Preparations are ramping up for the latest edition of the PPMA Show, which takes place from September 22-24 at the NEC, Birmingham. Scott McKenna, chief operating officer at Automate UK, recently answered Packaging Scotland’s questions about the long-running eventÂ
Q) What new additions can visitors expect at PPMA Show 2026?
A) After 38 years of hosting the PPMA Show, we are committed to enhancing the tried and trusted features that have the biggest impact on visitors. Once again, we’ll provide an extensive seminar programme, offering visitors access to a wealth of information and insight from across the manufacturing spectrum, and the Innovations Eleven feature will return to give selected exhibitors the opportunity to launch brand-new technology directly to the audience in a live demo theatre.
But we do have one new addition this year, which we hope will become an invaluable resource: the Manufacturing Uncensored podcast, which is managed by Automate UK and Engineers Insight and sponsored by the PPMA Show. This will act as a show companion, highlighting technology being featured at the event, sharing news, trends and expert perspectives, and give listeners access to exclusive interviews with exhibitors and industry leaders.
Q) How important is the new PPMA Show Podcast both in terms of connecting the organisation and members and also as a resource for visitors?
A) We hope that it will become an essential tool, not just for members and visitors to the show, but for anyone operating within the sector. It has been designed to allow conversations to continue throughout the year rather than being limited to the exhibition itself, and gives members, exhibitors and industry experts the opportunity to discuss the issues shaping manufacturing, share best practice and explore the opportunities and challenges businesses are facing.
For visitors, it provides valuable insight ahead of PPMA Show® and becomes an ongoing resource afterwards.
Q) It looks like a mix of new, returning and long-term exhibitors. How important is it to get that balance, and what can we expect from the new exhibitors?
A) That balance has always been one of the strengths of the PPMA Show. Returning exhibitors demonstrate their continued commitment to the industry and allow visitors to reconnect with trusted suppliers, while new exhibitors introduce fresh ideas, new technologies and different approaches to manufacturing challenges.
This year’s new exhibitors will demonstrate technologies that directly address the industry’s need for greater flexibility, improved reliability and smarter manufacturing environments, helping businesses respond to changing regulations, labour shortages and increasing production demands.
Q) Figures show that over 80% of visitors to PPMA Show report discovering new solutions that enhance and support their businesses. What solutions do you anticipate being in high demand at this year’s event?
A) Manufacturers continue to face familiar challenges around productivity, labour shortages, sustainability and operating efficiency, but they’re also dealing with changing regulations, new packaging materials and increasing customer expectations.
Visitors will discover automation and robotics, AI-powered quality inspection, machine vision, predictive maintenance, digital twins, coding and marking systems, connected production lines and flexible packaging machinery: technologies that help manufacturers become more efficient while improving quality and reducing downtime.
Q) A number of exhibitors last year reported sales and partnerships being agreed on stands. Is this something you’ve looked to build on and hope to see continue this year?
A) The PPMA Show is a prime opportunity for face-to-face conversations and demonstrations – there’s really no substitute for being able to do that. It’s a chance for procurement teams, buyers and sales representatives to be in the same room with access to the experts behind the technology, to have their questions answered and to be introduced to the people who can provide the solutions to their challenges.
More than 350 exhibitors will be on site, willing to hear about the issues visitors have and to share their expertise and knowledge to help address them, and that level of interest and service inevitably translates into a business partnership or transaction.
Q) There’s a real focus on bridging the skills gap and the future workforce of the sector at PPMA. How can we expect the industry to be promoted to youngsters at the event?
A) Inspiring and encouraging the next generation entering the industry is a huge priority for us, and it’s not just about interesting them in the industry; it’s about demonstrating the mentoring, funding and support available to them as they start on their career path.
It isn’t just about promoting the industry to newcomers though; it’s about working with businesses to attract and develop new talent to their operation, and to retain it. This year’s show will be the first we’ve hosted since the launch of our Apprenticeship Cluster programme in January. A fully funded initiative designed to address critical skills shortages in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, we hope that the additional support, training and funding it offers will encourage young people wanting to enter the workforce to pursue the opportunities available and benefit from the expertise of mentors keen to pass on their knowledge and experience.
Q) You hailed exhibitors for the effort and vision that goes into the creation of their stands. How much of an influence can the quality – both in terms of innovation and individuals in the industry – on show at PPMA have on a visiting youngster?
A) A huge influence! The stands are an extension of the innovations our exhibitors are showcasing, and they take the opportunity to present them to their best advantage very seriously. Seeing technology operating live is far more engaging than simply reading about it, particularly for young people considering careers in engineering or manufacturing. Just as importantly, they have the opportunity to speak directly with engineers, designers and technical specialists who can share their own experiences.
It helps them appreciate how UK manufacturing supports high-profile companies such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Mars and Unilever, and the conversations that leads to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing and emphasises how innovative, diverse and technology-driven the sector has become.
Q) The keynote speakers were a particular success in 2025. How are you looking to build on that?
A) We take a lot of pride in securing figures that will inspire and energise visitors, demonstrating how their determination, decisions, risks and approaches to business have made them the success stories they’ve become. While the show itself is a huge shop window for sector-wide vision and expertise, our keynote speakers offer something beyond the technology and insight accessible throughout the halls.
This year we have so far confirmed former Dyson CEO Martin McCourt and NASA medic Dr Kevin Fong, with more to be announced in the run-up to the show. Martin and Kevin’s addresses will focus on courage, creativity, and making decisions under pressure. These are factors that we all face day-to-day, but the scenarios Martin and Kevin will apply them to will, we hope, give attendees pause for thought when it comes to everyday business.
Q) Frank Skinner and Heather Small are performing at the Automate UK Awards – it looks like it’s going to be another big night. What has the standard of entries been like thus far?
A)We are always blown away by the standard of the nominations for the Automate UK Awards – we support such a diverse field that the individuals, inventions, technology and case studies put forward are genuinely jaw-dropping, and the entries we’ve had submitted to date are no exception. The judging process is extremely time-consuming because of the calibre of achievements and candidates, and I do not envy the panel in having to single out one winner for each category.
