Education Overview | MD&M Midwest

Medical Design & Manufacturing Conference Overview

#MDMMidwest

Immerse Yourself in MedTech Innovation

Upgrade your MD&M Midwest experience with a 2-day or 1-day MD&M Conference Pass.

The expertly curated conference features immersive tracks covering the product development cycle from early-stage product development, research, regulatory and security considerations, user interface and experience, and digital planning, through design and manufacturing execution. Innovative technologies in medical design and engineering are presented, taking developers full cycle to implement these new technologies into the next stage of product development.

The two-day educational event brings together medical manufacturers, industry experts, thought leaders, and academics to solve challenges in medical technology, including digital health, robotics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, treatment of cardiovascular disease, and more.

Conference content is curated by our expert Advisory Board, comprised of leaders from throughout the medical device design industry. See the full list of Advisory Board members below.

MD&M Conference Tracks

This conference offers targeted information for engineers conceptualizing, designing, and manufacturing next-generation medical devices. Conference attendees will come away with solutions to problems they face in their jobs every day, along with inspiration to spur future innovations. MD&M offers five tracks covering all aspects of medical device design and manufacturing:

Regulations & Quality forMedical Devices

Design Forward

Smarter design from day one. How teams are using modern tools and methods to design safer, faster, and more manufacturable devices.

AI-driven design + simulation
Digital twins for early development
Human-centered design for usability + regulatory success
Building DFM/DFX into early concepts

NextTech

The future of MedTech, now. Emerging technologies reshaping devices—from concept through commercialization.

Robotics + image-guided systems
Smart implants + connected devices
Wearables moving toward clinical-grade performance
New materials: biocompatible + sustainable polymers

Compliance Lab

Making global regulations understandable. What teams need to know about evolving rules, quality systems, and post-market expectations.

FDA modernization
EU MDR + global harmonization
SaMD + AI regulatory updates
Audit readiness + inspection trends

Secure & Smart

Connected devices done right. Cybersecurity, software oversight, and digital health requirements for today’s smart systems.

FDA cybersecurity expectations
AI governance + validation
Risk management for connected devices
Data privacy + interoperability essentials

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Building and scaling with confidence. Strategies for resilient, cost-effective production in a shifting global landscape.

Reshoring + nearshoring
Supplier diversification
Practical smart-factory adoption
Automation vs. workforce gaps
Cost reduction under margin pressure

Conference Enhancements

Workshop: Smart Manufacturing
This exclusive workshop will help manufacturers understand the importance of smart manufacturing, its essential building blocks, and how to get started. Discover the competitive need for smart manufacturing and learn the first steps to implement these innovations in your operations workshop: Smart Manufacturing.

Workshop: Diving Deeper into Lean and Smart Manufacturing Synergies
The intersection of Lean and Digital has been coined “Digital Lean” and we will discuss examples of how this powerful combination of timeless lean principles and the latest digital technologies is reducing waste and variability in manufacturing processes. Digital lean isn’t a separate set of lean principles but a powerful enhancement of existing methodologies. Leveraging Smart Manufacturing technologies, Digital Lean techniques deliver precise, timely, and detailed operational insights, elevating the application of lean principles.

Workshop: Future of Sterilization
The Future of Sterilization Workshop explores how shifts in care delivery, device design, materials, and regulatory science are reshaping sterilization practices across the industry.

Attendees will hear expert updates on evolving standards, compare emerging and legacy modalities, and participate in interactive, small-group discussions to understand practical applications and constraints. The day concludes with a forward-looking synthesis to help manufacturers align their sterilization strategies with the scientific and operational realities of the decade ahead.

Conference on Expo Floor Education

Keynotes

Our premier keynote presentations feature visionary speakers who will provide unique perspectives on some of the hottest topics in advanced manufacturing. These captivating talks highlight emerging trends and strategic directions to guide and inspire you from some of the brightest minds in the field.

MedTech Central

The schedule is packed. Stop in for expert panels and presentations on everything from surgical robots to machine learning for medical devices.

Engineering Theater

See demonstrations, case studies, panels, and presentations on new advances in robotics, industrial automation, loT, electronics, 3D printing, packaging, and more.

Tech Theater

Watch today's most innovative exhibitors as they showcase their latest technologies in a classroom format. Ask questions, get answers, and explore solutions for your projects.

Coffee Talks and Lunch & Learns

You have a special opportunity to learn with some complimentary food, coffee, and refreshments when you RSVP for any of our sponsored Coffee Talks and Lunch & Learns. Hosted by the brightest executives and engineers from some of the top companies at the show, you can learn about unique new advanced manufacturing topics as you fuel your body and mind. Please check back regularly for updates.