The Hub for Design and Manufacturing Innovation on the West Coast
As the engineering and manufacturing landscape rapidly evolves, D&M West continues to be a cornerstone event for professionals looking to stay at the forefront of industrial innovation. The 2026 edition, held alongside its sister events at the Anaheim Convention Center, solidified its reputation as a critical gathering for the design and manufacturing community.
Event Overview and Co-Location
D&M West is more than just a standalone trade show; it is a key component of a larger, integrated manufacturing ecosystem. The 2026 event took place from February 3-5, co-located with several other major industry expos including MD&M West, ATX West, Plastec West, and WestPack. This strategic co-location provided attendees with a comprehensive view of the entire product lifecycle, from initial design and material selection to advanced automation and final packaging.
The event is organized by Informa PLC, one of the world’s largest exhibition organizers, and is specifically designed for professionals in the industrial goods and manufacturing sector. The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast, served as the perfect venue to host the thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors who gathered to explore the latest technologies and services.
A Show for the Design and Manufacturing Community
A key strength of D&M West lies in its ability to attract the right people and foster meaningful professional connections. The show floor serves as a melting pot for engineers, designers, and manufacturing leaders who are looking to solve real-world challenges.
Attendees can explore a wide range of solutions and services that are transforming design and manufacturing processes to make them smarter and more efficient. While specific sector details vary, the show historically covers everything from 3D printing and prototyping to advanced manufacturing software and materials science.
Emerging Trends and Exhibitor Highlights
The 2026 event showcased several key trends that are currently shaping the industry. One of the most prominent was the growing integration of “Physical AI”—the application of artificial intelligence in smart devices and as a tool for engineers. On the show floor, attendees saw demonstrations of AI-powered tools designed to act as “engineering assistants,” helping with tasks ranging from drawing checks and tolerancing to brainstorming and design optimization. These tools are moving beyond the hype phase and are becoming useful, practical assets for engineering teams.
Another notable observation from the event was the conversation around business momentum. After a period of hesitation in the market, many exhibitors and attendees reported that business was “picking up,” signaling a renewed sense of optimism and a move toward new projects and investments.
Looking to the Future
D&M West 2026 reaffirmed its position as an essential event for design and manufacturing professionals. By bringing together the entire manufacturing ecosystem under one roof, the event provides a unique platform for learning, networking, and discovering the innovations that will drive the industry forward. As D&M West looks ahead, it remains a vital catalyst for the collaboration and ingenuity that will lead to the next generation of smarter, more efficient products.