🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Design-2-Part Show — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
About this event
Design-2-Part Show (Design-2-Part Trade Shows) — Detailed Event Description
Event Overview
The Design-2-Part Trade Shows (often referred to as the Design-2-Part Show) are regional, design-to-manufacturing trade events built to connect OEM engineers and buyers directly with American contract manufacturing experts. Since the program launched in 1975, Design-2-Part Trade Shows have focused on creating in-person opportunities where buyers can evaluate suppliers, compare capabilities, and explore manufacturing processes and technologies using real, tangible samples.
The show brand positions itself as America’s Largest Design & Contract Manufacturing Trade Show, with an event format designed around practical, supplier-to-buyer matching. Attendees can discover new technologies and processes, review thousands of sample parts, and meet manufacturing suppliers face-to-face.
Core Theme: From Design to Manufactured Part
Design-2-Part Trade Shows emphasize the “design-to-part” workflow. In many manufacturing organizations, the most difficult step is aligning engineering requirements (materials, tolerances, finishes, compliance, and design intent) with supplier execution (process capability, capacity, quality systems, and proven outcomes). This event is structured to bring those teams together—supporting evaluation of suppliers based on capability fit rather than one-size-fits-all vendor directories.
Event Type and Buyer Orientation
This is primarily a business-to-business trade show centered on contract manufacturing services. The event is positioned to attract OEM engineers and buyers who are actively sourcing parts, seeking qualified suppliers, and looking to reduce time spent on vendor outreach by meeting multiple manufacturing experts at once.
In addition to supplier discovery, the show highlights the ability to compare multiple vendors in person and to view thousands of sample parts that demonstrate capabilities across manufacturing processes.
Show Network (2026) — Where the Events Take Place
Design-2-Part Trade Shows runs across the United States and offers multiple scheduled regional editions in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026. Each event provides a dedicated setting for buyers to connect with manufacturing suppliers within a geographic region.
Spring 2026 Locations and Dates
-
Southeast — March 10 & 11, 2026
Cobb Convention Center — Atlanta, GA -
Texas — April 1 & 2, 2026
Irving Convention Center — Irving, TX -
Greater New York — April 22 & 23, 2026
Meadowlands Exposition Center — Secaucus, NJ -
Greater Chicago — May 6 & 7, 2026
Schaumburg Convention Center — Schaumburg, IL -
Greater Denver — May 20 & 21, 2026
Colorado Convention Center — Denver, CO -
Greater Detroit — June 17 & 18, 2026
Vibe Credit Union Showplace — Novi, MI
Fall 2026 Locations and Dates
-
Southeast — September 16 & 17, 2026
Greenville Convention Center — Greenville, SC -
New England — September 30 & October 1, 2026
Royal Plaza Trade Center — Marlborough, MA -
Southern California — October 14 & 15, 2026
Pasadena Convention Center — Pasadena, CA -
Greater Ohio — October 28 & 29, 2026
Duke Energy Convention Center — Cincinnati, OH -
Mid-Atlantic — November 18 & 19, 2026
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center — Oaks, PA
Venue and Attendee Experience
Each edition is hosted at a major regional convention venue, providing large-format exhibit space and a structured environment for buyer-supplier evaluation. The event format is built around direct engagement: attendees can meet manufacturing suppliers, discuss part requirements, and examine samples in a way that supports more informed follow-up.
On the official event program, Design-2-Part Trade Shows describe the show as an opportunity for attendees to discover new technologies and processes, compare suppliers in person, and view thousands of sample parts. This indicates a strong emphasis on tangible manufacturing examples rather than purely conceptual presentations.
Supplier/Exhibitor Positioning (What Makes This Show Different)
Design-2-Part Trade Shows position exhibitor participation as exclusively for North American-based companies specializing in contract manufacturing services. Suppliers are described as needing to be directly involved in production of custom parts or related manufacturing processes.
For buyers, this matters because it can reduce the amount of time spent distinguishing true manufacturing capability from third-party representation. The event’s exhibitor qualification language is oriented toward ensuring suppliers are operationally tied to the production of custom parts.
Audience and Who Attends
The event’s official messaging states that it connects OEM engineers and buyers with manufacturing expertise face-to-face. That buyer-oriented framing typically signals an audience consisting of professionals responsible for selecting suppliers, evaluating manufacturing methods, and supporting engineering specifications for custom parts.
While exact attendee headcounts and detailed attendee job-title breakdowns may vary by region and year, the official positioning consistently indicates that Design-2-Part Trade Shows are structured for engineering-driven sourcing discussions and supplier comparisons.
Why Buyers Join (Value Proposition)
Based on the event’s official descriptions, buyers attend to:
- Discover new manufacturing technologies and processes across an in-person supplier network.
- Compare suppliers in person to speed up evaluation cycles and support decision-making.
- View thousands of sample parts to assess quality, capability, and potential fit for custom work.
- Engage directly with American manufacturing experts to discuss part requirements and capabilities.
- Reduce sourcing friction by meeting multiple qualified suppliers in one regional event window.
How to Use Design-2-Part Trade Shows for Sourcing and Supplier Evaluation
Design-2-Part Trade Shows are most effective when buyers approach the event with part requirements and sourcing goals that can be discussed in supplier conversations. Because the event emphasizes sample viewing and process discovery, attendees typically gain value by documenting which suppliers match their manufacturing needs and by planning follow-up conversations after the show.
We help buyers and event teams align their sourcing strategy with the structure of the event—focusing on the “meet, evaluate, compare, and follow up” workflow that Design-2-Part Trade Shows were built to support.
Show Coverage in 2026 (Summary)
Design-2-Part Trade Shows run multiple times throughout 2026 across key manufacturing and engineering regions in the United States. Collectively, the 2026 schedule provides a multi-region opportunity to connect with suppliers and evaluate custom part manufacturing capabilities.
Event Details (Official Schedule Extract)
The event schedule and venue locations for 2026 are listed directly by Design-2-Part Trade Shows as follows:
- March 10 & 11, 2026 — Cobb Convention Center, Atlanta, GA (Southeast)
- April 1 & 2, 2026 — Irving Convention Center, Irving, TX (Texas)
- April 22 & 23, 2026 — Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ (Greater New York)
- May 6 & 7, 2026 — Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL (Greater Chicago)
- May 20 & 21, 2026 — Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO (Greater Denver)
- June 17 & 18, 2026 — Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi, MI (Greater Detroit)
- September 16 & 17, 2026 — Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC (Southeast)
- September 30 & October 1, 2026 — Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, MA (New England)
- October 14 & 15, 2026 — Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA (Southern California)
- October 28 & 29, 2026 — Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH (Greater Ohio)
- November 18 & 19, 2026 — Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA (Mid-Atlantic)
Next Step (Optional for Your Outreach)
If we know your offering and target manufacturing segments (for example: specific processes, materials, industries served, or buyer decision roles), we can recommend which regional edition is most aligned with your goals. This helps ensure the event selection matches your sourcing and engagement priorities for 2026.
Data sheet
| Event Overview | |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Design-2-Part Show |
| Event Date | September 16–17, 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Greenville Convention Center |
| City | Greenville |
| State / Region | South Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | Design-2-Part Shows |
| Official Event Website | d2p.com |
| Event Type | B2B trade show / contract manufacturing sourcing event |
| Primary Category | Industrial Engineering |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Business Services; Logistics & Transportation; Building & Construction; IT & Technology |
| Audience Reach | Regional with national supplier reach |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Moderate. Official site confirms the 2026 show schedule and market positioning, but does not publish a current attendance figure in the supplied source text. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect OEM engineers and buyers with contract manufacturing suppliers, custom parts providers, and related production service firms. |
Design-2-Part Show is presented as America’s largest design and contract manufacturing trade show, bringing together suppliers of custom parts and related manufacturing services from across the nation. The event is positioned as a practical sourcing and engineering event where attendees can compare suppliers in person, evaluate production capabilities, and review sample parts and manufacturing processes.
The show matters because it serves a highly commercial buyer audience: OEM engineers, procurement professionals, sourcing teams, and manufacturing decision-makers seeking domestic supply options, production flexibility, and technical collaboration. For suppliers, it is a strong environment for demand generation, RFQ opportunities, supplier qualification, and relationship building with organizations that buy engineered components, contract manufacturing, and specialty production services.
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM engineers and design engineers | Manufacturers, product development teams, industrial OEMs | Specify parts, evaluate tolerances, and qualify suppliers | Very high; they influence technical fit and supplier shortlisting |
| Procurement and sourcing teams | Manufacturers, industrial firms, equipment OEMs | Issue RFQs, manage supplier panels, negotiate pricing | High; direct buying authority or strong influence over vendor selection |
| Supply chain managers | Industrial enterprises, manufacturers, assemblers | Balance cost, lead time, continuity of supply, and risk | High; often involved in vendor consolidation and localization |
| Operations leaders | Manufacturing plants, industrial operations, assembly operations | Drive throughput, quality, and production continuity | High; interested in reliable outside processing and capacity support |
| Product managers / product development leaders | Industrial product companies, equipment makers, med-tech manufacturers | Define requirements, approve prototypes, coordinate launch readiness | High; often evaluate make-versus-buy options and prototype suppliers |
| Quality and supplier quality teams | Manufacturers with regulated or high-spec production needs | Audit suppliers, manage corrective actions, ensure compliance | High; supplier assurance is critical for contract manufacturing |
| Facilities and maintenance leaders | Industrial plants, production facilities, fabrication sites | Source equipment support, replacement parts, service providers | Medium to high; relevant when suppliers support plant operations |
| Business development and partnerships teams | Manufacturing service providers, OEMs, industrial alliances | Create alliances, subcontracting relationships, and channel partnerships | Medium; valuable for partner-supplier and co-manufacturing discussions |
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville metro | Local manufacturers, suppliers, engineering firms | Medium | Local industrial ecosystem and plant-level decision-makers are likely to attend |
| South Carolina | Statewide OEMs, contract manufacturers, purchasing teams | High | Strong concentration expected from Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, and Upstate manufacturing corridors |
| Southeastern United States | Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida | High | Regional trade-show draw due to nearby industrial hubs and accessible driving distance |
| National U.S. suppliers and buyers | Manufacturing suppliers and procurement teams from across the country | Medium to high | The organizer states the show features suppliers from across the nation |
| International reach | Limited compared with domestic sourcing focus | Low to medium | Official messaging emphasizes North American-based exhibitors and domestic manufacturing |
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary: Regional | Strong regional sourcing draw | The Greenville edition is positioned to attract buyers and engineers from the Southeast, especially the Carolinas and surrounding manufacturing corridors. |
| Secondary: National | National supplier participation | Official site states the show features suppliers from across the nation, which broadens the buyer and exhibitor mix beyond the host region. |
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Manufacturing Co. | OEM / manufacturing buyer | Large industrial buyer with complex sourcing and supplier qualification needs | bmwusfactory.com | Procurement Manager, Sourcing Manager, Supplier Quality Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Boeing | Aerospace OEM | Requires precision parts, certified suppliers, and contract manufacturing capacity | boeing.com | Category Manager, Procurement Director, Supplier Development Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| GE Appliances | Manufacturing / consumer durable goods buyer | Sources component parts, assemblies, tooling, and production services | geappliances.com | Strategic Sourcing Manager, Commodity Manager, Procurement Leader | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Michelin North America | Industrial manufacturer / tire producer | Advanced manufacturing buyer with recurring need for tooling, parts, and process support | michelinman.com | Buyer, Supply Chain Manager, Manufacturing Engineer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Milliken & Company | Industrial / materials manufacturer | Potential buyer for precision components, equipment support, and contract production | milliken.com | Procurement Manager, Operations Director, Supplier Quality Engineer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Honeywell | Industrial technology / manufacturing OEM | High-precision sourcing needs across industrial systems and components | honeywell.com | Global Sourcing Manager, Commodity Lead, Supplier Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Cummins | Powertrain / industrial OEM | Heavy industrial buyer with supplier development and machining needs | cummins.com | Procurement Director, Sourcing Specialist, Supplier Quality Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bosch | Industrial technology / automotive supplier | Uses contract manufacturing and specialized parts suppliers | bosch.com | Category Manager, Buyer, Manufacturing Procurement Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Lockheed Martin | Defense prime contractor | Relevant for precision fabrication, contract manufacturing, and subcontract sourcing | lockheedmartin.com | Subcontracts Manager, Procurement Specialist, Supplier Diversity Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| GE Aerospace | Aerospace OEM | High-spec industrial buyer of engineered components and supplier services | geaerospace.com | Supplier Manager, Sourcing Director, Quality Assurance Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Johns Manville | Industrial materials manufacturer | Can use external manufacturing partners, parts suppliers, and industrial services | johnsmanville.com | Procurement Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Parker Hannifin | Industrial manufacturing / motion and control | Procures precision parts and industrial supply chain services | parker.com | Global Sourcing Manager, Procurement Director, Operations Leader | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer / VP Procurement | Procurement | Executive | Owns sourcing strategy, supplier rationalization, and major vendor approval |
| 2 | Director of Procurement / Strategic Sourcing Director | Procurement | Director | Evaluates suppliers, pricing, and long-term sourcing relationships |
| 3 | Procurement Manager / Buyer | Procurement | Manager | Direct RFQ and supplier contact role for parts and services |
| 4 | Supply Chain Director / Supply Chain Manager | Supply Chain | Director / Manager | Manages continuity, lead times, and sourcing resilience |
| 5 | Supplier Quality Manager / Quality Engineer | Quality | Manager / Senior IC | Validates supplier capability, compliance, and process stability |
| 6 | Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer | Engineering / Operations | Mid to Senior | Connects design requirements to manufacturable supplier solutions |
| 7 | Operations Director / Plant Manager | Operations | Director / Senior Manager | Often approves outside processing, capacity support, and production partnerships |
| 8 | Program Manager / Project Manager | Program Management | Mid to Senior | Coordinates prototypes, launches, and supplier timelines |
| 9 | Business Development Director / Partnerships Director | Commercial / Partnerships | Director | Useful for supplier alliances, co-manufacturing, and channel development |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machinery | Core industrial buyer category for custom parts and manufacturing services | Machine builders sourcing fabricated and machined components |
| 2 | Industrial Automation | Automation firms often need precision fabrication and outsourced manufacturing | Controls and automation companies sourcing build-to-print parts |
| 3 | Automotive | Strong Southeastern manufacturing footprint and sourcing demand | Tier suppliers and OEMs evaluating domestic parts vendors |
| 4 | Aviation & Aerospace | Precision, compliance, and supplier qualification are central to attendance | Aerospace buyers seeking certified machining and fabrication partners |
| 5 | Defense & Space | Relevant to subcontracting, sourcing, and qualification-heavy manufacturing | Prime contractors and subcontract managers |
| 6 | Medical Devices | Demand for highly controlled parts, tooling, and process capability | Device manufacturers sourcing compliant contract manufacturing |
| 7 | Construction | Industrial and specialty fabrication buyers are often adjacent to construction supply chains | Fabricators, contractors, and engineered product buyers |
| 8 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Often sources enclosures, assemblies, and contract production | Electronics and industrial device manufacturers |
| 9 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Important for buyers optimizing supply resilience and sourcing lead times | Supply chain teams seeking domestic sourcing alternatives |
| 10 | Wholesale | Relevant for distributors and channel partners sourcing industrial products | Distributors and resellers of industrial components and services |
| 11 | Commercial Real Estate | Facilities and industrial site operators may source equipment and maintenance-related parts | Facility operators and industrial property managers |
| 12 | Computer Hardware | Relevant for enclosure, assembly, and precision component sourcing | Hardware OEMs and contract manufacturing buyers |
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | Official website text supplied | Use as a B2B lead-generation event; do not assume attendance volume |
| Exhibitor count | Hundreds of manufacturing suppliers | Estimated | Organizer statement: “Connect with hundreds of manufacturing suppliers” | This is a supplier count reference, not a buyer count |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed by the organizer | Unavailable | Official website text supplied | Suitable for attendee-list building only if the organizer releases a directory or badge scan data |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | Official website text supplied | No agenda or speaker roster was included in the supplied source text |
| Historical attendance | Not publicly confirmed in supplied source text | Unavailable | Official website text supplied | No historical attendance figure should be assumed without organizer publication |
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom parts sourcing | Need for build-to-print or custom engineered components | In-person technical qualification and capability review | CNC machining, fabrication, casting, molding, specialty production |
| Contract manufacturing | Need for outsourced production capacity and reliable vendors | RFQ capture and supplier qualification discussions | Assemblies, subassemblies, kitting, finishing, and production support |
| Supplier diversification | Reduce supply risk and add domestic backup options | Meet alternate suppliers and compare capacity, lead time, and compliance | Made-in-USA industrial supply base |
| Prototype and new product introduction | Need quick-turn prototyping and engineering support | Early-stage project meetings and design feedback | Rapid prototyping, tooling, low-volume production |
| Quality and compliance | Need certified suppliers and consistent process control | Supplier audits, certifications review, QA conversations | ISO-based manufacturing, traceability, quality documentation |
| Lead time and cost reduction | Need competitive pricing and shorter supply chains | Compare domestic production partners for total cost reduction | Regional production, nearshoring alternatives, logistics support |
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event is explicitly centered on OEM engineers, buyers, and manufacturing suppliers. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Strong likelihood of procurement, engineering, and operations decision-makers on site. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Good for lead capture if attendee lists, badge scans, or exhibitor directories are available; current attendee counts are not publicly confirmed. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Multiple high-fit industries, titles, and function-based filters are available in Apollo for this event. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Effective for Southeast, Carolinas, and national industrial account targeting. |
| Best outreach approach | Direct, technical, and RFQ-oriented | Lead with capability, certifications, tolerances, lead times, and samples. |
| Overall lead quality | Very High | One of the better B2B sourcing events for industrial buyer-list building and supplier prospecting. |
| Best use case | Lead generation, supplier qualification, and account-based sales | Strong fit for companies selling manufacturing services, industrial parts, engineering services, and supply chain solutions. |
| Limitations / risks | No public current-year attendee list in supplied source text | Without an official directory, company-level attendee confirmation is limited. |
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Machinery; Automotive; Aviation & Aerospace; Defense & Space; Industrial Automation; Medical Devices; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Construction; Logistics & Supply Chain; Wholesale | Target industrial buyers and sourcing organizations most likely to need contract manufacturing |
| Departments | Procurement; Purchasing; Supply Chain; Operations; Engineering; Quality; Program Management | Capture both decision-makers and technical evaluators |
| Seniority | Manager; Director; VP; CXO; Owner | Prioritize people with vendor approval authority |
| Job titles | Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Buyer, Supply Chain Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Director, Plant Manager, Program Manager, Category Manager | Directly aligns with likely show attendees and buying committees |
| Geography | South Carolina; Georgia; North Carolina; Tennessee; Alabama; Florida; broader U.S. | Focus on Southeast accounts while keeping national manufacturer targets |
| Employee size | 51–200; 201–500; 501–1,000; 1,001–5,000; 5,000+ | Captures both mid-market manufacturers and enterprise OEMs |
| Keywords | “contract manufacturing”, “custom parts”, “RFQ”, “sourcing”, “supplier quality”, “machining”, “fabrication”, “prototype”, “build to print”, “precision components” | Find accounts actively buying outsourced manufacturing services |
| Company type | Manufacturers; OEMs; industrial product companies; defense contractors; aerospace suppliers; medical device firms | Most likely to have active supplier qualification workflows |
Please share the client website or product/service details. I will review the client offering and identify the highest-fit buyer companies, Apollo industries, seniority levels, departments, and job titles from this event.
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design-2-Part Shows Official Website | Primary organizer source | Event schedule, Greenville edition date, venue, market positioning, supplier focus, exhibitor eligibility, and national supplier statement | Very High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Design-2-Part Show — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.