In the heart of the dynamic West Coast manufacturing landscape, where innovation converges with industrial might, there exists a pivotal event that serves as the nexus for technological advancement and business growth: WESTEC. For decades, WESTEC has been the essential gathering for manufacturers seeking to optimize their operations, explore groundbreaking technologies, and connect with the pioneers shaping the future of production. It’s more than just a trade show; it’s an immersive experience designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the industry today, from workforce development and supply chain disruptions to the accelerating pace of digital adoption.

Produced by SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, WESTEC is a vital part of the Manufacturing Technology Series. This strategic collaboration ensures that the event is at the forefront of showcasing advancements in automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, precision machining, software solutions, and industrial IoT. Whether you’re a small job shop owner, a large aerospace manufacturer, a medical device producer, or an automotive supplier, WESTEC provides an unparalleled opportunity to see, touch, and compare the latest machinery, discover actionable solutions, and forge valuable connections that will drive your company forward.

The Pacific Gateway: The Venue and Its Time

Long Beach, California, a vibrant coastal city with a bustling port, thriving economy, and excellent convention facilities, provides an ideal setting for WESTEC. Its strategic location offers easy access for manufacturers across the Western United States and beyond, solidifying its role as a key hub for innovation. WESTEC consistently takes place at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, located at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA.

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is a modern and versatile facility, offering ample exhibit space, comfortable meeting areas, and a picturesque waterfront setting. Its accessibility within the city, with numerous hotels and dining options within walking distance, makes it a convenient and enjoyable destination for attendees. The venue’s proximity to major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Long Beach Airport (LGB), ensures smooth travel for visitors.

WESTEC is typically held on a biennial schedule, though in recent years, it has shifted to an annual or near-annual cadence as part of the broader Manufacturing Technology Series that rotates through different regions. The most recent edition of WESTEC was in November 2023. Looking ahead, WESTEC 2025 is scheduled from October 7-9, 2025.

The show typically runs for three intensive days: from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, and an earlier close at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday. This focused schedule allows attendees to maximize their time on the show floor, participate in educational sessions, and engage in targeted networking.

The Arsenal of Innovation: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at WESTEC is a comprehensive showcase of the technologies, equipment, and solutions that are driving the modern manufacturing industry. Visitors can explore a vast array of products and services across numerous critical categories:

• Advanced Machining & Metalworking:
  • CNC Machining Centers (milling, turning, grinding)
  • Lathes, Drills, Saws
  • EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)
  • Laser cutting and welding systems
  • Waterjet cutting
  • Grinding machines, surface finishing
  • Tooling, workholding, abrasives
• Automation & Robotics:
  • Industrial Robots (articulated, collaborative, SCARA)
  • Robotic automation systems for machine tending, welding, assembly, material handling
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • Parts feeders, vision systems
• Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing:
  • Industrial 3D printers (metal, polymer, composite)
  • Materials for additive manufacturing
  • Post-processing equipment
  • Rapid prototyping and tooling solutions
• Smart Manufacturing & IIoT:
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms and sensors
  • Data analytics, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring
  • Cloud computing solutions for manufacturing
  • Cybersecurity for industrial control systems
  • Digital twin technology, simulation software
• Design & Software Solutions:
  • CAD/CAM/CAE software
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for manufacturing
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
  • Quality management software
• Measurement, Inspection & Quality Control:
  • Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
  • Vision inspection systems, optical comparators
  • Gauges, calipers, micrometers
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment
  • Metrology software
• Tooling & Workholding:
  • Cutting tools (carbide, high-speed steel, ceramics)
  • Tool holders, chucks, vises, fixtures
  • Abrasives, grinding wheels
• Fabricating & Forming:
  • Press brakes, shears, punching machines
  • Roll forming, tube bending
  • Stamping equipment
• Welding & Joining:
  • Arc welding, laser welding, resistance welding
  • Friction stir welding
  • Brazing, soldering equipment
• Workforce Development & Training:
  • Educational programs, certifications
  • Simulation and virtual reality training
  • Solutions for attracting and retaining skilled labor
• Materials:
  • Advanced materials (composites, alloys)
  • Specialty metals, plastics
• Plant & Facilities Equipment:
  • Safety equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Environmental control systems, dust collection
  • Industrial cleaning solutions
  • Material handling equipment for internal logistics

This extensive range of categories ensures that any professional involved in manufacturing, from job shops to large-scale production facilities across various industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, and fabricated metals, can find the solutions they need to enhance productivity, improve quality, and drive innovation.

The West Coast’s Manufacturing Pulse: Visitor Count and Demographics

WESTEC consistently attracts a significant and highly targeted audience, reinforcing its status as the leading manufacturing event on the West Coast. While visitor numbers can fluctuate slightly with each edition, the 2023 WESTEC event reported over 7,500 attendees and featured 366 exhibitors across more than 68,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The 2025 event is expected to draw similar numbers, reflecting its crucial role in the region.

The attendee profile at WESTEC is highly relevant to decision-making within manufacturing operations. Typical attendees include:

• Manufacturing Engineers & Production Managers: Professionals focused on optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and overseeing daily operations.
• Plant Managers & Operations Directors: Responsible for the overall performance, safety, and strategic direction of manufacturing facilities.
• Owners & Company Executives: Decision-makers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations, seeking strategic investments and partnerships.
• Tool & Die Makers: Specialists in the design and fabrication of essential manufacturing tools.
• Quality Control & Assurance Managers: Focused on precision, compliance, and product integrity.
• R&D Professionals: Exploring new materials, processes, and technologies for future products.
• Purchasing Managers: Sourcing new machinery, software, tooling, and materials.
• Design Engineers: Interested in the latest CAD/CAM software and additive manufacturing capabilities.

A key statistic from previous WESTEC shows that a significant percentage of attendees (often over 75%) have buying influence in their companies, with a substantial portion (over 30%) holding equipment budgets exceeding $20,000, and many with budgets far higher. This strong purchasing power makes WESTEC an incredibly effective environment for both exhibitors and attendees.

The Blueprint for Progress: Benefits and Perks of Attending WESTEC

Attending WESTEC in Long Beach offers a wealth of benefits and unique opportunities for any professional in the manufacturing sector:

• Experience Live Technology: Witness hundreds of machines, robots, and advanced manufacturing systems in action on the show floor. See live cutting demonstrations, robotic assembly lines, and additive manufacturing processes. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding capabilities and evaluating potential investments.
• Comprehensive Sourcing & Comparison: Efficiently compare and contrast solutions from hundreds of leading suppliers, all under one roof. This allows for informed decision-making, competitive evaluations, and the discovery of new and innovative partners you might not have otherwise encountered.
• Executive Perspectives & Keynotes: Gain strategic insights from top industry executives and thought leaders during the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series. These sessions often cover critical topics like the economic outlook for manufacturing, the future of automation, and strategies for navigating workforce challenges.
• Targeted Educational Programming: Participate in numerous complimentary educational presentations at the Smart Zone Theater and other stages. These sessions delve into manufacturing trends, business cases for new technologies, smart manufacturing adoption, cybersecurity, and more, offering actionable insights for improving operations.
• Dedicated Focus Areas: Explore specialized zones like the Smart Manufacturing Experience, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in digital manufacturing and industrial cybersecurity, and the SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030, designed to provide solutions for current and future workforce challenges.
• Unparalleled Networking: Connect face-to-face with thousands of industry peers, experts, and potential partners. WESTEC fosters a vibrant environment for building valuable relationships, exchanging ideas, and discussing solutions to shared challenges during dedicated networking receptions.
• Solve Your Manufacturing Problems: Bring your specific pain points – whether it’s related to increasing throughput, reducing costs, improving quality, or attracting skilled labor. Exhibitors and experts are on hand to provide tailored advice and demonstrate how their solutions can directly address your operational needs.
• Discover New Products: The show floor is packed with new product launches and innovations. WESTEC provides the earliest look at many technologies that will define the future of manufacturing.
• Strategic Co-location: In some editions, WESTEC is co-located with other relevant events (like AeroDef Manufacturing in 2023), offering attendees even broader exposure to complementary technologies and industries, particularly for those in aerospace and defense.

Your Long Beach Base Camp: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Long Beach offers a diverse range of hotel accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences, with many conveniently located near the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. To ensure the best rates and availability, especially for a major event like WESTEC, it is highly recommended to book your hotel well in advance, ideally through the official housing partner if one is designated.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center include:

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Directly adjacent to the Convention Center, offering premium amenities and waterfront views. This is often the most convenient choice.
• Renaissance Long Beach Hotel: A stylish option within easy walking distance of the Convention Center and downtown attractions.
• Hilton Long Beach: A large, well-appointed hotel offering comfortable accommodations and good access to the Convention Center.
• Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown: A reliable and modern option within close proximity.
• Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: Offers a unique, resort-like experience with a distinct design, just across the water from the Convention Center (requires a short ride or walk over a bridge).
• The Pacific Inn, Long Beach: A boutique option for those seeking a more personalized stay.

The event organizers (SME and AMT) typically partner with an official housing provider to offer discounted hotel rates and ensure a smooth booking process for attendees. Utilizing these official channels is always recommended for the best experience.

The Investment in Manufacturing Excellence: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend WESTEC is designed to provide accessible entry, with various registration options. While specific pricing for WESTEC 2025 will be released closer to the event (registration typically opens several months prior), based on previous editions, you can anticipate the following general structure:

• Exhibit Hall Pass: This pass grants full access to the entire exhibition floor for all three days, including access to all exhibitor booths, live demonstrations, and the free on-floor educational sessions (e.g., at the Smart Zone Theater) and keynote addresses. A significant perk of WESTEC is that show registration for the exhibit hall is often FREE if you register online by an early-bird deadline or use a promotional code provided by an exhibitor or partner (like AMT has done in the past). There might be a nominal fee (e.g., $50 – $100 USD) for later online registrations or on-site.
• Paid Conference Tracks/Workshops: While many educational sessions are complimentary, there might be more in-depth, specialized workshops or conference tracks (especially if co-located with events like AeroDef Manufacturing) that require separate paid registration. These fees would be in addition to the exhibit hall pass and could range from approximately $150 – $500 USD depending on the duration and content.
• Networking Events: There might be separate fees for specific networking receptions or exclusive industry gatherings.

The investment in attending WESTEC is widely considered to be an excellent value, offering an unparalleled return in terms of discovering innovative solutions, gaining critical industry insights, and forging valuable business connections that can significantly impact your manufacturing operation’s success and competitive standing.

Fabricate Your Future: Don’t Miss WESTEC!

WESTEC in Long Beach is the essential gathering for anyone deeply involved in or looking to excel within the manufacturing industry on the West Coast. It’s where innovative ideas translate into tangible, real-world applications, and where the brightest minds converge to drive efficiency, precision, and sustainability in production. If you’re ready to embrace the latest technologies, optimize your processes for peak performance, and connect with the visionaries shaping tomorrow’s factories, securing your place at WESTEC is an indispensable step. Don’t just keep pace with the industry’s evolution – lead the way and machine your path to enduring success!

To learn more and prepare for the next WESTEC event, visit: www.west.mtseries.com