What Does SME Stand For?
SME is the acronym behind our heritage as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. In 2013, the use of its full legal name was discontinued, and the organization became known as SME. Today, we are so much more than a society of engineers, so we simply call ourselves SME.
When Was SME Founded?
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers was founded in 1932 by 33 tool engineers and was originally named the Society of Tool Engineers. Even back then, there were 200 members at the organization’s first meeting.
At the turn of the 20th century, American manufacturing was continuing to experience explosive growth. With the coming of the automobile and assembly line, efforts were invested into the creation of manufacturing tools and machines capable of mass-producing products. However, there were no
standards or central organized body to help coordinate knowledge and cooperation among tool engineers.
SME was formed to address this deficiency. Its foundation created a body from which knowledge could be aggregated and distributed, standards for the profession and manufacturers could be created, and efficiency promoted.
Where is SME Located?
With its headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan and additional offices in Cleveland, Ohio and Toronto, Canada, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers has strategically distributed its team to the most manufacturing-heavy parts of North America.
The organization works with manufacturers, students, educators, companies, and government organizations across the globe, and has conferences and expositions throughout North America. In 2015, we expanded our footprint to Germany.
What Does SME Offer?
Membership
SME members are manufacturing professionals, researchers, educators, and high school and postsecondary (technical/trade, community college, and university) students who are looking to connect with industry peers, gain knowledge related to manufacturing technology and trends, and participate in leadership opportunities.
SME offers its members all of these things through virtual technical communities, local SME chapters, and in-person activities such as conferences, leadership training, and trade shows, as well as student-focused programs and content that showcases the opportunities within a manufacturing career.
Events
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers produces a premier set of manufacturing trade shows and conferences across North America to help companies showcase their capabilities and connect customers to solutions.
These feature the latest in manufacturing technology, trends, and solutions from all areas of the industry, including additive manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical manufacturing, and workforce development.
Awards and Recognition
SME offers several industry awards to recognize manufacturing professionals, companies, and institutions that have significantly impacted the manufacturing profession and industry.
Advanced Manufacturing Media
Advanced Manufacturing Media is a leading source for news and in-depth technical information about advanced manufacturing in North America. It serves an audience of more than 100,000 manufacturing professionals who subscribe to its monthly magazine, iTunes app, industry yearbooks, e-newsletters, and other media products.
Coverage is focused on some of the world’s most critical manufacturing industries including aerospace and defense, motorized vehicles, medical, and energy. It’s delivered through a fully integrated media portfolio, which makes information available in print, online, through email, mobile apps, and social media networks, as well as webinars. We also provide special reports through lead capturing downloads.
Tooling U-SME
Tooling U-SME delivers versatile, competency-based learning and development solutions to the manufacturing community, working with more than half of all Fortune 500® manufacturing companies, as well as educational institutions across the country.
It partners with customers to build high performers who help their companies drive quality, productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.
Educators turn to Tooling U-SME to augment their learning plans, providing their instructors with more time for hands-on instruction. Individuals turn to Tooling U-SME to gain new skills and advance their careers.
Our suite of products and service is unparalleled, including more than 450 online classes, 60 instructor-led courses, hundreds of books and videos, certification, learning services, and custom content.
SME Education Foundation
The SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares and supports young people in their pursuit of advanced manufacturing career pathways. The Foundation fosters the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists by engaging participation in the PRIME program and providing scholarships to further their education.
By helping to build a pipeline of skilled and STEM-capable workers, we are making an impact in securing our nation’s future competiveness and economic prosperity.
SME Membership
- 500,000 The number of manufacturing practitioners SME reaches each year.
- 18,000 current members with efforts now under way to dramatically grow the number to 75,000
- 60,000 students SME Education Foundation programs have encouraged to study STEM, with a focus on technology and engineering.
- 90,000+ manufacturing professionals experience SME events annually
- 5,000 companies, including half of the Fortune 500 manufacturing companies, and 600 educational institutions work with Tolling U-SME
- 90,000 The number Advanced Manufacturing Media reaches audited magazine subscribers, including 20,000 digital magazine subscribers, 30,000 e-Newsletter subscribers, as well as website, webinars, and e-notifier audiences.
2016 SME Events
NAMRC 44, June 27-July 1 2016, Blacksburg, VA
NAMRC is recognized as North America’s preeminent and longest running international forum for applied research and industrial applications in manufacturing and design with its presentations and publication of original, basic and applied research in advanced manufacturing. NAMRC features peer-reviewed papers, keynotes, special opportunities for networking and collaboration, and recognition of research implementation, service, and achievements.
WESTEC, Sept. 12-14, Los Angeles, CA
WESTEC, the region’s definitive manufacturing event occurs at the Los Angeles Convention. The three-day event gives you access to the latest technologies, equipment and products from the industry’s leading innovators. Products and technology are highlighted through interactive exhibits, education and networking.
FABTECH, Nov. 16-18 2016, Las Vegas, NV
FABTECH is North America’s largest collaboration of technology, equipment and knowledge in the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industry. The event is made possible by its five co-sponsors: including SME, the American Welding Society, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, the Precision Metalforming Association and the Chemical Coaters Association International
[/showhide]About
SME has a rich and evolving heritage spanning more than 80 years. We serve the manufacturing industry as a nonprofit by promoting advanced manufacturing technology and developing a skilled workforce.
And, we work closely with manufacturers to share knowledge and resources that generate solutions meeting industry demands.
SME Association Headquarters
Address
One SME Dr.
Dearborn, MI 48128
Website: https://www.sme.org/
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