Exhibitor participation in SME’s Bright Minds Student Summits, hosted alongside SME manufacturing conferences and events, not only helps students, it’s also beneficial to exhibitors. While students make valuable networking connections and glimpse the future of advanced manufacturing technologies, exhibitors share their industry expertise and inspire students to pursue manufacturing and engineering careers — strengthening the talent pipeline in the process.
Student-friendly exhibitors at certain SME events welcome summit attendees to their exhibit spaces, where the students can ask questions about the company and the industry, as well as find out about career opportunities.
“We saw it as an excellent opportunity to engage with the next generation of engineers and manufacturing professionals,” says James Harrison, business development and senior sales manager at Lincoln Electric Co., which learned about the summits through its annual participation in RAPID + TCT.
Airgas, another RAPID + TCT exhibitor, was contacted by SME about participating in the Bright Minds Student Summit ahead of the 2026 event. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to connect with students and educators to answer questions on our innovations, offers and company initiatives related to the skilled trades and early career development,” says René Cooper, additive manufacturing market manager at Airgas.
Both companies have long supported development of the next generation of manufacturers through workforce training.
“Engaging with students is essential to sustain the growth of advanced manufacturing,” explains Harrison. “As a leader in large‑scale metal additive manufacturing, we believe it’s important to give students direct exposure to emerging technologies, real‑world applications and the wide range of career paths available in this field.”
Airgas has a similar perspective. According to Cooper, “Participating as a student-friendly exhibitor granted us the opportunity to help the students understand current career opportunities, and see our innovations in science and technology in real time.”
Both Airgas and Lincoln Electric say their experiences as student-friendly exhibitors was positive.
“The students come with genuine curiosity and thoughtful questions, and they’re eager to understand how technologies like wire-arc additive manufacturing are used in industry,” notes Harrison.
Cooper concurs, saying, “We enjoyed meeting the students in person. They asked insightful questions, and were interested in our exhibit and the technology we displayed.”
Both companies encourage other manufacturers to become student-friendly exhibitors at future Bright Minds Student Summits. “As students are considering their career paths and next steps, it is important for them to be exposed to new companies and to the modern technology that is utilized in the workforce,” says Cooper.
“Participating is a valuable investment in the future of the industry,” Harrison. “The engagement is rewarding, the conversations are impactful, and it strengthens the pipeline of talent that all of us depend on.”
