The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference at the RDS, Simmonscourt brought together an impressive gathering of industry professionals. With 250+ exhibitors, 170+ speakers, and 8 themed stages over two days, it was certainly a hub of activity for the manufacturing community.
What We Observed
Rob and Aisling represented Industrial Packaging at Stand R11, giving us a good opportunity to connect with various industry professionals and observe the current state of manufacturing and supply chain in Ireland.
The event attracted a diverse range of attendees, reflecting the broad scope of modern manufacturing. From multinational corporations to specialised suppliers, the variety was notable – conversations covered everything from heavy industry to niche applications.
Event Highlights
The organisers put together a solid program. Keith Barry’s performance was certainly a talking point, and the panel discussions with Ivan Yates covered relevant topics from digital transformation to supply chain challenges.
The session with Dublin GAA legends Kevin McManaman and Dean Rock offered an interesting perspective on teamwork and resilience – concepts that translate well across business environments.
Industry Insights
The conversations throughout the event revealed several consistent themes:
- Supply chain resilience continues to be a priority
- Digital transformation is becoming standard practice rather than innovation
- Sustainability initiatives are moving from planning to implementation
- Workforce development remains a key challenge
These trends align with what we’re seeing across our client base at Industrial Packaging.
Networking and Connections
One positive aspect was the willingness of attendees to share experiences and challenges. Even competitors were open about industry-wide issues, creating some genuinely useful discussions.
We had several interesting conversations about packaging solutions and industry challenges, and also some which provided good insight into the wider manufacturing landscape.
Looking Forward
The organisers are planning next year’s event for 27th-28th May 2026. Events like this serve an important role in bringing the manufacturing community together, and the variety of perspectives can be valuable for understanding industry trends.
For companies looking to connect with the broader manufacturing sector, events of this scale offer good exposure to the full spectrum of the industry.
Speaking of which, keep an eye out for us at the All Ireland Food & Beverage Manufacturing Conference & Exhibition 2026!
Thank You
To everyone who stopped by Stand R11 to chat with Rob and Aisling – we appreciated the conversations and insights you shared. Whether discussing specific packaging challenges or broader industry trends, these interactions help us better understand the market.
The manufacturing and supply chain community in Ireland benefits from having forums like this to share knowledge and experiences.
If you’re still thinking about packaging challenges or solutions we discussed, we’re always happy to continue those conversations beyond the exhibition floor. Contact us today!