Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

Expositions and conferences - expositions provide opportunities for Manufacturing professionals to expand their knowledge by witnessing the latest technology and production methods in action, networking with industry experts and learning about emerging technologies and industries. In addition to conferences, free/complimentary education is conducted within the exhibit hall. Student programs at events introduce young people to careers in Manufacturing and educate them on technology and opportunities available. Manufacturers from around the world come to find solutions that improve processes, increase quality and explore new technologies. The total attendance at Society of Manufacturing Engineers ("sme") expositions and conferences in 2023 was 96,496.

Publications - sme incorporates education & training into everything we do. Sme media's editorial content calendar schedules a theme for each month which is selected to enhance the knowledge in a particular engineering discipline. The schedule of monthly themes correlates with the appropriate upcoming conferences or trade shows to round out the educational experience. For each theme, the editor and staff of sme media interviews organizations with products, services & new technologies that help advance the featured engineering discipline. Many of these organizations will be included in the editorial content of the magazines and digital products, while others are invited to place an advertisement meeting certain specifications designed to enhance the educational experience of the audience with respect to the featured editorial content. The sme media content is often linked to the conference or trade show theme to advance promote the event and corresponding topic. Sme media provides timely information about emerging technologies and industries through its educational content and advertisements. The magazines and digital properties further sme's exempt purpose by providing education in support of sme's expositions and other educational events. The total print and digital audience for sme media in 2023 was 900,380 copies. Sme media also provides a weekly e-newsletter which focuses on our four core disciplines: aerospace & defense, energy, medical and motorized vehicles. The content is delivered through a fully integrated media portfolio, which makes information available in print, online, email, mobile apps, social media and webinars. In addition, sme publishes three scholarly, peer-reviewed journals on Manufacturing letters, Manufacturing processes and Manufacturing systems.

Training and development - Tooling U-Sme delivers versatile, competency-based learning and development solutions to the Manufacturing community through a variety of learning options including online training, instructor-led training, certifications, book and videos. Tooling U-Sme partners with customers to build high performers who help their companies drive quality, profitability, productivity, innovation and employee satisfaction. Working directly with hundreds of high schools, community colleges and universities, Tooling U-Sme is able to help prepare the next generation workforce by providing industry-driven curriculum.

Membership programs - sme's 13,361 members engage with sme to inspire, prepare and support the advancement of Manufacturing. This engagement includes online, local and national networking; event attendance; career development; volunteer leadership; publications; and educational programming. In 2023, we continued to provide members with exclusive access to benefits and features, while creating a diversified member profile; addressing the growing Manufacturing skills gap; improving component support; enhancing online communities; and increasing the scope of our membership through corporate and individual member segments.

Engineering education grants - through its grants to its subsidiary, the sme education foundation, and other grants to its chapters, sme inspires youth to pursue careers in Manufacturing, supports students studying for a career in an engineering or engineering related field through its prime (partnership response in Manufacturing education programs and college scholarships.)