Manufacturing insight: Turning advanced technology into practice at EMEX 2026
EMEX 2026 returns to Auckland Showgrounds from May 26–28, with the Knowledge Theatre powered by Epicor set to anchor the event’s focus on practical, applied technology for engineering and manufacturing businesses.
At the centre of the programme is a clear shift from exploration to execution, as manufacturers look to move beyond discussion and into real-world adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and additive manufacturing.
“Manufacturing success isn’t built on hype,” says Charlie North, head of supply chain at Dawn Aerospace. “It comes down to people, process and disciplined execution, especially when you’re building complex systems that must perform flawlessly.”
North will headline the Knowledge Theatre, drawing on Dawn Aerospace’s journey from a backyard operation to a globally recognised space transportation company. His session will focus on the role of disciplined manufacturing, integrated systems and skilled teams in scaling complex engineering operations.
That emphasis on applied outcomes runs across the entire programme. Rather than technology for its own sake, sessions are built around solutions that can be implemented on the factory floor, across supply chains and within engineering teams.
Additive manufacturing and digital production will feature strongly, with companies such as Markforged and Marvle3D demonstrating how industrial 3D printing is shifting from prototyping into scalable production environments. Dr Victor Yu of Marvle3D will explore how artificial intelligence is accelerating that transition.
“AI doesn’t replace engineering judgement, it enhances it,” Yu says. “When combined with additive manufacturing, it enables smarter design, real-time optimisation and greater production flexibility.”
Artificial intelligence is expected to be a dominant theme throughout the programme, spanning organisational readiness, governance and workforce impact. Sandy Le Roux of Epicor will address this in a session focused on preparing manufacturers for effective AI adoption.
“The question is no longer whether manufacturers will use AI,” Le Roux says. “It’s whether their data, systems and people are prepared to use it effectively and at scale.”
The programme also includes an interactive session with Jason Paris, chief executive of One NZ, who will discuss the company’s move toward becoming a highly AI-enabled telecommunications provider, and what that means for infrastructure, connectivity and business capability.
According to EMEX sales and content director Tony Waite, the calibre of speakers reflects the growing importance of knowledge sharing across the sector.
“This year’s lineup of speakers is exceptional,” Waite says. “We are very fortunate to have industry experts and specialists openly sharing insights that could be a game changer for many manufacturers.”
The Knowledge Theatre sits alongside the AMA Manufacturing Awards and the MakeNZ Conference, reinforcing EMEX’s role as both a showcase for technology and a platform for capability development across New Zealand’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Sponsored content: For more information or to register for the show visit www.emex.co.nz.