"SME and AMT created the Smart Manufacturing Experience to support manufacturers as they make the transition into the fourth industrial revolution," said AMT President Douglas K. Woods.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Smart Manufacturing is being described as the next Industrial Revolution. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Smart Manufacturing can be defined as fully-integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real time to meet changing demands and conditions in the factory, in the supply network, and in customer needs. To help fast-track the adoption of Smart Manufacturing technologies, SME and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, have partnered to create a new kind of event - the Smart Manufacturing Experience, taking place April 30 through May 2, 2018 at the Boston Convention Center.

"SME and AMT created the Smart Manufacturing Experience to support manufacturers as they make the transition into the fourth industrial revolution," said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. "We saw the need for an event that prepares the workforce for what's next in advanced technologies, connected technology, and automation."

The Smart Manufacturing Experience will provide hands-on, live technology demonstrations, active learning labs, collaborative technical workshops, and tours of best-in-class SMART factories. It will highlight transformative technologies such as additive manufacturing/3D printing, automation, advanced materials, precision machining, precision measurement/3D scanning, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and digital manufacturing and designed to provide easy, efficient solutions for applying those technologies to improve manufacturing speed and performance.

"Advanced technologies are revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape," said SME Chief Executive Officer Jeff Krause. "Our goal is to offer an interactive learning space for attendees to try new applications and talk to people who are actually using this technology right now to the benefit of their customer and their bottom line."

To learn more about the Smart Manufacturing Experience, view full conference and exhibit details or register, visit www.smartmanufacturingexperience.com.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology
AMT represents U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology - the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, VA, near the nation's capital, AMT acts as the industry's voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness and develop manufacturing's advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America.