SPS trade fair continues to internationalise

The SPS - Smart Production Solutions trade fair is making further inroads into international markets: In addition to SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou and SPS Italia, this year sees the debut of SPS - Smart Production Solutions Atlanta and the “SPS Stages” in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

“Whether in Europe, Asia or North America, SPS creates platforms for innovation, exchange and partnership with its global events,” explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at the organising company Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “Each of these events is specifically tailored to the needs of regional industries and at the same time offers access to an international network of technology providers, users and thought leaders. This makes SPS a global driving force for the industrial future, close to the markets and close to the people.” In addition to the SPS in Nuremberg, which has been well known and established for over 30 years, expos and stages are held in China, Italy, the USA, Thailand and Malaysia at various times of the year, offering participants new impetus and interesting contacts.

SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou and SPS Italia

As the first sister event of SPS, SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou has been held annually since 2009. With over 39,000 visitors and 555 exhibitors, the trade fair continued its success of previous years in February 2025.

Since its premiere in 2011, SPS Italia has been a permanent focal point for Italian OEMs and technology providers who want to position their automation expertise in the Italian market. From 13 to 15 May 2025, around 37,000 visitors came to Parma to find out about the latest products and trends from the more than 800 exhibiting companies.

SPS - Smart Production Solutions Atlanta

The SPS brand has also been represented on the US market since 2024, continuing its international growth trajectory. It made its first appearance at IMTS in Chicago, where it was presented to the North American trade public for the first time under the title “Automation Sector accelerated by SPS”.

After its successful debut, the next step is now following: SPS will take place for the first time as an independent trade fair in Atlanta from 16 to 18 September 2025. This will also establish the brand as a central platform for industrial automation and intelligent production in the USA. The aim is to sustainably promote dialogue between technology providers, users and industry experts. “Hosting SPS in Atlanta is a logical next step in the further development of the brand,” says Constantin von Vieregge, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Inc. “The USA is not only a major player in the global manufacturing industry, but also a centre for innovation - especially in the south-east of the country. With this event, we are bringing international automation expertise directly to the USA - where it is urgently needed and expressly desired.”

SPS Stages - Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur

With SPS Stages, the SPS brand brings new impetus to the world of industrial automation. As an integral part of Automation Thailand and Intelligent Manufacturing, a conference-based platform for companies, they offer an effective opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to tap into new markets in Southeast Asia.

The first SPS stage took place in Bangkok in March this year and met with great interest from trade visitors and industry representatives. The next stage will follow in Kuala Lumpur from May 2026, expanding the international presence of the SPS brand in the region.

“With its international orientation and the close integration of all event formats, SPS offers far more than just regional industry events,” explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner. “It forms a global network of expertise for industrial automation. The close co-operation between the individual locations enables a continuous transfer of knowledge, promotes technological impulses and opens up new market opportunities for exhibitors and trade visitors. SPS stands for quality, innovation and practical solutions worldwide and is the central platform for global dialogue within the automation industry.”

Further information and dates

Interested parties can find out when and where the next SPS Expos and Stages will take place at sps-messe.de. Further information on the respective event and contact details can also be found there.

In addition to the trade fairs, SPS offers a wide range of opportunities for networking and exchanging information on current industry trends throughout the year. As part of the SPS Automation Hub, interested parties can meet regularly in digital or physical formats - or find out about news and developments from the world of automation via SPS Insights. Further details and contact information are also available on the website.