MT Southwest 2027 (HOUSTEX) runs 2-4 November 2027 at Dallas's Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for advanced manufacturing buyers and suppliers.
Dates
2–4 Nov 2027
City / country
Dallas, United States
Venue
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
MT Southwest 2027, the event long known as HOUSTEX, brings the Southwest manufacturing technology community to Dallas on 2-4 November 2027. At the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the three-day trade show connects small and mid-size manufacturers with suppliers of CNC machining, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, tooling, software and industrial IoT.
The 2025 edition drew 2,400 industry professionals and 300 exhibiting companies. The floor combines live equipment demonstrations with the Executive Perspectives keynote series, Smart Manufacturing Experience Knowledge Bars and SecureShop.
Buyers from aerospace, energy, automotive, medical device and job-shop operations use the show to compare equipment and plan capital investment.
TL;DR
Visit to see machine tools, automation and smart-factory software running side by side, then question the engineers who build them. The 2025 audience of 2,400 professionals was heavily involved in purchasing, so supplier meetings are practical rather than theoretical. The keynote and Knowledge Bar programme adds adoption advice for smaller shops.
Exhibit because the Southwest's job shops and OEM suppliers attend to solve immediate production problems, not just browse. A 300-company floor keeps the event focused, and SME's pre-show promotion reaches buyers with active equipment budgets. Live demonstrations suit capital equipment, tooling and software that need a hands-on comparison.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
Food options
Convention center concessions and coffee bars
On-site diningParking: Use the convention center garages reached from S Griffin St and Ceremonial Dr; allow extra time on the first show morning for loading and security queues.
Gate: Enter through the main Avenida/Griffin St doors and follow show signage to the exhibit hall registration area.
Attend
Exhibits only (third-party listing)
A third-party listing shows USD 50 per person for exhibits-only access and free entry for students; the official 2027 registration page did not print a price, so confirm before paying.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a photo ID and the registration confirmation to the badge desk; badges are usually printed on site.
Ticket notes
Registration is required. The 2025 show-floor education was included with the show-floor pass.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 2,400
Exhibitors: 300
Floor area: 2,601 sqm
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,400
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2025 edition moved the show to Dallas and drew 2,400 industry professionals and 300 exhibiting companies, with 103 new products on display.
New this edition
Impact
A 2,400-person regional show is small enough for a buyer to work the floor in a day but concentrated enough to meet the machine-tool, automation and software suppliers that matter in Texas. For exhibitors, that means fewer badge scans but more conversations with people who run production.
Audience quality
The 2025 audience was dominated by owners, production managers and manufacturing engineers from small and mid-size shops. That mix suits suppliers selling capital equipment, tooling and software with a clear payback story; it is less useful for brands chasing consumer awareness.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on demo quality and follow-up speed. A 300-company floor rewards exhibitors who bring working equipment and book meetings before the show; a 2,400-person regional audience will not deliver national volume, so target Texas and adjacent-state accounts rather than raw lead counts.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
DFW is a low-cost, centrally located base for manufacturers serving Texas energy, aerospace and automotive supply chains. A regional show lets buyers compare equipment without travelling to IMTS, and lets suppliers meet decision-makers who control plant-level budgets.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Reshoring and regional supply chains
Manufacturers are shortening supply lines and adding capacity closer to North American customers, which drives demand for flexible machining and automation.
What it changes: Regional shows become the first place a shop evaluates equipment for a new or expanded line.
Automation and the connected shop floor
Labour shortages are pushing small and mid-size manufacturers toward cobots, automated loading and industrial IoT dashboards that can be retrofitted to existing machines.
What it changes: Buyers want demonstrations of integration, not stand-alone machines.
Workforce and cybersecurity readiness
As shops digitise, they need trained operators and basic OT security controls; programmes such as Bright Minds and SecureShop address both gaps.
What it changes: Suppliers that can support training and safe connectivity shorten the adoption path.
MT Southwest is one of four regional events produced by SME and AMT, so a supplier or buyer can plan a national calendar around the same audience.
EASTEC 2027
West Springfield, United States
Manufacturing Technology Series EAST; dates from the published 2027 circuit.
websiteMT Southeast 2027
Greenville, United States
Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHEAST; dates from the published 2027 circuit.
websiteMT West 2027
Long Beach, United States
Manufacturing Technology Series WEST; follows Dallas by two weeks.
websiteSpring circuit
May 2027 in West Springfield.
Autumn circuit
Three regional shows in October and November 2027.
Circuit dates are from published Manufacturing Technology Series listings; confirm with each event before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Main international gateway; take the orange or green DART line or a rideshare to downtown.
about 32 km / 20 miles
to venue
30-45 minutes
by car
Dallas Love Field
Closer domestic airport served by Southwest; convenient for Texas and US point-to-point flights.
about 11 km / 7 miles
to venue
15-25 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–170 / night
Walkable or a short rideshare to the convention center; rates rise during large citywide events.
USD 180–260 / night
Best balance of walkability and meeting space; book 6-8 weeks ahead.
USD 280–420 / night
Closest full-service options for hosted buyers and exhibitor teams; confirm cancellation terms.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
DART light rail
Buy a day pass at the station machine; the last train is early, so check the schedule for evening events.
Rideshare or taxi
Use the designated rideshare pickup zone at each airport; surge pricing is common during the show.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit bus
Useful for hotels outside walking distance; exact routes change, so plan with the DART app.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Travellers from countries not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program/ESTA | $185.00 | Interview wait times vary; apply 3-6 months before travel |
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can usually travel on an approved ESTA instead of a visa; check eligibility before booking.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for temporary exhibition goods; confirm the handler and customs broker requirements with the freight contractor.
Official visa pageWeather
November in Dallas is mild and changeable: daytime highs around 21-24 C and overnight lows around 10-13 C, with a chance of rain and occasional strong fronts.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown hotels and the convention center offer Wi-Fi; buy a US eSIM or prepaid data plan for the week and keep a portable battery for long show days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tip 18-20% at restaurants and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff; tax is added at checkout rather than included in menu prices.
Dress and pace
Business casual is standard on the show floor. Dallas is car-oriented, so plan rideshares or rail rather than expecting to walk between distant districts.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for November; DFW is an American Airlines hub and Love Field is the closer domestic option.
Book flightsMost European and several other nationalities can use ESTA; others need a B-1 business visa. Check the US State Department site before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 21 ESTA / USD 185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; B-1 interviews can take weeks or months
Carry a printed invitation, hotel booking and return ticket. ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: DFW: DART Orange Line to downtown or 30-45 minutes by rideshare. Love Field: 15-25 minutes by rideshare or shuttle plus DART.
Hotel → venue: Downtown hotels are walkable; elsewhere use DART rail, bus or a short rideshare.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Dallas; expect USD 25-60 from DFW and USD 12-25 from Love Field.
Public transit: DART light rail and buses serve downtown; buy a day pass and check the last-train time.
Parking: Convention center garages and nearby lots charge daily rates; pre-book if driving in.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November
Temperature: 10-24 C
Seasonality: Mild with occasional rain and sharp cold fronts; humidity is usually moderate.
Packing: Bring layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes for the show floor.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 - Wednesday 3 November 2027
The first morning is consumed by badge collection and opening keynotes, while the final afternoon winds down. Day 2 gives a full show floor, the strongest programme and enough time to book follow-up meetings.
Register and book travel — Confirm the badge, flight and hotel before the November rate rise.
Build a supplier shortlist — Pick 8-12 exhibitors and note the problems you want to solve.
Book meetings and sessions — Request booth appointments and reserve keynote seats.
Download the show app and floor plan — Plan a route by hall and leave buffer time.
Pack and confirm transport — Print the badge, pack business cards and check the DART schedule.
Badge collection and coffee
Registration concourseExecutive Perspectives keynote
Keynote theatreSupplier meetings on the show floor
Exhibit hallKnowledge Bar session and live demos
Smart Manufacturing Experience zoneFort Worth Stockyards
Historic District
about 45-60 minutes by car
A half-day contrast to downtown Dallas with Texas history, cattle pens and saloons.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Museum
10 minutes from downtown hotels
A concise, well-curated introduction to the Kennedy assassination and 1960s Dallas.
Deep Ellum
Dining and music district
A short rideshare from downtown; good for informal team dinners.
Dallas Arts District
Walkable cultural district
Museums and restaurants within walking distance of the convention center.
Regional shows reward speed: a Dallas buyer who met six suppliers will remember the one that followed up with a clear next step while the show was still fresh.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 280–420 / m²
Raw space
USD 180–260 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Bands are planning estimates based on comparable US regional manufacturing shows; no 2027 tariff was published.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 2520–3780 / stand
booth
exhibitor · raw 36 sqm
USD 6480–9360 / stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 540–780 / 3 nights
travel
both · US domestic
USD 280–420 / return flight
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–95 / day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 2520–3780 / stand | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| booth | exhibitor | raw 36 sqm | USD 6480–9360 / stand | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 540–780 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| travel | both | US domestic | USD 280–420 / return flight | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–95 / day | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether MT Southwest 2027 is best for a visit, an exhibit booth or a skip this cycle.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have an active equipment or process project and can meet three or more suppliers.
Best for
Manufacturers evaluating equipment, tooling or software for a Texas plant
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks to register, book travel and set meetings
Risks
Show-floor time is lost to badge queues if you arrive late
November travel prices rise close to the date
exhibit
You sell capital equipment or software with a demonstrable payback and can follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Machine-tool, automation, software and tooling suppliers targeting Southwest job shops
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
90 days to book space, plan freight and build the stand
Risks
A 2,400-person regional audience will not match national show volume
Live machinery needs rigging, power and safety approvals
skip
You have no Dallas-area accounts, no budget and no project in the next 12 months.
Best for
Buyers with no active project or suppliers focused on other regions
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a compact show where competitors meet Texas job shops
Skipping a year can weaken distributor relationships
Book with
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
The 2027 venue at 650 S Griffin St, Dallas, with exhibit halls, meeting rooms and downtown access.
Public venue website; not an event sponsor.
SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)
Producer of the Manufacturing Technology Series and the event organiser.
Organiser named in the official event listing.
AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Co-producer of the Manufacturing Technology Series and a US manufacturing technology trade body.
Co-organiser named on the event page.
Dallas Regional Chamber
Regional business chamber that supports Dallas manufacturers and the local industrial base.
Public chamber website; a useful local resource, not an official partner.
Recommended providers
U.S. Department of State - Business Visa
Check B-1 and ESTA eligibility before booking; allow time for an interview.
Official destination site for downtown hotel and neighbourhood guides.
DFW is an American hub; compare fares with Love Field carriers for domestic trips.
A common US trade-show freight and drayage contractor; the official 2027 handler was not published.
Compare short-term business travel and exhibition liability cover; confirm the venue requires a certificate.
Ideas for Fort Worth, Dealey Plaza and the Arts District around the show.
Tablet-based badge and lead capture; confirm whether the organiser provides a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
4
Publishers
4
Date checked
atndr
EventsEye
Convention Online
DR Software Services
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