In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the synergy between design and manufacturing is more crucial than ever. From rapid prototyping to advanced automation and the integration of smart technologies, companies are constantly seeking new ways to innovate, optimize processes, and bring cutting-edge products to market faster. For businesses and professionals across the Southeastern United States, the D&M South expo in Atlanta serves as a vital hub for discovering the latest advancements and forging essential industry connections.

D&M South is a highly specialized exhibition that co-locates with a powerhouse of advanced manufacturing and automation events, including Automation Technology Expo (ATX) South, SouthPack, Plastec South, and Medtech South. This strategic co-location creates a comprehensive industrial marketplace, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore the entire product lifecycle – from initial design and raw materials to manufacturing processes, packaging, and final medical device assembly. It’s a critical gathering for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and supply chain professionals seeking to accelerate their product development, enhance efficiency, and stay competitive in a globalized economy.

The Heart of Southern Industry: The Venue and Its Time

D&M South consistently takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, a major economic and transportation hub in the Southeastern United States. The event is held at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA. The GWCC is a sprawling, state-of-the-art convention facility, known for its extensive exhibit halls, flexible meeting spaces, and convenient downtown location. Its accessibility via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world’s busiest airports, and Atlanta’s robust public transportation system, makes it an ideal venue for attracting a diverse regional and national audience.

D&M South is an annual event, typically held in the late spring or early summer. For 2025, the co-located exhibitions, including D&M South, are scheduled from June 10-12, 2025. The event runs for three intensive days, with dedicated exhibition hours that typically extend from morning (e.g., 10:00 AM) to late afternoon (e.g., 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM). This focused schedule allows attendees to maximize their time on the show floor, participate in educational sessions, and engage in targeted networking, ensuring a highly productive experience.

The Innovation Blueprint: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at D&M South (and its co-located events) is a vibrant showcase of the technologies, equipment, materials, and services that are transforming the design and manufacturing industries. Attendees can expect to find solutions across a broad spectrum, essential for every stage of product development and production:

• Design Engineering & Software:
  • CAD/CAM/CAE Software: Latest versions of computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering software for product development, simulation, and analysis.
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Solutions for managing product data, workflows, and collaboration throughout the entire product lifecycle.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Technologies like 3D printing (additive manufacturing) for quickly creating prototypes and functional parts.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR): Tools for design visualization, training, and remote collaboration in manufacturing.
• Materials & Components:
  • Advanced Materials: Composites, smart materials, lightweight alloys, and engineered plastics designed for specific performance requirements.
  • Components & Subassemblies: Precision parts, fasteners, connectors, sensors, and other essential components used in manufacturing.
  • Adhesives & Sealants: Industrial-grade solutions for bonding, sealing, and protecting manufactured goods.
• Manufacturing Processes & Equipment:
  • Machining & Fabrication: CNC machining centers, laser cutting, welding equipment, and sheet metal fabrication solutions.
  • Molding & Forming: Injection molding machines, blow molding, thermoforming, and other plastic and metal forming equipment.
  • Assembly & Automation: Robotic systems, automated assembly lines, pick-and-place machines, and collaborative robots (cobots).
  • Surface Treatment & Finishing: Coatings, platings, painting, and other surface modification technologies for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
• Quality Control & Metrology:
  • Inspection Systems: Vision inspection, X-ray, and non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment.
  • Measurement & Metrology: CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), laser scanners, optical comparators, and precision gauges for quality assurance.
  • Quality Management Software: Solutions for tracking defects, managing quality processes, and ensuring compliance.
• Supply Chain & Logistics:
  • Supply Chain Management Software: Tools for optimizing logistics, inventory, and supplier relationships.
  • Logistics & Fulfillment Services: Providers offering warehousing, distribution, and transportation solutions for manufactured goods.
• Industry-Specific Solutions (due to co-location):
  • Plastics: Resin suppliers, plastic processing machinery, and sustainable plastic solutions (from Plastec South).
  • Packaging: Packaging machinery, materials, containers, labeling solutions, and automation for packaging (from SouthPack).
  • Automation: Industrial robots, control systems, sensors, motion control, and automation software (from ATX South).
  • Medical Manufacturing: Specialized materials, precision machining, cleanroom technologies, and regulatory compliance for medical devices (from Medtech South).

This vast array ensures that attendees can explore integrated solutions, discover new suppliers, and gain insights across the entire manufacturing value chain.

The Movers and Shakers: Visitor Count and Demographics

D&M South, as part of the larger co-located event cluster, draws a significant and highly qualified audience from across the manufacturing and design industries. While specific numbers for D&M South alone aren’t typically broken out, the combined Design & Manufacturing, Automation, Packaging, Plastics, and Medtech events in Atlanta typically attract thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors. Past editions of this co-located show have seen combined attendance figures reaching over 4,000-5,000 visitors and more than 400-500 exhibiting companies. This represents a substantial gathering of industry professionals.

The attendee profile is broad yet specialized, including key decision-makers and technical experts from various roles and industries:

• Design Engineers & R&D Professionals: Seeking new materials, software, and rapid prototyping solutions.
• Manufacturing Engineers & Production Managers: Looking for automation, advanced machinery, and process optimization tools.
• Product Development Managers: Interested in accelerating time-to-market and enhancing product innovation.
• Purchasing & Procurement Managers: Sourcing components, materials, and manufacturing services.
• Quality Assurance & Control Professionals: Exploring new inspection and metrology equipment.
• Operations & Plant Managers: Aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance production capabilities.
• Packaging Engineers & Specialists: (from SouthPack) focused on new packaging materials and machinery.
• Plastics Processors & Engineers: (from Plastec South) exploring new resins, molding technologies, and recycling solutions.
• Automation Engineers & Integrators: (from ATX South) seeking robotics, control systems, and smart factory solutions.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: (from Medtech South) looking for specialized materials, contract manufacturing, and regulatory compliance solutions.
• Executives & Business Owners: Seeking strategic insights, market trends, and new business opportunities.

This diverse yet interconnected audience creates a rich environment for cross-industry learning and collaboration.

Crafting Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending D&M South (and its co-located expos) offers a multitude of benefits for professionals looking to stay at the forefront of design and manufacturing innovation:

• Comprehensive Solution Sourcing: With five shows under one roof, you can explore the entire product development and production lifecycle, finding integrated solutions from design to manufacturing, automation, plastics, packaging, and medical technology.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Technologies: Witness live demonstrations of the latest machinery, software, robotics, 3D printing, and smart factory solutions. See how these technologies can be applied to your specific challenges.
• Unparalleled Networking: Connect face-to-face with a vast array of peers, industry leaders, suppliers, and potential partners. Build invaluable relationships that can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.
• Gain Actionable Insights: Participate in an extensive educational program, often featuring free sessions on the expo floor or more in-depth paid conference tracks. Learn about best practices, emerging trends, regulatory updates, and strategies for improving efficiency and competitiveness.
• Problem-Solving & Collaboration: Discuss your specific manufacturing and design challenges with experts from various fields and gain insights from others who have faced similar issues.
• Cost & Time Efficiency: By bringing together a diverse range of suppliers and solutions in one location, you can efficiently source technologies, compare options, and make informed purchasing decisions, saving significant time and travel costs.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Get a direct pulse on the future of manufacturing, including advancements in AI, automation, sustainable materials, and supply chain resilience.
• Inspiring Innovations: Be inspired by new product designs, manufacturing breakthroughs, and the ingenuity on display across all co-located sectors.

Your Atlanta Launchpad: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Atlanta offers a wide variety of hotel options, particularly in the downtown area where the Georgia World Congress Center is located. Many are within walking distance or a short ride via Atlanta’s MARTA public transportation system.

Some popular and convenient hotel options near the Georgia World Congress Center include:

• Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center: Directly connected to the GWCC, offering unparalleled convenience.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park: A short walk from the GWCC and Centennial Olympic Park, offering spacious suites and complimentary breakfast.
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta: A iconic downtown hotel, a short MARTA ride or moderate walk from the GWCC.
• Hilton Atlanta: Another large downtown option, accessible via MARTA or a short taxi/rideshare.
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis: Known for its impressive atrium, it’s a major convention hotel with good access to the GWCC via MARTA.
• Reverb by Hard Rock Downtown Atlanta: A newer, music-themed hotel close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the GWCC.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown: Offers suite-style accommodations and is within walking distance to many attractions and the GWCC.

Given Atlanta’s status as a major convention city, especially during large events like the co-located D&M South shows, it is highly recommended to book your hotel accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Utilizing MARTA for transportation within downtown can save time and money.

The Investment in Excellence: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend D&M South (and its co-located events) is structured to provide flexible access, with options ranging from free expo-only passes to more comprehensive conference passes.

For the D&M South 2025 event, general attendance typically involves:

• Expo Pass: Often, an expo-only pass is free if you register online in advance. This grants you access to the exhibition floor where hundreds of suppliers showcase their products and solutions.
• Conference Pass: If you wish to attend the educational sessions, keynote speeches, and more in-depth technical presentations, there will be a fee.
  • Early Bird Conference Pass: Prices can range from $399 – $599 USD for early registrants.
  • Standard/On-site Conference Pass: These rates will be higher, potentially $699 – $999+ USD.
• Specialty Workshops/Courses: Some highly specialized workshops or pre-conference courses may have additional fees.

The “free expo pass” model is common for this type of industrial trade show, making it highly accessible for professionals who primarily want to visit exhibitor booths. Always consult the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, registration deadlines, and any available group discounts. This investment can unlock significant opportunities for your business.

Design Your Future at D&M South!

D&M South in Atlanta is the indispensable annual event for anyone driving innovation in product design and manufacturing across the Southeast. It’s where advanced technologies are unveiled, critical industry insights are shared, and the powerful connections that accelerate product development and optimize production are forged. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your expertise, discover the latest solutions, and ensure your business remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

To learn more and secure your attendance at the next D&M South, visit: www.imengineeringwest.com/en/shows/dm-south.html