Ten things to look forward to at CAMX 2023

Are you attending CAMX – The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2023, in Atlanta, Ga., U.S.? We can’t wait to see you at North America’s largest conference and trade show targeting the composites manufacturing industry. This year is going to be a special one filled with plenty of networking, education, live demonstrations and celebrations. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to find at CAMX this year.

1. Networking opportunities. The past few years have been a stark reminder of the importance of in-person interactions. CAMX is an amazing opportunity for the composites industry to gather in one place to learn, share ideas, collaborate, network and reconnect with colleagues and friends.
2. Education. The conference program at CAMX offers a wide array of educational sessions ranging from technical papers focused on original research to case histories. You’ll also find speaker panels and featured sessions that emphasize many of the topics that are shaping the industry today. Make sure to check out “Good Day, CAMX,” on Wednesday morning (Nov. 1), which highlights a panel featuring CW publisher Jeff Sloan on navigating the future of the composites industry. And don’t miss this year’s keynote speaker, retired NASA astronaut, rocket scientist and aerospace entrepreneur Joanne Higginbotham.
3. Awards. CAMX offers two awards programs — the CAMX Awards and the Awards in Composites Excellence (ACE). The CAMX Awards, given in two categories, will be announced at the General Session on Tuesday morning, Oct. 31. The ACE winners, presented in six categories, will be announced Tuesday afternoon on the show floor. Expert tip: The award winners draw a lot of attention, but be sure to visit the exhibit areas for each award program on the show floor. There are always interesting technologies and products among all nominees.
4. New products/technologies. Every year, CW asks CAMX exhibitors to send information about the products and technologies they’ll have on display at the end. You can find some of the previews in the September and October issues of CW. All can be found online at #CAMX or in these Part 1 and Part 2 compilation articles, but you’ll also want to visit their booths and see for yourself.
5. Demonstrations. Want to see composites processes in action? Check out the Composites One and Closed Mold Alliance Demo Zone. The Demo Zone is a large glass-enclosed space on the show floor (booth W18) where you’ll see live demonstrations of the manufacturing of composite parts using a variety of materials, tools and processes, including infusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), silicone bag molding, and prepreg and autoclave processing. Expert tip: The demos attract large crowds and are great for socializing.
6. Celebrate with CW. This year marks the 30^th anniversary of CW (see our Part 1 and Part 2 coverage here) and we’d love to celebrate with you. CW’s entire editorial staff will be at CAMX — swing by booth F36 and say hello.
7. CAMX Show Daily. Keep up to speed with show happenings with the CAMX Show Daily, a good old-fashioned print publication published by none other than CW. And, if you’re unable to attend the show, CW editors will also be sharing a digital version of the Show Daily each morning here at compositesworld.com. We don’t expect you’ll have trouble finding a copy.
8. CW, the magazine. Moreover, if you’re a fan of print (and if you are, then we’re a fan of you) then make sure to swing by the CW booth to pick up a copies of our September and October issues. Each are packed with a variety of insightful content, including an update on the world of CMC, new airship designs, plant tours, high-rate RTM developments and more.
9. Halloween fun. This year, CAMX coincides with Halloween, so there’s a good chance you’ll see a few costumes and other fun tricks and treats on the show floor. While event organizers will be putting on their own fun throughout the first day, CW also invites you to take part in finding the hidden pumpkin it has concealed somewhere in Tuesday’s Show Daily. The first 10 people who visit the CW booth and indicate where they found it will win a candy bar! Fun fact: Many of your favorite Halloween candies are composites in their own right.
10. Area haunts. Looking for more Halloween fun? Don’t miss CW’s roundup of Atlanta Halloween hot spots, also featured in the Tuesday CAMX Show Daily.