Thousands of professionals from Michigan and the Great Lakes states will gather at an unprecedented event to celebrate manufacturing next year. THE BIG M — to be held at the newly renovated Cobo Center in Detroit, June 9 through 12, 2014 — was announced at the recent Annual Automation Alley Awards Gala.  Automation Alley is a strategic partner of The BIG M.

The BIG M event will connect people with technology and expertise; affirm the industry’s importance and provide a powerful and unified voice to industry and education policymakers about the issues facing manufacturers today. The BIG M is designed as a springboard for organizations and potential new partnerships in business.

“When manufacturers talk about our industry, they often say, 'Not just manufacturing, but The BIG M,' which includes the entire manufacturing enterprise from innovation and ideas, through design and production to sustainability and everything in between,” explained Debbie Holton, director of events and industry strategy for SME. “We will be harnessing the power of industry leaders to work toward real solutions to industry challenges — the skills gap, global competition, new technologies like 3-D printing, cyber security, supply chain and more.”

“The BIG M is about cool technology and research breakthroughs,” Holton elaborated. “We want to engage the creative thinkers, problem solvers, technical experts and business people and invite them to be part of the change.”

Together, SME and participating exhibitors and partners will present manufacturing as a knowledge industry where creativity is sought and valued.

Additionally, The BIG M will focus on shaping the future of manufacturing and will engage those industry leaders who will solve the challenges around energy, environment, transportation, longevity and progress. The exposition and conference will present dynamic, hands on and interactive learning experiences.  In addition to in-depth conference sessions, the event will offer one-on-one consultations, collaborative opportunities and gathering spaces on the exhibit floor to encourage interaction between attendees, exhibitors and industry leaders.