The Complete MD&M South Attendee Guide for 2026

If you work in medical device manufacturing, lab operations, or advanced manufacturing, MD&M South 2026 is likely already on your radar. It’s one of the few regional events where you can walk the entire product lifecycle in one building. You’ll see everything featured from design and prototyping to automation, packaging, and production. 

This guide will help you: 

• Decide whether MD&M South is worth the trip 

• Plan a focused visit aligned to your 2026 priorities 

• Get more value from a single day on the show floor 

• Know exactly why it’s worth stopping by the Kardex booth 

We aren't just listing exhibitors, we are connecting the dots between what you’ll see on the floor and the real-world constraints you’re managing in cleanrooms, labs, and regulated production environments. 

What Is MD&M South and Who Is It For? 

MD&M South is a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and medical device industries. Over two days, attendees come to evaluate technologies and services spanning the full journey from prototype to production. 

You’ll get the most value from this event if you are: 

• A medical device manufacturer scaling production without sacrificing quality or compliance 

• A manufacturing or operations leader working in a regulated or cleanroom environment 

• A process/industrial/manufacturing engineer improving throughput, traceability, or space utilization 

• A quality, regulatory, or supply chain professional supporting growth while controlling risk 

• A packaging/labeling/test engineer responsible for the last mile before release 

Beyond exhibits, MD&M South offers educational content focused on real processes, not just shiny equipment. 

Why MD&M South Matters in 2026 

Medical device and life science manufacturers are under pressure on multiple fronts: 

• Faster NPIs 

• Stricter regulatory and documentation expectations 

• Expensive controlled space (often maxed out) 

• Skilled labor constraints 

At the same time, there’s growing recognition that inventory control, space optimization, and traceability aren’t “back-room” concerns anymore. They directly influence speed to market, audit readiness, and margin protection. 

That shift is visible in how manufacturers are rethinking storage and material flow.

MD&M South is where these conversations become practical. You can: 

• See cleanroom-ready automation, robotics, and storage systems in action 

• Talk directly with vendors about FDA, cGMP, and quality system expectations 

• Compare approaches to small-parts, tooling, and component storage 

• Identify ways to add data, access control, and standardization to material flow 

If 2026 is a year where you need to do more with the same footprint and staff, MD&M South is an efficient way to scan what’s available and start shaping a roadmap. 

How To Plan Your MD&M South Visit 

A little planning goes a long way. Before you step into the Charlotte Convention Center, take an hour to define what success looks like. 

Clarify Your Top 3 Conference Priorities 

Examples: 

• “We are out of cleanroom space, but can’t build new.” 

• “We have no single source of truth for tooling and components.” 

• “We need traceability and lot control without slowing operators down.” 

Use those priorities as your filter for which exhibitors to visit and which sessions to attend. 

Map the Show to Your Needs 

MD&M South spans multiple manufacturing priorities. A simple way to focus: 

• MedTech: regulatory realities, device production challenges 

• Automation: robotics, ASRS, inspection, integration 

• Design & Manufacturing: prototyping, machining, molding, contract partners 

• Packaging: sterile packaging, labeling, UDI, late-stage customization 

• Plastics: materials, components, molding solutions 

• Powder & Bulk Solids: relevant if you handle powders or granulates 

If you only have one day: prioritize MedTech + Automation, with targeted stops in Packaging and Design & Manufacturing based on your projects. 

Build a Shortlist of Must-Visit Exhibitors 

Start with: 

• Technologies you’ll likely need in the next 12–24 months 

• Problems you must solve this year (tool control, kitting, cleanroom-adjacent storage, traceability) 

• Vendors you’re already evaluating and want to meet face-to-face 
  
  

Must-See MD&M South Vendors for 2026

Interested in automated warehouse technology? Here are some of the top must-see vendors to visit in 2026.

Automation NTH — Booth 2519

Automation NTH helps manufacturers advance from manual processes to semi-automated and fully automated production. Attendees who want to improve throughput, reduce repetitive handling, or standardize work will benefit from seeing how automation can be applied at the work-cell level and scaled into integrated lines. Stop by to discuss practical pathways to automation, typical ROI drivers, and what it takes to move from prototype concepts to reliable production equipment.

Arthur G. Russell Company (AGR) — Booth 2413

AGR builds medical device assembly automation, supporting companies that need repeatability, quality, and scalable output. Attendees can learn how automated assembly approaches reduce variability, improve process control, and support regulated manufacturing needs. This is a strong stop for teams planning new lines or upgrading existing processes, especially when precision and documentation matter. Expect a practical discussion about line architecture, validation considerations, and production-ready implementation.

Rechner Electronics Industries Inc. — Booth 2624

Rechner specializes in industrial sensing solutions, including capacitive sensor technology used in automation and monitoring applications. Attendees working on equipment reliability, error-proofing, or process detection will gain insight into sensor selection, placement, and performance in real factory conditions. Visit to compare sensing options for challenging materials and environments and to understand how smarter detection can reduce downtime and improve consistency across automated processes.

Air Purification, Inc. — Booth 2441

Air Purification, Inc. provides industrial air filtration and dust and fume collection solutions that support cleaner, safer operations. Attendees can explore ways to improve air quality, protect workers, and reduce contamination risks near manufacturing and packaging areas. This is a valuable stop for teams dealing with particulates, odors, fumes, or fine dust, and for anyone tightening environmental controls to support quality and compliance.

Altech Corp — Booth 2912

Altech supplies industrial controls and automation components that support dependable factory systems. Attendees focused on standardizing control panels, improving machine uptime, or expanding automation will find practical solutions for instrumentation and control infrastructure. Stop by to discuss component selection, safety and reliability considerations, and how to build scalable electrical and control architectures that simplify maintenance and future expansions.

International Polymer Engineering (IPE) — Booth 3312

IPE manufactures custom extrusions of porous ePTFE and thermoplastics for demanding applications. Attendees in medtech and high-spec manufacturing can evaluate options for tubing and profiles where material performance and consistency are critical. This is a strong stop for teams managing high-mix designs or tight tolerances, and for those looking to reduce supplier risk by aligning on manufacturability, lead times, and quality expectations early in development.

CGR International — Booth 2825

CGR International produces engineered components and assemblies to support manufacturing programs that require repeatable performance and dependable supply. Attendees can explore options for sourcing and designing components that meet demanding mechanical requirements while supporting efficient production. Visit to discuss design-for-manufacture considerations, quality expectations, and ways to simplify assembly and reduce variability through stronger component engineering and sourcing alignment.

Sample MD&M South Itineraries 

If You Only Have Half a Day

• 9:30–10:30 Walk the MedTech area to get oriented. Note solutions tied to your top three priorities. 

• 10:30–11:15 Stop by Kardex Booth #2719 to discuss small parts/tooling storage, cleanroom support, and inventory management. 

• 11:15–12:00 Visit 1–2 automation booths for robotics, conveyors, or inspection that might pair with ASRS. 

• 1:00–2:00 Attend a targeted session on automation, digitalization, or quality systems. 

• 2:00–3:00 Return to priority exhibitors for deeper conversations and capture follow-ups. 

If You Have a Full Day 

Morning: Focus on exhibits in MedTech, Automation, and Design & Manufacturing 
Midday: Deeper solution discussions (Kardex + your shortlist) 
Afternoon: 1–2 targeted sessions + a second pass through priority aisles 
End-of-day: Schedule two short follow-up meetings for the next week (while details are fresh)

Exploring Charlotte: A Guide to MD&M South’s Surrounding Areas 

If it’s your first time in the area, you may be wondering where to stay, where to grab the best cup of coffee, where you can pop in to grab a cocktail for networking, and where the best bites are. Don’t fear, we’ve got you covered.  

Where To Stay for MD&M South 

Charlotte’s convention district is compact and walkable, with hotels and dining clustered around the convention center. 

• Hilton Charlotte Uptown (near the convention center)  
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown (across from the convention center)  
• Element Charlotte Uptown (Uptown area, convenient to the district)  

The Best Coffee Near the MD&M South 

• Coco and the Director (100 W Trade St) — coffee + bakery vibe that works well for casual meetups.  

• Not Just Coffee (7th Street Market) (224 E 7th St) — local favorite inside Charlotte’s original food hall.  
• Rhino Market & Deli (Uptown) (400 S Church St) — ideal for grab-and-go coffee + fast breakfast/lunch items.  

Best Lunch Spots When You Don’t Want to Lose an Hour 

• The Market at 7th Street — food hall format is the fastest way to feed a group with different preferences. 
• Mert’s Heart & Soul (214 N College St) — a Charlotte staple for Southern comfort food.  
• La Belle Helene (300 S Tryon St) — polished business-lunch option with consistent service flow.  

Networking-First Cocktail Spots 

If your goal is real relationship-building, choose places that support quieter pacing: 

• The Cellar at Duckworth’s (330 N Tryon St) — speakeasy feel, strong cocktail program, great for smaller groups.  
• Aura Rooftop (JW Marriott) (124 E Brooklyn Village Ave) — upscale rooftop lounge, 21+.  
  
  

Dinner Spots Close to Uptown (Worth a Reservation) 

• Fin & Fino — strong for client dinners; Uptown location listed at 35 Levine Avenue of the Arts.  
• Caroline’s Oyster Bar (120 E Brooklyn Village Ave) — lively coastal seafood option near the convention corridor.  
• Fahrenheit — rooftop dining with skyline views (high-energy atmosphere).  

Weather in Charlotte in Late April 

Late April in Charlotte is typically mild, with warm afternoons and cooler mornings. One climate summary puts typical April daytime highs around 23°C / 73°F and nights around 10°C / 50°F, with moderate rainfall.  
Pack: layers + comfortable shoes + a light rain layer. 

Airport Travel to the Convention Center: Getting to Uptown from CLT 

• Rideshare/taxi: simplest door-to-door option, especially with luggage or demo materials. 

   

CATS Sprinter (Route 5 Airport): a public transit option connecting Uptown and CLT; CATS describes it as a convenient service with frequent trips.  

Once you’re checked in near the convention center, you’re in a walkable district where most needs are close by.

How To Follow Up After MD&M South 

The show is the starting point. The value comes from what you do in the weeks that follow. 

After MD&M South: 

• Sort opportunities into: Immediate (this year) / Next 12–24 months / Nice to watch 

• For storage, material flow, or traceability projects, share: 

  • Rough floorplans or photos of your current storage areas

  • SKU counts and basic item profiles

  • Special requirements (cleanroom classification, ESD, security) 

• Schedule deeper conversations or site visits with the vendors that made your short list. 

Ready to keep the conversation going after MD&M South? Connect with the Kardex team for a follow-up consultation or site visit and explore how ASRS can support your medical device or life science operations. 

Who is Kardex?

Kardex Remstar is a global leader in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), with more than 140,000 machines installed worldwide. At MD&M South, we are focused on one thing for medical and device manufacturers: helping you store, track, and pick critical components with more control and less space.

For medical and life science environments, that means:

• Up to 70–85% floor space savings for components, kits, and spare parts
• Better control over access, with audit trails for who picked what and when
• Higher accuracy and less handling for sensitive or high-value items
• A clean, enclosed storage environment that supports quality and compliance goals

If you are running out of space, struggling with small parts, or planning your next clean, controlled production area, a VLM is an easy, modular first step into automation that fits the way you work today.

Learn More by visiting our Vertical Lift Module (VLM) page.