented reality and wearable technology will change the way that factory equipment is maintained.
In addition to the conference activities, the exhibition halls at Maintec also promise to be packed full of clever companies showcasing interesting technology. Maintec 2017 is expected to feature more than 100 exhibitors, covering a wide range of sectors including electric motors, pumps, lubricants, hydraulic equipment, vibration analysis software and safety products. There will also be interactive demonstration areas, where visitors can view machinery and safety equipment in operation.
 
The show is expected to attract more than 5,000 delegates from leading companies. Maintec 2016, for instance, had visitors from blue-chip companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley Motors, Rolls-Royce, Network Rail and Robert Bosch.
 
Prioritise your visit to Maintec 2017

Whether your business covers multiple sites or is focussed in a particular region of the U.K., no venue can compete with Birmingham’s NEC for accessibility. Situated at the heart of our transport networks no venue is better connected, which is why the NEC is the obvious choice when we bring the MRO community together in March.

New for 2017

We know just how valuable your time is and are therefore committed to the continuous improvement of the educational content we provide.  Our range of conference and seminar topics is designed to inspire you to be heard and affect real workplace enhancement.  Delivered by engaging and thought provoking individual speakers as well as carefully created expert panels, we provide the chance to exceed your CPD requirements without any delegate fees - entry is free to qualifying professionals who register online in advance.
Maintec is strategically co-located with 3 complementary exhibitions, all organised by the same team:

• The Health & Safety Event
• The Fire Safety Event
• Facilities Management

With access to over 400 exhibitors and no fewer than 8 focused educational theatres, these events combine to provide your Maintenance, FM, Safety, and Security teams with direct access to a compelling, entertaining and valuable visiting experience.