SOUTHTEC 2027 brings machine tools, automation and smart-manufacturing suppliers to Greenville, SC, 19-21 October 2027 for three days of hands-on sourcing.
Dates
19–21 Oct 2027
City / country
Greenville, United States
Venue
Greenville Convention Center
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
SOUTHTEC 2027 is the Southeast's regional advanced-manufacturing trade show, taking place 19-21 October 2027 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Part of the Manufacturing Technology Series, it connects small and mid-sized manufacturers with suppliers of machine tools, cutting tools, automation, metrology, software and smart-manufacturing systems.
Buyers from aerospace, automotive, energy, medical and general machining come to compare equipment in motion, attend complimentary keynotes and shortlist partners for capital projects. Exhibitors gain three days of face-to-face access to a concentrated Southeast industrial base within easy reach of downtown Greenville and GSP International Airport.
TL;DR
Compare working machines and tooling side by side, sit in on complimentary keynotes and meet application engineers who can size a solution for your shop. The regional footprint keeps the show walkable, so a small team can cover the floor in one or two days and leave with a shortlist.
SOUTHTEC concentrates Southeast plant managers, manufacturing engineers and owners in one hall at the start of the capital-planning season. Exhibitors can run live demos, meet decision-makers who rarely travel to national shows and build channel relationships across the Carolinas and neighbouring states.
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
One Exposition Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, United States
Entrances & gates
Main convention centre entrance
Registration and badge collection are inside the main lobby; allow 15-20 minutes at peak opening.
Food options
Greenville Convention Center culinary team, Downtown Greenville restaurants
On-site diningParking: Use the venue's on-site lots and follow show signage; no SOUTHTEC-specific parking rate was printed. Allow extra time on the first morning and during build-up.
Gate: Enter through the main convention-centre entrance and follow registration signage; have your confirmation or guest-pass code ready.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online in advance and bring the confirmation plus photo ID to the main lobby counter.
Ticket notes
Exhibitor guest passes allow free entry; no public paid ticket price was printed for 2027.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 6,000
Exhibitors: 300
This edition
2027
Visitors: 6,500
Exhibitors: 330
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2025 edition ran 21-23 October at the Greenville Convention Center, with promotional copy citing more than 300 exhibitors and 6,000+ manufacturing professionals.
Impact
A 300-plus exhibitor floor and a visitor base in the low thousands make SOUTHTEC a focused regional show rather than a national mega-fair. Its value is proximity: Southeast plants can send engineering and purchasing teams for a day and meet the machine-tool, tooling and automation suppliers that serve their region.
Audience quality
Attendance is skewed to small and mid-sized manufacturers, job shops and tier suppliers in aerospace, automotive and energy, with plant managers and manufacturing engineers holding specification influence. The compact floor lets exhibitors spend real time with buyers instead of managing crowds.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI comes from qualified conversations and live demos, not raw footfall. A 9-18 sqm stand with a running machine or cell and two application engineers can generate a strong shortlist; follow-up within 48 hours is essential because many buyers attend for one day.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The Carolinas and neighbouring Southeast states have become a dense manufacturing corridor for aerospace, automotive, energy and medical devices. SOUTHTEC gives equipment suppliers a regional venue where plant teams can evaluate machinery without travelling to Chicago or Las Vegas, and gives buyers a single day's comparison of machine tools, tooling, automation and software.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Reshoring and Southeast capacity growth
Manufacturers continue to add capacity in the Southeast to shorten supply chains and serve new battery, aerospace and automotive plants. That drives demand for machine tools, automation and skilled operators.
What it changes: Capital projects in the region create a steady stream of buyers for equipment exhibited at SOUTHTEC.
Automation and AI move down-market
Robots, cobots and AI-assisted programming are becoming affordable for small and mid-sized shops, not just large OEMs. Vendors are packaging cells and software as turnkey upgrades.
What it changes: SMEs attending the show are actively looking for automation that works with existing machines and small batch sizes.
The skilled-trades gap
Shops struggle to hire machinists and maintenance technicians, pushing them toward easier-to-operate equipment, digital work instructions and training partnerships.
What it changes: Workforce-focused exhibits and education programmes are a draw for owners planning for the next five years.
SOUTHTEC is one of four regional Manufacturing Technology Series events, alongside EASTEC, WESTEC and SOUTHWEST. Buyers who cannot travel to Greenville can meet many of the same suppliers at those editions, while FABTECH and IMTS cover the national metalworking and manufacturing calendar.
EASTEC 2027
West Springfield, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and were not confirmed on a fetched 2027 page.
websiteWESTEC 2027
Anaheim, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and were not confirmed on a fetched 2027 page.
websiteSOUTHWEST 2027
Dallas, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and were not confirmed on a fetched 2027 page.
websiteFABTECH 2027
Chicago, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and were not confirmed on a fetched 2027 page.
websiteSpring
East Coast edition earlier in the year.
Autumn
A busy autumn circuit; choose the region closest to your buyer base.
Series structure and 2025 dates come from the Manufacturing Technology Series coverage; individual 2027 circuit dates are planning estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Closest gateway with direct flights from major East Coast and Midwest hubs; rental cars and ride-hail pick-up are on site.
about 13 miles
to venue
20-30 minutes
by car
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Larger international gateway with more connections; allow for I-85 traffic around Charlotte.
about 100 miles
to venue
1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 95–135 / night
Simple, reliable rooms 10-15 minutes from the convention centre with free parking and breakfast.
USD 150–210 / night
Larger rooms and meeting space, convenient for both the venue and downtown dinners.
USD 230–330 / night
Walkable downtown base for hosting clients; book early because October is a busy leisure month.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hail (Uber / Lyft)
Most practical door-to-door option; meet drivers at the designated ride-hail zone.
Greenlink city bus
Cheap but limited on weekends; check the Greenlink timetable before relying on it for show days.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program who are attending meetings, negotiating contracts or exhibiting | — | Interview wait times vary by consulate; apply well before travel | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Passport holders of VWP countries visiting for business meetings or exhibitions for up to 90 days | — | Usually minutes to 72 hours online |
Canadian citizens generally travel visa-exempt for business visits; VWP nationals need an approved ESTA. Everyone else should check the B-1 route.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of exhibition goods and professional equipment; confirm the goods are eligible and use an experienced Carnet agent.
Official visa pageWeather
Mid-October in Greenville is mild and dry: daytime highs around 23-25 C (73-77 F) and nights near 11-13 C (52-55 F). Rain is possible but not the peak season.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
4G/5G coverage is strong across Greenville; the convention centre provides free wireless, but exhibitors should order a dedicated connection for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service
Tipping 15-20 percent is standard in restaurants and for bar service; taxis and ride-hail tips are appreciated but optional.
Business style
Business casual is normal for manufacturing meetings. A firm handshake, first names and punctuality are expected; allow extra time for I-85 traffic.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: GSP
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for October. GSP is closest; CLT often has cheaper international fares but adds a two-hour drive.
VWP nationals need an approved ESTA; most other business visitors need a B-1 visa. Canadians are generally visa-exempt.
Estimated cost: ESTA and B-1 fees change; check the official sites before applying
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; B-1 interview waits vary by consulate
Carry an invitation letter, registration confirmation, return ticket and hotel booking.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Ride-hail or taxi from GSP takes 20-30 minutes; rental cars are available at the airport. From CLT, drive I-85 south for about two hours.
Hotel → venue: Most Haywood Road hotels are a 10-15 minute drive; downtown properties take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Greenville; use the app and meet at the venue's designated pick-up area.
Public transit: Greenlink buses connect downtown and the Haywood Road corridor, but service is limited; a car or ride-hail is more practical for show days.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the convention centre; follow show signage and allow extra time on the first morning.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Temperature: 11-25 C (52-77 F)
Seasonality: Mild autumn with low-to-moderate rain and cool evenings.
Packing: Light layers, a jacket for evenings, comfortable shoes for the hall and a compact umbrella.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 20 October 2027
The middle day usually has the fullest exhibitor staffing and the best chance of meeting senior application engineers, while avoiding the opening-morning rush and the last-day early pack-down.
Confirm ESTA or B-1 visa status and passport validity — Apply early; passport should be valid for the full trip.
Book flights into GSP and a hotel on Haywood Road or downtown — Arrive 18 October and depart 22 October to cover all three show days.
Register online and build a target exhibitor shortlist — Pick 10-15 suppliers and request meetings before the floor opens.
Plan the floor route and download any show app — Group meetings by hall and leave 30-minute buffers.
Pack business casual layers, cards, ID and a power bank — Check the venue address and allow 30 minutes from the hotel.
Arrive, collect badge and coffee
Main lobbyMachine-tool and tooling meetings
Exhibit hallsLunch and informal supplier catch-up
On-site catering areaAutomation demos and keynote session
Exhibit halls and keynote stageFalls Park on the Reedy
City Park
15-20 minutes from the venue
A walkable downtown green space with the Liberty Bridge and easy access to Main Street restaurants.
BMW Zentrum and Plant Tour
Industrial Attraction
30-40 minutes from downtown
A useful context stop for automotive supply-chain visitors; book plant tours in advance.
The Westin Poinsett lobby bar
Hotel bar
Central downtown meeting point for a quiet conversation after the show.
Main Street, downtown Greenville
Restaurant district
Dozens of dinner options within walking distance; reserve ahead for groups.
SOUTHTEC buyers often attend for a single day, so speed matters. A 48-hour follow-up with a specific next step keeps your company ahead of competitors who wait until after the show.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 450–650 / m²
Raw space
USD 300–450 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 tariff was published. Bands reflect US regional manufacturing shows of this size and exclude rigging, heavy machinery handling and stand design.
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_9sqm
USD 4050–5850 / booth
booth
exhibitor · raw_36sqm
USD 10800–16200 / booth
hotel
visitor · mid
USD 150–210 / night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 55–90 / day
flight
visitor · domestic
USD 220–380 / return ticket
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell_9sqm | USD 4050–5850 / booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth | exhibitor | raw_36sqm | USD 10800–16200 / booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | visitor | mid | USD 150–210 / night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 55–90 / day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | visitor | domestic | USD 220–380 / return ticket | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether SOUTHTEC 2027 is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for your team.
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 a live capital or supplier project and can commit a full day on the floor.
Best for
Shop owners and manufacturing engineers sourcing machines, tooling or software
Min. budget
$900.00
Timeline
4-6 weeks for flights, hotel and registration
Risks
A one-day visit can be rushed if you book too few meetings
October hotel rates rise during Greenville's busy autumn
exhibit
You can staff the stand with application engineers and follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Machine-tool, tooling, automation and software suppliers with Southeast prospects
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
4-6 months for space, stand build, freight and promotion
Risks
Heavy machinery needs rigging and floor-load approval
Lead follow-up can stall without a named owner
skip
Your next 12 months have no sourcing, specification or channel objective in the region.
Best for
Buyers with no Southeast manufacturing footprint or no active equipment project
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing competitor pricing and product launches
Book with
Greenville Convention Center
The 280,000 sq ft convention campus at One Exposition Drive hosts SOUTHTEC 2027.
Venue named in event and venue pages; partnership status not stated.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
The closest gateway to Greenville, with direct service from major US hubs.
Useful travel resource; not an announced show partner.
Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Regional business chamber representing Upstate South Carolina employers.
Relevant regional body; no official partnership was fetched.
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
Statewide manufacturing association representing South Carolina producers.
Relevant industry association; no official partnership was fetched.
Recommended providers
US Department of State - Business Visa
Official B-1 guidance and consulate wait times.
Filter for Haywood Road and downtown Greenville; book a refundable rate early.
Compare fares into GSP and CLT; CLT may be cheaper but adds a two-hour drive.
Trade-show and heavy-machinery forwarding; confirm Carnet and rigging support.
Exhibition and business travel liability cover; confirm the venue's certificate requirements.
Official destination site for Falls Park, downtown dining and Upstate day trips.
Badge and lead-capture app with CRM export; set up qualification fields before the show.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
5
Publishers
5
Date checked
EventsEye
Solar Atmospheres
Greenville Convention Center
Wyvern
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
