May 2026

Advanced Manufacturing

Highlighted Activity: Automate 2026

June 22– 25, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation event — and the best place to take your ideas from insight to impact. The show features the world’s leading automation solutions, from AI and robotics to motion control, vision systems, and more.

Learn more at: Automateshow.com/

Project DIAMOnD® Update: Oakland County

The momentum behind Project DIAMOnD® continues to grow—and we’re nearing a major milestone. Only a limited number of 3D printers remain available for Oakland County small and medium-sized businesses. If you’ve been considering joining the network, now is the time to act. Through this grant-funded program, eligible companies receive a industrial-grade 3D printer, training, and access to a secure digital manufacturing network—at no cost. This is your opportunity to bring additive manufacturing capabilities in-house, reduce lead times, and strengthen your position in an increasingly digital supply chain. Take the next step: Apply today to secure one of the remaining printers before they’re gone Join the Project DIAMOnD® Academy to build your team’s additive manufacturing skills and stay competitive Tap into the Marketplace to connect with a growing network of manufacturers, access new opportunities, and monetize your capabilities Looking to get started without a printer? The Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Auburn Hills offers expert support, including design, prototyping, production, and advisory services—helping you leverage additive manufacturing without upfront investment. Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring what’s possible, Project DIAMOnD® offers multiple entry points to help your business grow. Learn more at: Projectdiamond.org/

Miscellaneous Events:

Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2026 | DeVos Center, Grand Rapids | July 29^th – 30^th, 2026

The Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) is the premier gathering for professionals shaping the future of manufacturing. It’s where innovation meets production — connecting industry leaders, cutting-edge technology, and real-world solutions under one roof. Explore the latest in automation, metalworking, MRO & safety, and Industry 4.0 technology across four dynamic halls. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions, AME is your gateway to smarter, faster, and more efficient manufacturing.

For more information, visit: Advancedmanufacturingexpo.com/

Aerospace & Defense

Highlighted Activity: XPONENTIAL 2026 

May 12-14, 2026  |   Huntington Place, Detroit

XPONENTIAL 2026 will unite the defense community across 25,000+ square feet of programming and exhibits between Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) and the Defense Technologies Zone. The program delivers an unparalleled view of how uncrewed systems are strengthening national security and advancing mission-ready technology. For one time only NDIA (National Defense Industry Association)’s MDEX (Michigan Defense Expo) and Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI) is partnering with AUVSI (XPONENTIAL). This is where AI and autonomy, ground vehicles and advanced manufacturing meet with solutions and opportunities.  Gain insight from senior military, government and industry executives driving JADC2, MOSA, autonomy integration and defense industrial resilience. 

Learn more at: xponential.org/

Mobility

You are Invited: The 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day May 21, 2026  |  11:00 AM - 2:00 PM An exclusive look inside the park’s off-roading experience: LIVE vehicle demos with companies like: American Rheinmetall, Noble Gas Systems, Livaq, and Electric Outdoors, among others! Opportunity for park tours or BYOV (bring your own vehicle) on the course Network with industry professionals This event is a sustainability-focused event. Register here: HollyORV-2026.eventbrite.com No cost to attend and lunch will be provided. Register today to secure your spot!

Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) 

This grant-funded opportunity was created to support small manufacturers explore new opportunities, strengthen their business operations and diversify into growing industries — at no cost.

Learn more at: Automationalley.com/mast-p/

Miscellaneous Events:

ITS America Conference & Expo | Huntington Place, Detroit | June 9^th-12^th, 2026

Join transportation leaders from the public and private sectors at ITS America Conference & Expo 2026 to discover innovative technologies and solutions shaping a safer, smarter, and more connected future for transportation.

For more information, visit: Itsamericaevents.com/expo/en-us.html

Hydrogen Action Forum | Noble Gas Systems, 28200 Lakeview Dr. Wixom, Mi 48393 | June 5^th, 2026 | 9am-12pm

Join changemakers exploring opportunities for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and use in Michigan. This event will include a panel discussion with subject-matter experts, production facility tours, hydrogen-powered vehicle demos, networking, and more!

For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/2687drv9

MOVE America | Huntington Place, Detroit | September 23^rd-24^th, 2026

MOVE America is the #1 auto tech show in North America. Now in its seventh year, MOVE America brings together the visionaries who are shaping the future of mobility to collaborate, innovate, knowledge-share and inspire.  MOVE America will feature 300+ world-class speakers from automotive OEMs, fleet operators, CPOs, tech providers and their partners. This is THE commercial forum for auto, fleet, energy and tech leaders driving the mobility revolution. The future of mobility starts here: Electric. Autonomous. Software-Defined.

For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/3dt4vs4n

International Trade

Highlighted Activity: Unlock Fast-Track Access to Defense Funding

May 12th | 11am ET | Virtual | $25

Join the International Trade Administrations and US Commercial Service for upcoming webinar to discover how the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) is transforming access to U.S. defense opportunities. This session will show companies in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia how to connect directly with mission-critical needs, compete for live funding opportunities and scale within the global defense market.

Learn more at: tinyurl.com/3hzn8ktb

Invitation: Midwest Meets Germany | Delegation Trip for Midwest & Colorado Manufacturing Ecosystem Stakeholders

July 19-23, 2026

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest is pleased to invite you on an exclusive 5-day business delegation to Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

This trip is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Midwest’s visibility in Germany by positioning your states and regions as strategic partners and building direct relationships with key German industry stakeholders in two of Europe's most innovative economic centers.

Learn more at: tinyurl.com/mskhwczd

Farnborough International Airshow 2026

Farnborough, England | July 20^th-24^th, 2026

Spots are limited, registration is open until May 8, 2026. Register today!

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 offers a unique opportunity for leading innovators in the aerospace and defense industries to showcase their advancements.

Learn more at: Farnboroughairshow.com/

Miscellaneous Events:

Integr8 Roundtable – Trade, Tariffs & Tension: Manufacturing in a Fractured Global Economy | Automation Alley | 2675 Bellingham | Troy, MI 48083 | May 13, 2026 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Manufacturers today are operating in an increasingly volatile global environment—where shifting tariffs, supply chain disruption, geopolitical unrest, and rising energy demands are all converging at once. This roundtable will convene trade experts, policy analysts, and industry leaders to explore how manufacturers can remain competitive, agile, and globally aware while navigating uncertainty across trade policy, supply chains, and energy constraints.

For more information, visit: Tinyurl.com/34humsss

oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland/events-calendar

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