The Hot Pocket of Net New: A MD&M South Preview with Steve Everly

In this episode of TAG’D: Beyond the Award, Justin Starbird sits down with Steve Everly, Brand Director at Informa, to talk about the upcoming MD&M South trade show in Charlotte and why live industry events still matter.

Steve shares how Charlotte has quickly become a hub for advanced manufacturing, MedTech, and life sciences. Investment in research, infrastructure, and new innovation centers has helped create a strong ecosystem that brings together engineers, manufacturers, startups, and academic partners. That energy is one of the reasons MD&M South continues to grow.

Justin and Steve talk about the role these events play in building real relationships in a highly digital world. Engineers, founders, and suppliers may connect online, but there is still real value in meeting face-to-face, shaking hands, and having the conversations that move projects forward. Many of the collaborations that eventually lead to new products and devices start with a conversation on the show floor.

The discussion also touches on what attendees can expect to see this year, including advances in smart materials, miniaturization, robotics, automation, AI-enabled devices, and sustainability in manufacturing. These technologies are shaping the future of MedTech and advanced manufacturing.

Steve also explains how the co-location of  The Battery Show South  with MD&M South will create new opportunities for cross-industry crossover. As devices continue to shrink and demand for better energy solutions grows, conversations between battery engineers and medical device companies could open the door to entirely new innovations.

For companies building the next generation of medical technologies, MD&M South provides more than a trade show. It creates a place where ideas are shared, partnerships begin, and the industry's future takes shape.