Connect, Celebrate, and Experience MD&M West Beyond the Booth.
This is what a modern trade show should feel like. MD&M West combines education, connection, and celebration into a single, high-value experience engineered for impact. Over the three days, you’ll find networking breakfasts, live discussions, and evening receptions that make connecting easy and natural. Whether you’re meeting with suppliers, collaborating with peers, or catching up with colleagues, every event is built to help you make the most of your time in Anaheim. This is where business relationships grow, ideas are exchanged, and the manufacturing community comes together in real, meaningful ways.
Networking Events
Welcome Reception
Location: Grand Plaza | Date: Tuesday, February 3 | Time: TBD
Celebrate an incredible day 1 after hours at our Welcome Reception. Join fellow engineers, executives, and exhibitors outdoors for complimentary drinks, delicious bites, and live entertainment as we toast to innovation and the manufacturing community.
Keynote Networking Breakfast
Location: Third-Level Ballroom | Date: Tuesday, February 3 | Time: 8 - 9 a.m.
Fuel up for an inspiring day ahead. Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries while networking with peers before attending our marquee keynote presentations. It’s the perfect way to connect before the show floor buzz begins.
Beer Garden Happy Hour
Location: Arena Plaza | Date: Wednesday, February 4 | Time: TBD
After a full day on the show floor, unwind under the SoCal sun. Grab a drink, enjoy live music, play games, and celebrate another successful day with colleagues and new partners from your city at our Beer Garden Happy Hour.
Booth Crawls
Location: Show Floor | Date: Tuesday & Wednesday, February 3 & 4 | Time: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Tour the show floor, grab a complimentary beer, and meet our featured exhibitors ready to connect. With sponsored booths throughout the hall, it’s your chance to chat, collaborate, and discover innovations in a relaxed, social atmosphere
Onsite Experiences
News & Brews Studio
Location: Hall E
Grab a drink and join us for a live, high-energy broadcast covering what’s new and next in manufacturing. With topics like MedTech, AI, sustainability, and more, this is where sharp insights meet casual conversation. Think talk show meets industry roundtable—informative, fun, and full of personality.
Industry ShopTalk
Location: TBD
Take a seat and join meaningful discussions with peers from across the manufacturing spectrum. Guided by expert moderators, these sessions are your chance to share challenges, discuss key trends, and exchange ideas that drive the industry forward.
AM Workouts
Location: TBD | Date: Tuesday & Wednesday, February 3 & 4 | Time: TBD
Kick off days 1 and 2 strong! Join our complimentary morning sessions led by a certified trainer. From invigorating calisthenics to calming yoga flows, these sessions are the perfect pre-show boost for your body and mind.
Benefits of Our Events & Experiences
Expand Your Network Beyond the
Buyer & Seller
This isn’t just about swapping cards — it’s about building connections that help you grow. You’ll speak with peers who understand your daily challenges, discover new approaches, and create partnerships that elevate your projects long after the show ends.
Be a Part of Conversations That Move the Industry Forward
Take part in conversations that challenge convention and drive results. From technical insights to business strategies, learn from the people redefining what’s possible and walk away ready to apply new ideas that boost ROI and performance.
Have Fun and Celebrate the Industry
Trade shows don’t have to feel all business. Unwind, connect, and celebrate the moments that remind you why you love this industry. From happy hours to evening receptions, experience the energy and excitement that make MD&M West unforgettable.
Networking Tips That’ll Make You a Tradeshow Superstar!
Stepping into a networking event with hundreds of people can be a little daunting for anyone. Don’t worry, you can make your time at our (or any) networking event more comfortable and productive with these tips:
Tip #1:
Keep track of your connections from the day
Keeping track of your connections ensures that you don't forget valuable contacts you've made during the event. It's easy to meet many people at a busy conference, and without proper documentation, you might lose valuable leads.
Tip #2:
Connect through the Event App/Dashboard or in-person/phone
Utilizing the tools in your event app/dashboard makes it convenient to schedule meetings, exchange information, and stay updated on event-related activities.
Tip #3:
Meet with your connection, relax, and converse during the networking event
A relaxed atmosphere encourages open and authentic conversations, which can lead to a deeper understanding of each other's needs and potential business opportunities. It also makes you more memorable as someone who is approachable and enjoyable to interact with.
Tip #4:
Set a time for dinner in Anaheim before the event ends
Taking the initiative to plan a dinner or meet-up outside the event hours shows your commitment to building a strong business relationship. It also provides an opportunity for more in-depth discussions.
Tip #5:
Be professional, be yourself, and seal the deal
Being professional demonstrates your competence and reliability, while being yourself shows that you're a real person, not just a business representative. This combination builds trust, making it easier to move towards sealing a deal or collaboration.
Tip #6:
Reach out after the event and build a lasting relationship
Following up after the event reinforces your interest in the connection. It's an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations, provide more information, and solidify the foundation for future business dealings. Consistent communication and relationship-building efforts can lead to a fruitful and ongoing partnership.
Tip #7:
It’s a Party, Not a Pressure Cooker!
Our networking events are all about having a blast. Don’t stress about meeting everyone—just relax and enjoy the festivities. The connections will come naturally when you’re having fun!.
Tip #8:
Let the Event Features Be Your Icebreakers!
Stuck on how to start a conversation? Use the event’s cool features as your conversation starters! Challenge someone to a game of cornhole, chat about the awesome tunes playing, or share your favorite food from the buffet. These fun moments are perfect for sparking conversations!
Tip #9:
Find Common Ground!
We're all manufacturers here, so let's make networking easy! Pick up a badge ribbon showcasing your interests at the registration booth. Strike up a conversation by asking about someone’s ribbon and uncover new colleagues who share your passions. With a room full of fellow manufacturers, discovering common ground is just a conversation away!
Tip #10:
Team Up for Confidence!
Going solo can feel intimidating. Bring a buddy or connect with someone you’ve met on the show floor to navigate the networking scene together. It’s always easier to strike up conversations with a partner in crime!
Tip #11:
Smile and Put the Phone Down!
Ditch the phone and let your body language do the talking. Flash a bright smile and make eye contact. A friendly demeanor will invite others to chat with you and make networking a breeze!
Put these tips into action and you’ll be the life of the party at any event you attend. Now get out there, you networking savant!
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