Be a part of the Subcon 2027 conference programme

Seize the opportunity to share your expertise and insights with a dynamic audience at Subcon 2027. As a speaker, you'll contribute to a programme filled with valuable content and engaging discussions.

We are looking for passionate speakers and unique industry voices to be a part of this exciting programme. If you’re interested in speaking at Subcon, please complete our short form and take a look at the topics for consideration below. 

We also welcome any additional feedback or ideas for features and content in 2027.

Two Subcon attendees discussing a manufacturing component on the show floor

Topics for consideration include: 

Sector Pivoting & Multi-Market Resilience

Subcontractors are actively seeking practical strategies to adapt existing engineering capabilities and win lucrative supply chain contracts in rail, marine, nuclear, energy, and heavy machinery.

Defence, Energy & High-Growth Diversification

With traditional automotive and aerospace cycles fluctuating, contract manufacturers need clear pathways to re-tool facilities, meet strict compliance standards, and secure high-value tenders across defence, nuclear, and renewables.

Practical AI on the Shop Floor (Moving Beyond the Hype)

Subcontractors are actively seeking proven, real-world applications of AI, such as automated quoting, computer-vision QA, and predictive maintenance, that deliver immediate productivity gains and fast ROI on the factory floor.

Lean for High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) Subcontracting

Traditional lean models were built for mass production, but subcontractors face high-mix, low-volume orders where job set-ups change constantly, and waste must be eliminated across rapid tool changes, short runs, and agile scheduling.

Operational Technology (OT) & Ransomware Defence on the Shop Floor

Cyber threats have moved beyond corporate email to target connected CNC cells, SCADA networks, and legacy hardware, making shop-floor security a mandatory requirement for Tier 1 and defence supply chains.

Up-skilling on a Budget & Retaining Skilled Technicians

The persistent shortage of experienced machinists and fabricators makes finding cost-effective, high-impact strategies to upskill internal staff and retain top technical talent an urgent priority for shop-floor managers.

Nearshoring Execution & Domestic Sourcing Realities

While OEMs want to bring supply chains closer to home, reshoring presents domestic material cost pressures that require practical, local multi-sourcing strategies to protect margins while keeping lead times short.

Automation & Robotics Beyond Cobots

Subcontractors facing tight margins and labour shortages need practical examples of integrating automated pallet handlers, robotic loading, and lights-out machining to keep spindles running 24/7.

Energy Security & Decarbonisation Cost-Reduction

Soaring industrial energy tariffs directly erode manufacturing margins, while Tier 1 buyers increasingly mandate Scope 3 emissions data as a prerequisite for winning new contract work.

Winning OEMs & Tier 1 Bids: The Modern Contract Partnering Playbook

Subcontractors want direct insight into how procurement criteria have evolved, from open-book pricing and ESG compliance to digital traceability and agile prototyping expectations.

Capital Equipment & Automation ROI for SMEs

Purchasing multi-axis CNCs, automated cells, or additive systems carries significant financial risk for SME subcontractors who need practical guidance on asset financing, grant navigation, and realistic payback calculations.

Regulatory Compliance & The Net-Zero Paper Trail (CBAM & Scope 3)

Tightening environmental regulations and carbon border taxes mean UK contract manufacturers risk being removed from approved supplier lists unless they implement simple, low-admin carbon-tracking systems.