'Face-to-face connections create trust and can lead to new partnerships, customers and opportunities': Hundreds of manufacturing leaders set for major Northern Ireland conference
Industry leaders, engineers and technology specialists will gather at Eikon in Lisburn as Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector continues to record strong growth and investment
Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and supply chain community is set to gather at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn next month for the 2026 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, councillor Brian Higginson, recently joined business leaders, manufacturers, technology providers and industry representatives at Eikon to mark the launch of this year’s event.
The conference and exhibition will take place on Thursday, September 10, bringing together manufacturers, engineers, business leaders, policymakers, educators, technology providers and supply chain specialists from Northern Ireland and beyond.
The event comes as the region’s production sector continues to record strong growth.
Production output increased by 7.6% in the year to the first quarter of 2026, significantly ahead of the equivalent UK growth rate. Manufacturing output alone increased by 9.1% over the same period, highlighting the resilience of the industrial base.
Business investment has also remained positive, with Invest Northern Ireland reporting that its support helped secure £764 million in investment during 2025-26, its highest total in more than a decade.
Supported projects are expected to contribute to the creation of more than 4,300 jobs.
However, businesses continue to face challenges including rising operating costs, pressure on margins, skills shortages and recruitment difficulties.
Rapid developments in automation and artificial intelligence are also creating opportunities while requiring manufacturers and supply chain businesses to adapt.
Against this backdrop, the conference will focus on improving productivity, developing skills and strengthening collaboration between industry, education and technology providers.
Recent initiatives include a £2 million advanced manufacturing skills programme and a £7.9 million collaborative research and development project involving the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and five Northern Ireland engineering and manufacturing companies.
Organisers said the conference will provide businesses with an opportunity to examine these developments, share practical experience and build commercial relationships.
Colin Murphy, chairman and founder of Ingenious Media, said the event would provide an important opportunity for the sector to connect.
“Northern Ireland has a strong and resilient manufacturing community. This event brings businesses, educators and technology partners together to share knowledge, build community and strengthen commercial relationships,” he said.
“Face-to-face connections create trust and can lead to new partnerships, customers and opportunities.
“We were delighted to welcome the Mayor, the Eikon Exhibition Centre team, and our exhibitors and sponsors to launch this year’s event.”
The conference will bring together organisations from across manufacturing, engineering, technology, education and supply chain management, with a focus on collaboration and commercial opportunities.
The event returns at a significant time for the sector, with strong production growth and investment providing opportunities while businesses continue to navigate a challenging operating environment.