Join the Legacy of Innovation.
40 Years in the Making.
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of MD&M West, and we are committed to celebrating the manufacturing achievements of the past 40 years while continuing to act as a hub of imagination, connection, and learning for the betterment of the world in the next 40 years and beyond. Join us in Anaheim and celebrate the legacy of manufacturing excellence at one of the largest and most influential b2b advanced manufacturing trade shows in the world.
Share Your Own Story
We want to hear your story! There are endless amounts of rich and inspiring tales surrounding the manufacturing industry, including yours. In honor of the past 40 years of manufacturing excellence, we would love to learn stories about your own company’s anniversary, inspiring journeys from startup to industry leader, or any memories or success stories from MD&M West over the years. Click here to fill out the inquiry form and learn more about getting your story on our website and social media channels, so we can celebrate your excellence in manufacturing.
Our MD&M West Story
Inception & Growth
For 40 years, this renowned advanced manufacturing expo has had a history of growth, innovation, and community. From its inception in 1985 by Canon Communications LLC, our advanced manufacturing trade show’s infancy began in the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA as a small B2B event. It brought local manufacturers specializing in medical device components, manufacturing equipment, and innovative materials together to supply purchasing companies with the latest innovations needed to advance their manufacturing initiatives.
Through the late eighties and early nineties, MD&M West grew in size and reputation. The show relocated to the Anaheim Convention Center to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and attendees. With this increase in scale, MD&M West continued to advance its scope in manufacturing. Each year brought more companies from a variety of manufacturing areas to support the changing landscape and needs of medtech and manufacturing. Educational conferences and networking opportunities were introduced in the following years to give attendees and exhibitors more tools to connect and learn, allowing them to grow their network and adapt to the rapid trends and developments in the industry.
UBM Canon & International Exposure
The growing popularity of MD&M West in the early 2000s brought more opportunities for expansion, and Canon Communications was acquired by UBM (United Business Media), leading to the rebranding of the trade show under UBM Canon. UBM leveraged its reputation and resources to develop the trade show into not just a regional event, but an international one with more industry-leading manufacturers showcasing their cutting-edge technologies from countries like China, Japan, India, Germany, and the UK.
Informa Markets & The Show Today
In 2018, UBM was acquired by Informa Markets, which took over the management of MD&M West. This transition brought new opportunities for the trade show, with Informa Markets enhancing the event's digital presence and introducing more interactive and immersive experiences for attendees. Over the past four decades, MD&M West has developed into one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the manufacturing industry, regularly attracting tens of thousands of professionals and featuring thousands of exhibitors from around the world. The show has consistently adapted to the changing landscape of medical technology and beyond, from the early days of mechanical components to the current focus on smart devices, artificial intelligence, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The 40-Year Evolution of Advanced Manufacturing
1980s
The 1980s marked a significant transformation in the manufacturing industry with the widespread adoption of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. These technologies revolutionized the way products were designed and manufactured, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Robotics and automation began to play a crucial role on the factory floor, leading to improved productivity and consistency in production. Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing emerged, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and optimizing inventory management. Additionally, advancements in materials science, particularly in composites and alloys, enabled the development of stronger, lighter, and more durable products.
Notable Achievements and Devices:
- Introduction of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
- Emergence of robotics and automation in manufacturing lines.
- Development of Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing.
- Advancements in materials science, particularly in composites and alloys.
- Introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Development of minimally invasive surgical instruments.
- Growth in the use of electronic medical records (EMRs).
- Significant improvements in prosthetics and implantable devices, such as pacemakers.
1990s
The 1990s saw the rise of lean manufacturing principles, which focused on waste reduction and continuous improvement. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems became integral to managing complex business processes, providing better integration and control over production, supply chains, and finance. The use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines grew, offering enhanced precision and flexibility in manufacturing operations. This decade also witnessed the early stages of 3D printing technology, primarily used for rapid prototyping, which laid the groundwork for future advancements in additive manufacturing. Globalization significantly impacted the industry, leading to more complex supply chains and the outsourcing of manufacturing to lower-cost regions.
Notable Achievements and Devices:
- Rise of lean manufacturing principles.
- Development of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Increasing use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines.
- Early advancements in 3D printing technology for prototyping.
- Introduction of laparoscopic surgery.
- Development of stents for cardiovascular treatments.
- Growth in home medical devices, such as glucometers and blood pressure monitors.
- Increased focus on biocompatible materials for implants and prosthetics.
2000s
In the 2000s, the manufacturing industry embraced Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality and reduce defects. The expansion of globalization continued, creating more intricate supply chains and driving companies to outsource manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) began to gain traction beyond prototyping, finding applications in low-volume production. The implementation of advanced robotics and automation, including the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots), enhanced productivity and worker safety. Sustainable manufacturing practices also started to gain attention, as companies sought to reduce their environmental impact.
Notable Achievements and Devices:
- Adoption of Six Sigma methodologies.
- Expansion of globalization and complex supply chains.
- Growth in additive manufacturing (3D printing).
- Implementation of advanced robotics and collaborative robots (cobots).
- Development of advanced imaging technologies, such as PET/CT scanners.
- Introduction of drug-eluting stents.
- Growth in telemedicine and remote monitoring devices.
- Advancements in genetic testing and personalized medicine.
2010s
The 2010s were characterized by the emergence of Industry 4.0, which integrated the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and cyber-physical systems into manufacturing processes. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning played a crucial role in predictive maintenance, quality control, and optimizing production. Additive manufacturing technologies matured, with 3D printing being widely adopted for both prototyping and production, including metal additive manufacturing. Sustainability became a central focus, with manufacturers implementing green practices to reduce waste and energy consumption. Digital twins and advanced simulation tools enabled real-time monitoring and optimization of manufacturing systems.
Notable Achievements and Devices:
- Emergence of Industry 4.0, integrating IoT, big data, and cyber-physical systems.
- Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for predictive maintenance.
- Widespread adoption of 3D printing for prototyping and production.
- Increased focus on sustainability and green manufacturing practices.
- Growth in wearable health technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.
- Development of advanced robotic surgery systems, like the da Vinci Surgical System.
- Advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
- Increased use of AI and machine learning in diagnostics and treatment planning.
2020s
The 2020s are witnessing the further integration of AI, machine learning, and IoT in creating smart factories and autonomous manufacturing systems. Advanced materials, such as nanomaterials and bio-based composites, are being developed to enhance product performance and sustainability. Digital twins are becoming more prevalent, allowing for real-time simulation and optimization of manufacturing processes. Blockchain technology is being increasingly used for supply chain transparency and security, ensuring the authenticity and traceability of products. The industry continues to focus on sustainability, adopting circular economy principles and striving for zero-waste processes.
Notable Achievements and Devices:
- Further integration of AI, machine learning, and IoT for smart factories.
- Development of advanced materials, including nanomaterials and bio-based composites.
- Expansion of digital twins for real-time simulation and optimization.
- Increased use of blockchain technology for supply chain transparency and security.
- Advancements in personalized and precision medicine driven by AI and big data.
- Growth in telehealth and remote patient monitoring, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Development of advanced implantable devices and bioelectronics.
- Continued innovation in minimally invasive surgery and advanced imaging technologies.
2030s & Beyond
Looking ahead to the 2030s and beyond, the manufacturing industry is expected to fully realize the potential of Industry 5.0, where humans and machines work collaboratively in highly adaptive and flexible environments. Quantum computing will revolutionize complex simulations and optimization problems, driving further advancements in manufacturing processes. Sustainable manufacturing practices will become the norm, with a strong emphasis on circular economy principles and zero-waste operations. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will be widely integrated into training and operational support, enhancing worker skills and efficiency. The industry will continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of technology and sustainability.
Anticipated Achievements and Devices:
- Full realization of Industry 5.0 with human-machine collaboration.
- Widespread use of quantum computing for complex simulations and optimization.
- Continued advancements in sustainable manufacturing with circular economy principles.
- Integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for training and operational support.
- Breakthroughs in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, such as organ regeneration.
- Development of fully autonomous surgical robots and AI-driven diagnostic systems.
- Growth in personalized medicine with real-time health monitoring and predictive analytics.
- Continued innovation in nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery systems.
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