It’s hard to believe its already September — that means it’s time for CAMX, North America’s largest and most comprehensive event dedicated to composites and advanced materials. Many of you (especially those reading this now) may already be in San Diego for the event, which always promises insights into the latest industry trends and technologies, educational programming and opportunities to network with exhibitors and suppliers.

This year marks an exciting milestone for CAMX as the event celebrates its 10^th anniversary. In the decade since the trade show first launched in 2014, both the composites industry and the event itself have undergone significant transformations. Integration of the two major conferences previously hosted by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) marked a sea change in the industry, reflecting the growing convergence of composites use in industrial and advanced applications. This merging of industry segments was driven by industry trends such as increased carbon fiber use in automotive and wind energy sectors, as well as the broader adoption of out-of-autoclave technologies in aerospace.

Today, CAMX has evolved into a hub for innovation, collaboration and the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies that span a wide range of applications from aerospace to automotive to urban air mobility to renewable energy. Over the years, the event has expanded its scope to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the composites sector, including sustainability, automation and the digitalization of manufacturing processes. The exhibition space has grown, attracting a broader array of exhibitors and attendees from around the world, reflecting the global nature of the composites market.

This shift reflects the industry’s broader trend toward innovation and the breaking down of traditional silos.

The educational component of CAMX has also advanced, with a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and the application of new materials and processes across different industries. The conference sessions have become increasingly diverse, covering topics from the latest developments in additive manufacturing, to the use of AI and machine learning, to the integration of composites in evolving markets like infrastructure and consumer electronics. This shift reflects the industry’s broader trend toward innovation and the breaking down of traditional silos between different segments of the composites market.

Moreover, CAMX has kept pace with the growing importance of sustainability in the industry. There is now a significant focus on the development of bio-based composites, recycling technologies and life cycle analysis. This also reflects a broader industry shift towards creating materials and processes that not only offer high performance and lightweight, but that are also environmentally responsible.

Within this issue, as well as CW’s August issue, you’ll find exhibitor previews offering a peek at what’s in store at this year’s event. (You can also find this information online at compositesworld.com/kc/camx-forecast.) I also encourage you to check out the Show Daily available each day at CAMX, which offers a guide to what you’ll discover on the show floor, highlights and recaps from each day of the event, roundups of the award winners and much more. 

Over the past 10 years, this composites trade show has not only grown in size and scope but has also evolved in response to the changing needs of industry. It remains a vital platform for advancing the use of composites and advanced materials across a wide range of industries, driving innovation and fostering collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.

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For more insights on how CAMX has grown over the years, check out an episode of our CW Talks podcast featuring an interview with Cindy Squires, the president and CEO of ACMA, and Rebekah Stacha, the CEO of SAMPE.