Bright Minds Student Summits take place alongside SME technology shows, providing students with an opportunity to learn about advanced manufacturing technologies and the companies that utilize these technologies. Summit activities include guided show-floor tours, technology demonstrations, keynote presentations and competitions. Over lunch, students hear from accomplished manufacturing professionals who discuss their companies, their technologies, and what the modern-day advanced manufacturing industry looks like.

At each summit, students are grouped into teams of five to tour the show floor, interact with exhibiting companies, and compete in various challenges for a chance to win prizes. All summit challenges are geared toward facilitating conversation between students and exhibitors, and validating student knowledge.