Designing the Future, Manufacturing the Present: Your Guide to D&M Minneapolis

In the vast ecosystem of modern manufacturing, the journey from a nascent idea to a market-ready product is a complex dance of design ingenuity and manufacturing prowess. Every successful product, from life-saving medical devices to groundbreaking consumer electronics, hinges on the seamless integration of these two critical disciplines. For professionals across the Midwest, a region renowned for its robust manufacturing and medical technology industries, the annual D&M Minneapolis serves as the definitive nexus for innovation, collaboration, and solution discovery.

D&M Minneapolis is not a standalone event but a pivotal part of Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis, a powerful series of co-located expos organized by Informa Markets. This strategic co-location creates an unparalleled, holistic experience, bringing together D&M (Design & Manufacturing) alongside MD&M (Medical Design & Manufacturing), ATX (Automation Technology Expo), Plastec, and Pack (previously MinnPack, now integrated with packaging solutions). This means that with one badge, you gain access to an entire universe of advanced manufacturing solutions, allowing you to explore everything from cutting-edge design software and prototyping services to advanced automation, precision plastics, and efficient packaging. If you’re a design engineer, a manufacturing leader, a procurement specialist, or an R&D professional seeking to optimize your processes, source new technologies, or simply stay ahead of the curve in the heartland of American industry, D&M Minneapolis and its co-located events are an indispensable destination.

The Midwest’s Innovation Hub: The Venue and Its Time

D&M Minneapolis consistently finds its home in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This location is particularly strategic given Minnesota’s status as a powerhouse in medical technology and advanced manufacturing, boasting a rich ecosystem of innovative companies. The event is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, located at 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA.

The Minneapolis Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility, offering extensive exhibit halls, modern meeting rooms, and excellent amenities designed to host large-scale events efficiently. Its prime downtown location provides attendees with easy access to a diverse range of hotels, world-class dining, and cultural attractions that Minneapolis has to offer. The convention center is well-connected by public transportation, including light rail and bus services, and is within a convenient driving distance from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), making travel seamless for attendees arriving from across the nation and even internationally. The ample parking options and designated ride-share areas further enhance its accessibility.

D&M Minneapolis is an annual event, strategically scheduled in the fall to allow for the showcasing of the latest developments and trends towards the end of the year. For 2025, Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis, including D&M Minneapolis, is scheduled for October 21-22, 2025.

The expo hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Alongside the bustling exhibition floor, the MD&M Conference (which encompasses design and manufacturing topics) runs concurrently, usually from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM on both days. This concise two-day format ensures a concentrated and highly productive experience, allowing professionals to absorb maximum information and forge valuable connections within a focused timeframe.

Shaping the Future: Key Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at D&M Minneapolis, complemented by its co-located shows, presents a comprehensive showcase of technologies, materials, and services spanning the entire product development and manufacturing lifecycle. Attendees can explore a vast array of solutions, including:

• Design & Engineering Tools:
  • 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing: Industrial-grade 3D printers, rapid prototyping services, advanced materials (polymers, metals, ceramics) for prototyping and production.
  • CAD/CAM/CAE Software: Latest versions of design, analysis, and manufacturing software for product conceptualization, simulation, and optimization.
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Solutions for managing product data, processes, and workflows throughout the entire lifecycle.
  • Reverse Engineering and Inspection Software: Tools for scanning existing products and generating digital models for redesign or quality control.
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality: Applications for design visualization, training, and remote collaboration.
• Materials & Components:
  • Advanced Polymers & Plastics (Plastec): Biocompatible materials for medical devices, high-performance engineering plastics, elastomers, and specialty compounds.
  • Metals & Alloys: Precision-machined components, sheet metal fabrication, custom metal parts, and advanced metallic materials.
  • Adhesives, Sealants & Fasteners: Solutions for bonding, sealing, and joining various materials and components.
  • Electronic Components: Sensors, microcontrollers, PCBs, connectors, and integrated circuits essential for smart products.
  • Contract Manufacturing & Assembly Services: Companies offering expertise in precision machining, injection molding, rapid prototyping, and full product assembly.
• Manufacturing Processes & Equipment:
  • Precision Machining: CNC machining centers, turning, milling, grinding equipment, and tooling.
  • Injection Molding & Tooling (Plastec): Latest injection molding machines, mold making technologies, and process optimization solutions.
  • Laser Cutting, Welding & Marking: Advanced laser systems for precision material processing.
  • Assembly Equipment: Automated assembly lines, robotic work cells (ATX), and specialized fixturing.
  • Surface Finishing & Treatment: Technologies for improving product aesthetics, durability, and functionality.
• Quality Control & Metrology:
  • Dimensional Metrology: Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), optical inspection systems, laser scanners, and profilometers for precise measurement.
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Methods for inspecting material integrity without causing damage.
  • Test & Measurement Equipment: Tools for performance testing, material characterization, and quality assurance.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Software and consulting for compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 13485 for medical devices).
• Automation & Smart Manufacturing (ATX):
  • Robotics & Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Solutions for automated assembly, material handling, and quality inspection.
  • Sensors & Vision Systems: Technologies for enhancing automation, process control, and quality inspection.
  • Industrial IoT (IIoT) & Data Analytics: Platforms for connecting machines, collecting data, and gaining actionable insights for efficiency and predictive maintenance.
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Applications for optimizing manufacturing processes and improving decision-making.
  • Motion Control & Drives: Components for precise control of automated systems.
• Packaging Solutions (Pack):
  • Packaging Design & Materials: Innovations in sustainable packaging, protective packaging, and sterile packaging (especially for medical devices).
  • Packaging Machinery: Automated filling, sealing, labeling, and inspection equipment.

This vast and integrated showcase ensures that attendees can find end-to-end solutions, from the earliest design concept to the final, packaged product ready for market.

The Pulse of Midwest Manufacturing: Visitor Count and Demographics

D&M Minneapolis, as a cornerstone of Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis, consistently attracts a substantial and highly targeted audience, reflecting the region’s strong industrial base. Organizers anticipate bringing together approximately 5,000 attendees and featuring over 575 exhibiting companies across more than 77,900 square feet of show floor space. These figures highlight the event’s significant standing as the premier advanced manufacturing show in the Midwest.

The attendee profile at D&M Minneapolis and its co-located shows is exceptionally high-level and diverse, comprising key decision-makers and technical experts from a wide array of roles and industries:

• Engineers (Design, Project, Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging): Seeking to improve product performance, optimize processes, and implement new technologies.
• Executives (Owners, CEOs, VPs, General Managers): Making strategic decisions regarding investments, market expansion, and technology adoption.
• Manufacturing & Production Professionals: Focused on efficiency, throughput, quality control, and operational excellence.
• Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Specialists: Ensuring compliance, reliability, and safety of manufactured products.
• Purchasing & Procurement Managers: Sourcing new components, materials, equipment, and contract manufacturing services.
• Product Development Managers: Guiding products from concept to commercialization.
• Automation & Robotics Specialists: Integrating intelligent systems into production.

Attendees represent a broad spectrum of industries, particularly strong in the Midwest:

• Medical Device Manufacturing (MD&M): A dominant sector in Minnesota’s “Medical Alley.”
• Automotive & Transportation: Including traditional and electric vehicle components.
• Aerospace & Defense: High-precision manufacturing for critical applications.
• Industrial Equipment & Machinery: Robotics, automation, and heavy machinery.
• Consumer Products & Electronics: Everyday goods and advanced electronic devices.
• Food & Beverage: Processing and packaging solutions.
• Agriculture: Technologies for agricultural machinery and food processing.

This highly concentrated and relevant audience creates unparalleled opportunities for targeted networking, knowledge exchange, and business development within the Midwest’s advanced manufacturing landscape.

Forging Your Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending D&M Minneapolis, as part of the comprehensive Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis event, offers an unparalleled suite of strategic advantages and exclusive perks for any professional dedicated to pushing the boundaries of product design and manufacturing:

• Integrated Solutions under One Roof: The unique co-location of D&M with MD&M, ATX, Plastec, and Pack provides a holistic view of the entire product realization process. This means you can find solutions for design, materials, manufacturing, automation, and packaging all in one efficient visit, fostering synergistic innovation across your operations.
• Cutting-Edge Technology Showcase: Witness live demonstrations of the very latest in industrial 3D printing, advanced robotics, precision machining, AI-powered quality control, smart factory solutions, and new material innovations. See how these technologies can be applied to your specific challenges and revolutionize your production lines.
• Targeted Educational Content: Access a robust conference program and free on-floor educational sessions at multiple theaters. Learn directly from industry experts, thought leaders, and peers about critical topics such as medical device regulations, sustainable manufacturing practices, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and advanced materials science.
• Accelerated Sourcing & Procurement: Meet face-to-face with hundreds of top-tier suppliers. This direct interaction allows you to efficiently compare products, discuss custom solutions, gather competitive quotes, and build vital relationships with potential partners, significantly streamlining your procurement process.
• Strategic Networking: Connect with thousands of highly qualified professionals, including engineers, R&D specialists, manufacturing executives, and decision-makers from leading companies across the Midwest’s diverse industrial sectors. These are invaluable opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and identifying new business opportunities.
• Problem-Solving & Expert Consultation: Bring your specific design hurdles, manufacturing bottlenecks, or quality challenges directly to the experts on the show floor. Exhibitors are eager to provide tailored advice and demonstrate how their products and services can deliver real-world solutions for your operational needs.
• Market Trend Insights: Gain foresight into the future of manufacturing. Understand how emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced automation are shaping industry trends, and how new materials and processes are impacting product development. This knowledge is crucial for strategic planning.
• Professional Development & Inspiration: Immerse yourself in an environment of innovation and expertise. The exposure to new ideas and technologies, combined with the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, can inspire new approaches and contribute significantly to your professional growth.

Your Minneapolis Retreat: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Minneapolis offers a wide range of hotel options, particularly concentrated in the vibrant downtown area, making it highly convenient for attendees of the Minneapolis Convention Center. Many hotels are within comfortable walking distance or a very short ride via public transit or ride-sharing services from the convention center. Booking your accommodations well in advance, especially for a major event, is always recommended to ensure the best rates and availability.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Minneapolis Convention Center include:

• Hilton Minneapolis: Often a top choice due to its direct skyway connection to the Minneapolis Convention Center, offering unparalleled convenience. It’s a large, full-service hotel.
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis: Another excellent option with a skyway connection to the convention center, providing direct access to the event.
• Millennium Minneapolis: A well-known hotel located very close to the convention center on Nicollet Mall, a popular pedestrian street.
• Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown: A modern and reliable choice offering comfortable rooms and amenities, within walking distance of the convention center.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis-Dwtn (Conv Ctr): A straightforward hotel providing complimentary breakfast, conveniently located near the convention center.
• Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis: For those seeking a more upscale experience, this historic and elegant hotel is within a reasonable distance.
• Radisson RED Minneapolis Downtown: A contemporary and vibrant hotel, offering a unique stay experience within walking distance.

Many of these hotels are situated along Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-friendly street with numerous dining and shopping options, allowing attendees to easily explore downtown Minneapolis after show hours.

The Investment in Innovation: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The pricing for D&M Minneapolis, as part of the larger Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis event, is structured to provide flexible access to its extensive offerings, from free expo admission to premium conference content.

• Expo Pass: Often, access to the exhibition floor for D&M Minneapolis and all co-located shows is FREE if you register online in advance. This is a significant benefit, allowing you to explore hundreds of exhibitors, see live product demonstrations, and network with peers without an upfront cost for basic entry. If you register on-site without advance registration, there may be a nominal fee (e.g., $50-$100 USD).
• Conference Pass: To access the more in-depth educational content, including keynote speeches, multi-track conference sessions (such as the MD&M Conference), and expert-led presentations, there will be a fee.
  • A 2-Day Conference Pass typically provides access to all conference sessions, the expo floor, and potentially networking receptions. Prices can vary but generally range from $200 to $500 USD, depending on early bird discounts and whether you are a member of a supporting industry association.
  • Single-day conference passes may also be available for a slightly lower cost.

The value proposition is robust: a vast exhibition floor is often freely accessible with advance registration, while a reasonable investment unlocks a wealth of specialized educational content and high-level networking opportunities across five major manufacturing sectors. This structure makes D&M Minneapolis a highly cost-effective way to gain comprehensive industry insights in the Midwest.

Design Your Ascent: Don’t Miss D&M Minneapolis!

D&M Minneapolis is more than just an event; it’s the annual confluence of brilliant minds, innovative technologies, and strategic partnerships that are actively shaping the future of product design and manufacturing. In a region celebrated for its industrial prowess and groundbreaking medical technology, this summit provides an unparalleled platform to learn, source, and connect. If you are committed to refining your design processes, optimizing your manufacturing operations, and staying at the forefront of industry advancements, then securing your place at D&M Minneapolis is not just an option—it’s an essential strategic move for your business and career. Don’t miss this prime opportunity to experience the cutting edge of manufacturing in the heart of the Midwest!

To learn more and register for the upcoming D&M Minneapolis, visit: www.advancedmanufacturingminneapolis.com