Composite materials will once again take centre stage at Advanced Engineering 2026, taking place on 4-5 November at the NEC Birmingham, UK, with a dedicated Composites Engineering Zone showcasing technologies, materials and manufacturing processes for the industry.
Described by the organisers as the UK’s largest dedicated composites engineering exhibition and conference, the zone will showcase developments in FRPs (Fibre Reinforced Polymers), advanced materials, raw materials, design, processing and their applications.
The Composites Engineering Zone will also feature a Composites Village for startups and SMEs, the Composites UK Pavilion, and the Composites Engineering Forum & Networking Lounge. Curated by Composites UK, the Forum will focus particularly on topics including sustainability, material circularity and new product development.
According to figures released by the organisers, Advanced Engineering attracts more than 9,000 attendees, with 75% either final decision makers or professionals influencing purchasing decisions. More than 3,300 attendees are actively interested in composite engineering, while materials innovation and additive manufacturing are also among the key areas attracting professional visitors.
The 2026 edition also comes as the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy recognises composites as a “foundational industry” and a key enabler for growth. Against this background, low-carbon and energy-efficient manufacturing technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving industrial competitiveness and supporting the transition towards net zero.
Advanced Engineering therefore aims to connect materials and technology suppliers with designers, engineering and procurement professionals and end users, providing a broad view of how the composites sector is moving towards increasingly automated, sustainable and industrialised manufacturing.
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22 September 2026
