Just around the corner...

With summer practically over, and October fast-approaching, Canada's premier manufacturing event will be upon us before we know it.

The theme for this year’s CMTS is “Expect More”, and as the manufacturing revival in this country gains momentum, the SME has prepared a show to keep pace with the enthusiasm:

- The FESTO Smartbird will be making its Canadian debut during the show (Hall 1). If you haven’t seen this bird in action it will be well worth stopping by. The “Smartbird” almost flawlessly mimics the flight style of a real bird, and will leave visitors staring in disbelief. The cynic in me sees can't help but see this as a sign of the apocalypse, but at the same time, it's a truly remarkable work of engineering. Very cool.

- Another inspiring feature that will be showcased is the full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow. The Arrow, on loan from the Canadian Air and Space Museum, was a symbol of Canadian ingenuity before the project was ultimately cancelled for political reasons. Here's a pretty good little story that covers a bit of background on Arrow and compares it to our current situation with the F-35 fiasco... what's that saying about history? Something about not learning and being "doomed to repeat it"?

- One of the other aspects of the show that SME has been keen to emphasize is the return to the airport location, which has given them the option to add a European “messe-style” feel to the event. It will include a tented beer garden where attendees can relax and network in between visits.

- A major theme of the show will be the focus on youth. “Student Day” will take place on October 3^rd, and will include a number of machinery demonstrations to help engage students and give them a reason to get interested in manufacturing.

- The SME have also organized a huge slate of conferences that should have something for everyone. Former Ontario Industry and Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello will be delivering the keynote address and from there the show is jam-packed with talks on everything from additive manufacturing, to small business funding. Day three of the show (Wednesday) will also feature a broad discussion on the automotive industry. Steve Rodgers, the president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) will kick things off in the morning, and will be followed by a variety of other speakers giving their view on the auto sector in Canada.

- Finally, CMTS wouldn’t be a truly Canadian celebration without some sort of connection to hockey. On October 2^nd -- the day after the NHL season kicks off -- former Maple Leafs great Wendel Clark will be on hand for the Job Shop night. Clark will be meeting attendees at the Elliott Matsuura booth (#4250) from 4:00-5:30pm, and then in Terminal 4 from 5:30-7:30pm.