Quick Answer: Florida hosts 10+ major manufacturing events in 2026. The largest by attendance is the Grainger Show (12,000 attendees, March 15-17, Orlando). The most executive-focused is The MFG Meeting (March 10-12, Fort Lauderdale). The most defense-focused is the Defense Manufacturing Conference (March 30 to April 2, Orlando). Events span February through October, with the heaviest concentration in March.
This guide covers manufacturing conferences, trade shows, and industry summits taking place in Florida in 2026, organized by date and sector. Florida's advanced manufacturing industries in aerospace, defense, and semiconductors make it one of the most active states for manufacturing events on the national calendar. Resolve's B2B payment solutions help manufacturers attending these events streamline net terms, reconciliation, and invoicing through an AI-powered platform that fits directly into their existing financial stack.
| Event | Date | City | Venue | Audience | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military Additive Manufacturing Summit (MILAM) | Feb 3-5 | Tampa | Tampa Convention Center | Defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers | Paid |
| The MFG Meeting 2026 | Mar 10-12 | Fort Lauderdale | Resort venue (TBD) | C-suite manufacturing technology executives | Invite-only |
| Grainger Show 2026 | Mar 15-17 | Orlando | Orange County Convention Center | MRO professionals, facility managers | Invite-only (free) |
| Fintech Americas Miami 2026 | Mar 24-26 | Miami | TBD | Fintech professionals, financial institutions | Paid |
| Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) 2026 | Mar 30 to Apr 2 | Orlando | Caribe Royale Orlando | Defense contractors, government officials | Paid |
| Advanced S&OP to IBP Summit 2026 | May 7-8 | Orlando | TBD | Supply chain executives, operations leaders | Paid |
| Florida Automation Expo 2026 | May 21 | Tampa | Raymond James Stadium | Manufacturing professionals, automation engineers | Free |
| Florida Technology and Innovation Summit 2026 | Aug 11 | Tampa | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay | Technology leaders, manufacturing innovators | Paid |
| ASTM ICAM 2026 | Sep 28 to Oct 2 | Orlando | TBD | Scientists, engineers, OEMs, policy experts | Paid |
| iTrading Expo Miami 2026 | Oct 1-2 | Fort Lauderdale | Broward County Convention Center | Fintech companies, payment processors, brokers | Paid |
MILAM 2026 takes place February 3-5 at the Tampa Convention Center, making it North America's largest military and defense-focused 3D printing summit. Now in its 10th annual edition, the event draws 150+ exhibitors alongside government and defense professionals focused on additive manufacturing technology for military supply chain modernization.
Quick Facts: Feb 3-5 | Tampa Convention Center | 150+ exhibitors | Defense/aerospace | Paid registration
Best For: Military personnel, defense contractors, and aerospace manufacturers working with 3D printing technology who need solutions for complex government contract payments.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: Military additive manufacturing involves complex government contracts with extended payment terms that can significantly strain working capital. Defense contractors managing these cycles benefit from B2B payment solutions that advance payment on approved invoices while maintaining standard terms with government customers.
The MFG Meeting 2026 takes place March 10-12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, an invite-only C-suite summit for manufacturing technology executives organized by AMT, focused on industrial AI, working capital strategy, and global trade.
Quick Facts: Mar 10-12 | Fort Lauderdale resort venue | C-suite executives | Invite-only
Best For: Manufacturing technology executives seeking strategic discussions on working capital optimization, industrial AI implementation, and global trade strategies.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The MFG Meeting's focus on strategic business challenges makes it ideal for discussions about working capital optimization and payment automation. With executives specifically gathered to address operational efficiency and financial strategy, this event provides a direct opportunity to explore how modern net terms solutions can transform the credit-to-cash lifecycle while maintaining customer relationships. The event's emphasis on "Bridging Physical and Digital" aligns with the vision of net terms ecommerce as the future of B2B commerce, where financial solutions integrate into existing workflows rather than operating as separate, friction-inducing processes.
The Grainger Show 2026 takes place March 15-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the leading MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) industry event. With 12,000 expected attendees and 450 exhibitors, this exclusive event brings together MRO professionals, facility managers, and manufacturing operations teams to discover industry innovations and supply chain solutions.
Quick Facts: Mar 15-17 | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando | 12,000 attendees, 450 exhibitors | MRO professionals | Invite-only (free for Grainger customers)
Best For: MRO professionals and manufacturing operations teams seeking solutions for industrial supply payments, accounts payable automation, and supply chain finance.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The Grainger Show's scale creates significant opportunities for payment automation conversations. With substantial B2B transaction volumes and complex procurement processes, MRO operations benefit from platforms that streamline invoicing, reconciliation, and payment processing. For suppliers serving the MRO market, offering flexible payment terms while maintaining healthy cash flow is essential for competitive positioning. Accounts receivable automation enables suppliers to offer net terms confidently while receiving immediate payment on approved invoices.
Fintech Americas Miami 2026 takes place March 24-26 in Miami, the premier financial technology event in the region with direct relevance to manufacturing payment solutions. With 1,000+ attendees in recent editions, this conference brings together fintech professionals, financial institutions, and technology providers focused on payment innovation and B2B financial services.
Quick Facts: Mar 24-26 | Miami | 1,000+ attendees | Fintech and financial services professionals | Paid
Best For: Manufacturers seeking cutting-edge payment solutions, open banking capabilities, and AI-powered financial services for their B2B operations.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: Fintech Americas Miami offers manufacturers direct access to the latest payment innovations designed for B2B environments. The conference's focus on payment innovation and credit solutions aligns with modern approaches to non-recourse invoice financing. The event's emphasis on artificial intelligence in financial services also highlights the growing importance of AI-powered automation in accounts receivable automation.
The Defense Manufacturing Conference 2026 takes place March 30 to April 2 at the Caribe Royale Orlando, the nation's annual forum for the defense industrial base. With over 1,500 expected government and industry participants, this event brings together defense manufacturing executives, government officials, and technology providers to discuss policies, innovations, and funding opportunities in line with increasing U.S. defense manufacturing priorities.
Quick Facts: Mar 30 to Apr 2 | Caribe Royale Orlando | 1,500+ participants | Defense contractors, government officials | Paid
Best For: Defense contractors and manufacturers serving the military industrial base who need solutions for complex government contract payments and extended payment terms.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: Defense contractors face unique payment challenges: extended payment terms, complex invoicing requirements, and significant working capital constraints. The DMC provides an ideal venue to explore how non-recourse financing can help defense manufacturers unlock working capital by advancing payment on approved invoices while maintaining their standard net terms with government customers.
The Advanced S&OP to IBP Summit 2026 takes place May 7-8 in Orlando, bringing together supply chain executives, operations leaders, and manufacturing planners to discuss integrated business planning and supply chain optimization. Part of the Corporate Partners Summit series, this event focuses on strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Quick Facts: May 7-8 | Orlando | Supply chain and operations leaders | Paid
Best For: Supply chain executives and operations leaders seeking solutions for working capital management, cash flow forecasting, and payment timing optimization.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The summit's focus on supply chain optimization and cash flow forecasting aligns directly with the need for modern payment solutions that improve working capital management. For supply chain executives managing complex vendor relationships and payment timing, platforms that advance payment on approved invoices while maintaining flexible terms with buyers become essential strategic tools.
The Florida Automation Expo 2026 takes place May 21 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, bringing together 800+ local manufacturing professionals and 60+ vendors to showcase the latest in industrial automation and manufacturing technology. With free registration and a focus on practical demonstrations, this event has been described as a "family reunion for the industry."
Quick Facts: May 21 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | 800+ attendees, 60+ vendors | Manufacturing and automation professionals | Free
Best For: Manufacturing professionals and automation engineers seeking practical solutions for payment automation and operational efficiency.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The Florida Automation Expo's focus on operational efficiency aligns with the need for automated payment processes in manufacturing environments. For manufacturers evaluating their automation strategy, payment automation belongs alongside other operational improvements. The expo's practical focus on real-world applications makes it useful for understanding how modern payment platforms integrate into existing manufacturing workflows.
The Florida Technology and Innovation Summit 2026 takes place August 11 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, hosted by the Florida Chamber Foundation. Now in its third annual edition, the event brings together technology leaders, manufacturing innovators, and business executives to discuss growth strategies and technology adoption in Florida's expanding innovation ecosystem. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available.
Quick Facts: Aug 11 | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Tampa | Technology and manufacturing leaders | Paid; virtual option available
Best For: Manufacturers seeking to understand how technology adoption can drive business growth and operational efficiency, particularly in payment automation and financial innovation.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The summit's focus on innovation in business operations makes it a natural venue to explore how modern payment platforms drive manufacturing efficiency. For manufacturers evaluating their technology stack, AI-powered payment platforms reduce manual overhead while enhancing customer relationships through flexible payment options.
ICAM 2026 takes place September 28 to October 2 in Orlando, the premier global forum for the advanced manufacturing community. With attendees from over 30 countries, including scientists, engineers, OEMs, and policy experts, this conference focuses on standardization, certification, and process innovation across advanced manufacturing sectors.
Quick Facts: Sep 28 to Oct 2 | Orlando | 30+ countries represented | Scientists, engineers, OEMs, policy experts | Paid
Best For: Advanced manufacturing professionals working with complex materials, additive manufacturing, and international supply chains who need solutions for global payment complexity.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: Advanced manufacturing often involves complex international supply chains, extended payment terms, and high-value transactions that strain working capital. ICAM's global focus makes it a strong venue to explore how modern payment platforms address these challenges through non-recourse financing and automated accounts receivable management. For companies working with international suppliers and customers, solutions that advance payment on approved invoices while maintaining flexible buyer terms become essential for healthy cash flow.
The iTrading Expo 2026 takes place October 1-2 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, bringing together retail and institutional brokers, fintech companies, and payment processors to discuss financial innovation and technology. With a strong focus on B2B financial services, this event offers direct relevance to manufacturing payment solutions.
Quick Facts: Oct 1-2 | Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale | Fintech, brokers, payment processors | Paid
Best For: Manufacturers seeking direct access to payment processors, fintech companies, and financial technology providers for their B2B operations.
Key Features:
B2B Payment Relevance: The iTrading Expo's direct focus on payment solutions and financial technology makes it a strong venue for manufacturers to explore modern payment platforms. For manufacturers evaluating their payment processing capabilities, this expo provides direct access to solution providers who understand the unique challenges of B2B manufacturing payments, including extended terms, high-value transactions, and complex reconciliation requirements. B2B payment processing platforms that integrate with existing financial infrastructure are a natural fit for conversations at this event.
Use this index to identify events most relevant to your sector before planning travel.
Not every event fits every business objective. Here is how to match your goals to the right event.
Company size and format fit. The MFG Meeting is invite-only and designed for C-suite executives at established manufacturing technology companies. The Florida Automation Expo and Grainger Show are more accessible entry points for smaller manufacturers, with free or invitation-based registration. ICAM and DMC serve specialized technical and government-facing audiences.
Trade show vs. executive summit vs. conference. Trade shows like the Grainger Show (12,000 attendees, 450 exhibitors) maximize exposure to potential customers and vendors. Executive summits like The MFG Meeting prioritize depth over breadth, with fewer attendees but higher-quality strategic conversations. Conferences like ICAM combine technical sessions with networking for professionals focused on standards and process innovation.
Budget and timing. The March concentration of events (The MFG Meeting, Grainger Show, Fintech Americas, DMC) creates an efficient window for multi-event attendance in a single trip. The Florida Automation Expo (May, Tampa) is free to attend and well-suited for teams with limited event budgets. Summer and fall events like the Florida Technology and Innovation Summit and ICAM offer opportunities to evaluate technology investments ahead of year-end budget cycles.
Aligning attendance with financial operations. Manufacturers who offer or plan to offer net terms to their buyers often find the most value at events where working capital and payment strategy are on the agenda. The MFG Meeting and Fintech Americas Miami are the strongest fits for those conversations. Resolve's agentic collections and business credit check capabilities are particularly relevant for manufacturers expanding their buyer base after making new connections at these events. See how manufacturers like ConEquip and Marshall Wolf Automation use Resolve at resolvepay.com/customers.
Florida's 2026 manufacturing event calendar offers strong opportunities for B2B manufacturers to connect with industry leaders, discover new technologies, and evaluate their financial operations. The concentration of events in Orlando and Tampa creates strategic advantages for companies planning multi-event attendance.
For manufacturers evaluating their payment infrastructure, these events surface recurring themes: automation, working capital optimization, and customer relationship management. Resolve's approach to B2B payment solutions through non-recourse financing and embedded payment capabilities addresses exactly those challenges. By advancing payment on approved invoices while maintaining flexible terms with buyers, manufacturers can pursue growth confidently without jeopardizing cash flow.
The largest manufacturing event in Florida in 2026 is the Grainger Show (March 15-17, Orlando) with 12,000 expected attendees and 450 exhibitors. Other major events include the Defense Manufacturing Conference (1,500+ participants), The MFG Meeting (Fort Lauderdale, C-suite executives), and ICAM 2026 (Orlando, 30+ countries represented).
Orlando hosts three major manufacturing events in 2026: the Grainger Show (March 15-17), the Defense Manufacturing Conference (March 30 to April 2), and ICAM 2026 (September 28 to October 2). The Grainger Show and DMC are both held at or near the Orange County Convention Center and Caribe Royale Orlando, respectively.
The Florida Automation Expo (May 21, Tampa) offers free registration for manufacturing professionals. The Grainger Show is free but requires an invitation from Grainger.
The Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC, March 30 to April 2, Orlando) is the nation's premier defense manufacturing policy forum with 1,500+ government and industry participants. The Military Additive Manufacturing Summit (MILAM, February 3-5, Tampa) is North America's largest military-focused 3D printing summit with 150+ exhibitors, now in its 10th annual edition.
Manufacturers attending events like The MFG Meeting and the Grainger Show often explore net terms financing to offer buyers Net 30, 60, or 90 payment terms without tying up working capital. Platforms like Resolve advance up to 100% of approved invoice values within 24 hours, so sellers get paid immediately while buyers retain flexible payment schedules.
Yes. The Florida Automation Expo (800+ attendees, free registration) and the Florida Technology and Innovation Summit both offer accessible entry points for smaller manufacturers. These events focus on practical solutions that apply regardless of company size, and the Florida Technology and Innovation Summit includes a virtual attendance option for teams that cannot travel.
Florida hosts a diverse range of manufacturing events in 2026: major policy conferences (Defense Manufacturing Conference), specialized defense and additive manufacturing summits (MILAM, ICAM), large-scale trade shows (Grainger Show), executive strategy gatherings (The MFG Meeting), fintech and payments events (Fintech Americas Miami, iTrading Expo), supply chain summits (Advanced S&OP to IBP Summit), and regional automation expos (Florida Automation Expo).
This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.