List Of Manufacturing Events In Minnesota - 2026

Updated on March 3, 2026

Minnesota's manufacturing sector continues to thrive as a hub for innovation, particularly in medical devices, automation, and advanced materials. With over 5,000 attendees expected at the state's largest manufacturing event and numerous specialized conferences throughout the year, 2026 presents exceptional opportunities for manufacturers to network, discover cutting-edge technologies, and address critical workforce challenges. For businesses looking to maximize their participation at these events—whether as exhibitors showcasing equipment or attendees making significant purchases—having the right financial infrastructure is essential. Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform enables manufacturers to offer and access flexible payment terms, ensuring cash flow remains healthy while building stronger B2B relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota hosts diverse manufacturing events in 2026, from massive trade shows like MD&M Midwest to specialized conferences focused on welding automation and mining
• The Welding Automation Expo & Conference offers 13 PDH credits, making it valuable for technical professionals seeking continuing education
• Workforce development is a major theme, with inaugural events like the Made Here Expo and ongoing initiatives like the Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing addressing talent pipeline challenges
• Executive-level events like Manufacturers Connect provide unique networking opportunities for business owners and C-suite leaders without vendor interruptions
• Legal and compliance considerations are addressed through specialized events like the ACC MN Manufacturing Summit, with 2.0 CLE credits pending approval for in-house counsel
• Free workshops from Enterprise Minnesota provide practical, no-cost training on continuous improvement and strategic marketing for Minnesota manufacturers
• Resolve Pay's Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation can streamline financial operations for manufacturers attending multiple events throughout the year
• Non-recourse financing solutions ensure manufacturers can confidently make significant equipment purchases at trade shows without jeopardizing cash flow

1. MD&M Midwest

MD&M Midwest stands as Minnesota's premier manufacturing event, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 with an impressive gathering at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This comprehensive event brings together five industry sectors—MedTech, Automation, Design & Manufacturing, Plastics, and Packaging—under one roof, creating unparalleled networking and learning opportunities for Minnesota's robust medical device and manufacturing community.

Best For

Manufacturers seeking the most comprehensive trade show experience with access to 575+ exhibitors and 5,000+ industry professionals across multiple manufacturing sectors.

Key Features

• 5,000+ attendees and 575+ exhibitors creating extensive networking opportunities
• 30+ hours of free education across seven conference tracks
• Five co-located industry sectors in one event for cross-sector innovation
• Startup Showcase highlighting Minnesota's entrepreneurial talent
• Midwest Manufacturing Leadership Summit for director-level executives and above (specific 2026 date to be announced)

Manufacturing Relevance

As Minnesota is home to industry giants like 3M, Medtronic, and General Mills, MD&M Midwest serves as a critical gathering point for the state's manufacturing ecosystem. The event's Demo Zone offers 30-minute product demonstrations from suppliers, while themed meet-ups and 1:1 speed networking sessions facilitate targeted connections. Resolve's B2B Payments Platform enables seamless processing of large equipment purchases with flexible payment terms, ensuring both buyers and sellers maintain healthy cash flow during and after the event.

Event Details

• Date: October 28-29, 2026
• Location: Minneapolis Convention Center

2. Made Here Expo

The Made Here Expo represents a groundbreaking initiative for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, launching as the region's first-ever manufacturing expo and career fair. Organized collaboratively by five regional manufacturing associations, this inaugural event addresses the critical workforce shortage facing the industry by connecting manufacturers directly with potential employees and the broader community.

Best For

Manufacturers seeking to address talent pipeline challenges through community engagement and career exploration opportunities.

Key Features

• Dual-audience format: student sessions during the day, community events in the evening
• Interactive displays showcasing regional manufacturing capabilities
• Virtual reality and augmented reality experiences
• Hands-on craft projects demonstrating manufacturing processes

Manufacturing Relevance

Workforce development remains one of the most pressing challenges for Minnesota manufacturers. The Made Here Expo's innovative approach—combining career exploration with community education—helps elevate the perception of manufacturing careers while providing immediate recruitment opportunities. For manufacturers participating as sponsors or exhibitors, managing event-related expenses while maintaining operational cash flow is essential. Resolve's Better Than Factoring solution provides non-recourse financing that advances up to 100% of invoice value, ensuring businesses can invest in workforce development initiatives without financial strain.

Event Details

• Date: November 9-10, 2026
• Location: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center

3. Welding Automation Expo & Conference (WAEC)

The Welding Automation Expo & Conference brings a national spotlight to Minneapolis in June 2026, focusing specifically on robotics, sensors, and Industry 4.0 solutions for welding automation. Organized by the American Welding Society, this intensive 2½-day event offers substantial professional development value with 13 PDH credits available.

Best For

Manufacturers and technical professionals seeking specialized education and solutions for welding automation and addressing labor shortages through robotics.

Key Features

• 13 PDH credits for professional development
• 18 technical sessions plus keynote presentations
• Optional plant tour providing hands-on insights
• Keynote speakers including Jeff Burnstein (A3 President) and Carey Chen (AWS CEO)
• Conference chaired by Jeff Noruk, a 45-year veteran of welding automation

Manufacturing Relevance

Welding automation represents a critical solution to the persistent labor shortage in manufacturing. WAEC's focus on practical, actionable insights helps manufacturers implement smart automation strategies that enhance productivity while addressing workforce challenges. The significant equipment investments often required for automation solutions necessitate flexible financing options. Resolve's Net Terms for Ecommerce platform enables manufacturers to offer and access buy now, pay later options for automation equipment, with some purchases up to $25,000 USD qualifying for instant approvals.

Event Details

• Date: June 2-4, 2026
• Location: The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

4. SME Minnesota Conference

The SME Minnesota Conference serves as the Upper Midwest's premier gathering for mining, metallurgy, and mineral processing professionals. Held in Duluth in April 2026, this specialized conference combines technical education with a substantial trade expo featuring 150+ exhibitors showcasing the latest industry technology.

Best For

Manufacturers in mining, metallurgy, and mineral processing seeking specialized technical education and equipment solutions.

Key Features

• 150+ exhibitors in the trade expo
• Technical sessions on mining innovation, sustainability, and workforce development
• Opening plenary featuring USGS Earth MRI scientist
• Optional foundry tour at ME Elecmetal Foundry
• Student breakfast and teacher education workshop

Manufacturing Relevance

Minnesota's rich mining heritage and ongoing mineral processing operations make the SME Conference particularly relevant for the state's industrial base. The high-value equipment transactions common in this sector—ranging from extraction machinery to processing systems—require sophisticated payment solutions that accommodate extended terms while protecting seller cash flow. Resolve's Net Terms Management service provides smart credit checks and automated collections management, enabling confident B2B transactions with flexible payment terms.

Event Details

• Date: April 14-16, 2026
• Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

5. Manufacturers Connect Event

The Manufacturers Connect Event is an afternoon executive-only forum and networking event, distinguishing itself by prohibiting vendors and sellers from attendance. This executive-only format creates a focused environment for Minnesota's manufacturing leaders to share strategic insights about navigating post-pandemic challenges and driving innovation.

Best For

Business owners, executives, and senior leaders seeking high-level strategic discussions without vendor interruptions.

Key Features

• Executive-only attendance policy (no vendors or sellers permitted)
• Panel of award-winning Minnesota manufacturing leaders
• Focus on post-COVID resilience strategies
• Historic Golden Valley Country Club venue
• Theme: "Navigating the Choppy Waters: Lessons from the Leaders"

Manufacturing Relevance

While many manufacturing events focus on technology and operations, Manufacturers Connect addresses the strategic leadership challenges that determine long-term business success. The discussions around supply chain disruptions, shifting labor markets, and capacity management directly impact financial decision-making. For executives considering significant capital investments or working capital solutions, Resolve's Business Credit Check service provides instant, data-rich credit decisions that support informed strategic choices without customer interaction.

Event Details

• Date: May 12, 2026
• Location: Golden Valley Country Club

6. ACC MN 2026 Manufacturing Summit

The ACC MN Manufacturing Summit addresses the critical legal and compliance aspects of manufacturing operations, specifically designed for in-house counsel. This half-day event has applied for 2.0 CLE credits while focusing on product liability risk minimization and insurance recovery strategies.

Best For

In-house legal counsel and compliance professionals in manufacturing organizations.

Key Features

• 2.0 CLE credits pending approval in Minnesota for legal professionals
• Focus on product liability risk minimization
• Insurance recovery strategies for manufacturing incidents
• Free admission for ACC members and first-time guests
• Half-day efficient format with networking reception

Manufacturing Relevance

Legal and compliance considerations are fundamental to manufacturing operations, particularly regarding product liability and insurance claims. The financial implications of these issues can be substantial, making risk management a critical component of business strategy. Resolve's non-recourse financing model inherently reduces financial risk by assuming the credit assessment and majority risk of late payments or defaults, complementing the legal risk management strategies discussed at this summit.

Event Details

• Date: October 29, 2026
• Location: The Club at Golden Valley

7. 2MTEC Conference

The 2MTEC Conference bridges the gap between education and industry by bringing together CTE educators and manufacturing professionals for hands-on workshops and collaboration. Held at Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, this unique event focuses on upskilling technical educators while strengthening the manufacturing talent pipeline.

Best For

Manufacturers seek to develop partnerships with educational institutions and influence workforce development strategies.

Key Features

• Hands-on workshops in machining, welding, mechatronics, and quality manufacturing
• Three manufacturing facility tours
• Direct connection between educators and manufacturers
• Focus on credentialing and work-based learning
• Partnership development opportunities

Manufacturing Relevance

The 2MTEC Conference addresses the root cause of workforce challenges by ensuring educators understand current industry needs and technologies. For manufacturers investing in educational partnerships and apprenticeship programs, managing these expenses while maintaining operational cash flow requires flexible financial solutions. Resolve's Integrations with Financial Tech Stack enable seamless connection with accounting systems, ensuring educational partnership expenses are properly tracked and managed alongside other operational costs.

Event Details

• Date: April 8-9, 2026
• Location: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea

8. Enterprise Minnesota Workshops

Enterprise Minnesota offers a series of free workshops throughout 2026, providing practical, no-cost training for manufacturers on topics ranging from continuous improvement to strategic marketing. These accessible events bring expert knowledge directly to manufacturers across the state, with sessions held in both metropolitan and Greater Minnesota locations.

Best For

Manufacturers seeking practical, no-cost professional development on operational and strategic topics.

Key Features

• Free attendance for Minnesota manufacturers
• Multiple session formats: in-person and virtual
• Topics include continuous improvement, strategic marketing, and operational performance
• Locations across Minnesota, including Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Anoka, and Detroit Lakes
• Led by experienced consultants with real-world manufacturing experience

Manufacturing Relevance

Enterprise Minnesota's workshops address the day-to-day operational challenges that impact manufacturing efficiency and profitability. The practical strategies taught in these sessions—particularly around continuous improvement and process optimization—directly affect cash flow and working capital requirements. Resolve's Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation platform complements these operational improvements by streamlining the financial aspects of manufacturing operations, reducing DSO, and accelerating cash flow through automated workflows and payment processing.

Event Details

• Dates: Multiple sessions March-June 2026
• Locations: Various locations across Minnesota

Maximizing Your Manufacturing Event Strategy in 2026

Minnesota's diverse 2026 manufacturing event calendar offers something for every segment of the industry, from massive trade shows like MD&M Midwest to specialized conferences and executive networking opportunities. The strategic selection and participation in these events can significantly impact business growth, workforce development, and technological advancement.

For manufacturers attending as buyers, the ability to make significant equipment purchases with flexible payment terms can be the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing it. Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform enables instant credit decisions and advanced payment options, ensuring businesses can confidently invest in new technologies and capabilities discovered at these events.

For exhibitors and sellers, managing the financial risk of extending credit to new customers met at trade shows requires sophisticated solutions. Resolve's non-recourse financing model takes on the credit assessment, credit decision, and majority risk of late payments or defaults, allowing manufacturers to offer competitive payment terms that drive sales without jeopardizing cash flow.

The integration of financial technology with manufacturing operations represents the future of B2B commerce. As Minnesota's manufacturing sector continues to innovate and grow, having the right financial infrastructure in place ensures businesses can fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the state's robust event calendar. Whether you're a small manufacturer attending your first Enterprise Minnesota workshop or a large enterprise showcasing cutting-edge technology at MD&M Midwest, Resolve Pay's comprehensive platform supports your growth journey with embedded credit expertise, embedded invoice financing, and embedded payments—all designed to enhance relationships while streamlining complex workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can attending manufacturing events in Minnesota in 2026 benefit my business?

Minnesota's 2026 manufacturing events offer diverse benefits depending on your business needs. Large trade shows like MD&M Midwest provide access to 575+ exhibitors and 5,000+ industry professionals across multiple sectors. Specialized conferences like the Welding Automation Expo offer targeted education with 13 PDH credits. Workforce development events like the Made Here Expo address talent pipeline challenges, while executive-only events like Manufacturers Connect provide strategic networking without vendor interruptions.

What types of B2B payment solutions are typically discussed at these industry events? 

While specific payment solutions may not be the primary focus of manufacturing events, the high-value equipment transactions common at trade shows necessitate flexible financing options. Manufacturers often discover that having access to non-recourse financing, instant credit decisions, and advance payment options significantly enhances their ability to make strategic purchases. Resolve's B2B Payments Platform addresses these needs by providing up to 100% advance on approved invoices while customers maintain their standard payment terms.

How can AI and automation impact manufacturing operations in Minnesota?

AI and automation are central themes at many 2026 Minnesota manufacturing events, particularly the Welding Automation Expo & Conference. These technologies address critical labor shortages while enhancing productivity and quality. From a financial perspective, AI-powered platforms like Resolve's Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation streamline the credit-to-cash lifecycle, reducing DSO and accelerating cash flow through automated workflows, payment reminders, and collections management.

Are there specific events for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses?

Yes, several 2026 events specifically cater to small and medium-sized manufacturers. Enterprise Minnesota's free workshops provide practical, no-cost training on continuous improvement and strategic marketing. The 2MTEC Conference focuses on workforce development partnerships that are particularly valuable for smaller manufacturers. Even large events like MD&M Midwest offer Startup Showcases that highlight entrepreneurial talent and provide networking opportunities for smaller businesses.

How does Resolve help businesses manage credit assessment and collections at these events?

Resolve's Business Credit Check service requires only a customer's business name and address to deliver instant, data-rich credit decisions within 24 hours—no customer interaction needed. For manufacturers meeting potential customers at events, this streamlined assessment process enables quick credit decisions that facilitate immediate sales. Additionally, Resolve's automated collections management reduces the administrative burden on AR teams while maintaining professional customer relationships through timely payment reminders and collections support.

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.