SME

What SME does

SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) is a 90-plus-year-old nonprofit manufacturing association headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, with operations in Cleveland, Shelton (CT), and Markham, Ontario. The organization, founded March 31, 1932 as the American Society of Tool Engineers, rebranded to SME in 2013 and today serves 15,000+ individual members across 15+ countries through 125+ local chapters. SME's functional role spans three integrated lines: (1) member-based industry convening via tiered membership, publications, and chapters; (2) workforce development through the wholly-owned Tooling U-SME e-learning platform, professional certifications (CMfgE/CMfgT/CMfgA, CAMF/CAMT, EVF, EVBPA, RMF, Lean Bronze/Silver/Gold), and the SME Education Foundation; and (3) industry event production across RAPID + TCT, FABTECH, CMTS, MMTS, and the regional Manufacturing Technology Series.

SME's core product surface combines (a) the Tooling U-SME online training and certification platform with self-paced courses on Lean, robotics, additive manufacturing, and EV technologies; (b) a portfolio of major trade shows co-produced with partners such as AMT, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, and TCT (e.g., RAPID + TCT 2025 drew 500+ exhibitors and 15,000 attendees; CMTS 2025 attracted 750+ suppliers and 10,000+ professionals; MMTS 2026 drew 200+ suppliers and 5,000+ professionals); and (c) SME Media, anchored by the Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine, AdvancedManufacturing.org, webinars, podcasts, white papers, and the Smart Shop Essentials digest launched in 2024 for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Subsidiary structure under SME includes Tooling U-SME (acquired 2010), the SME Education Foundation (founded 1979), and the Rapid Prototyping Association of SME (joined 1993).

SME's revenue mechanics are diversified across individual membership dues ($20-$138/year tiers), institutional and corporate memberships ($999/year academic; custom corporate), event registration and exhibitor/sponsorship fees, certification exam fees (with up to 50% member discounts), Tooling U-SME training subscriptions, media advertising and subscriptions, and federal grants from the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy (e.g., Navy Talent Pipeline Program, DOE ISEED Collaborative). Per COO Steve Prahalis, SME manages a portfolio valued at $50M+. Go-to-market blends direct membership sales, large-scale event distribution, self-serve e-learning, and an SME PRIME channel model connecting manufacturers with K-12 and post-secondary institutions.

Name

SME

Legal name

SME

Website

https://sme.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1932

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

SME is a 90-plus-year-old nonprofit manufacturing association serving 15,000+ members across 15+ countries through membership, professional certifications, the Tooling U-SME e-learning platform, major industry events, and workforce development programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Manufacturing Association Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Production & Manufacturing Operations (TPM, OEE, SMED) (EDABAKAK)

Keywords

• Professional association services
• Manufacturing workforce training
• Industry certification programs
• Manufacturing trade shows
• Advanced manufacturing media

Headquarters

HQ city

Dearborn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from professional, corporate, institutional, emerging professional, student, and high school members across multiple tiers with pricing from $20 to $138 per year.
2. Event Revenue: Registration fees, exhibit sales, and sponsorships from major manufacturing events including RAPID + TCT, FABTECH, CMTS, MMTS, NAMRC, and regional Manufacturing Technology Series shows.
3. Professional Certifications: Fees for certification programs including Certified Manufacturing Technologist, Certified Manufacturing Engineer, Additive Manufacturing certifications, and other technical credentials with member discounts up to 50%.
4. Training & E-Learning: Tooling U-SME online training programs, classroom training, and workforce development services for manufacturers and educational institutions.
5. Media & Publications: Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine subscriptions, digital advertising, white papers, industry reports, and technical publications.
6. Government Grants & Partnerships: Funding from Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and other government agencies for workforce development initiatives including Navy Talent Pipeline Program and Manufacturing Imperative programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SME is a nonprofit manufacturing association that delivers professional membership services, industry-recognized certifications, large-scale trade shows and conferences (RAPID + TCT, FABTECH, CMTS, MMTS, NAMRC, Manufacturing Technology Series), and the Tooling U-SME e-learning platform for workforce training. It also publishes Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine and operates AdvancedManufacturing.org, Jobs Connection job board, and SME Education Foundation programs (including SME PRIME school partnerships and scholarships) to connect manufacturers with educators, students, and skilled talent.

Product overview

SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) is a nonprofit manufacturing organization offering a platform-plus-services model centered around membership, events, media, and workforce development. The core portfolio includes professional membership with networking across 125+ chapters, Tooling U-SME e-learning platform for workforce training, SME Certification Programs (additive manufacturing, EV, robotics, lean), and a portfolio of manufacturing technology events (RAPID + TCT, CMTS, MMTS, FABTECH, MT Series). Supporting services include SME Media publications, the SME Education Foundation with PRIME school partnerships, Bright Minds and Smartforce student summits, Jobs Connection job board, and NAMRI|SME research conference. Together these offerings connect manufacturers with talent development, technology adoption resources, and industry networking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tooling U-SME: Online workforce training and development platform for manufacturing professionals, offering e-learning courses and certification preparation.
• SME Education Foundation
• SME Media

Products and services

• SME Membership Tiered annual professional, young professional, student, institutional and corporate memberships (priced $20–$138/year with multi-year discounts) that give members access to 125+ local chapters, certification discounts, publications, event discounts and a 15,000+ member network across 15+ countries.
• Tooling U-SME E-Learning Platform Online workforce training and certification platform for manufacturing professionals covering technical skills, Lean principles, robotics, additive manufacturing, and electric vehicle technologies, with self-paced courses and organizational training solutions.
• SME Certification Programs Industry-recognized professional certifications including Certified Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals (CAMF), Certified Additive Manufacturing Technician (CAMT), Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE), Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF), Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging and Assembly (EVBPA), Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF), Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA), Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT), Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), and Lean Certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Knowledge).
• SME Events Portfolio (RAPID + TCT, FABTECH, CMTS, MMTS, NAMRC, Manufacturing Technology Series) Portfolio of manufacturing technology trade shows and conferences including RAPID + TCT (additive manufacturing, 500+ exhibitors and 15,000+ attendees), FABTECH (metal forming/fabricating), CMTS (Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show, 750+ suppliers/OEMs and 10,000+ professionals), MMTS (Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show, 5,000+ professionals with 200+ suppliers), NAMRC (North American Manufacturing Research Conference) and the regional Manufacturing Technology Series.
• Manufacturing Engineering & Technology Magazine / SME Media SME Media properties including Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine, AdvancedManufacturing.org, the Manufacturing Weekly eNewsletter, webinars, white papers, technical papers, podcasts, and Voices AMplified covering additive manufacturing, smart manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and motorized vehicles.
• SME Education Foundation Programs (including SME PRIME) Philanthropic educational arm of SME providing scholarships (139 awarded in 2025; $1.5M+ in 2026), SME PRIME school-industry partnerships (11 new schools joining in 2025), Bright Minds Student Summits, Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS, and FIRST Robotics engagement to build manufacturing talent pipelines from K-12 through post-secondary.
• Jobs Connection Manufacturing-specific online job board providing career opportunities for industry professionals and a talent pipeline service for hiring manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 1,000 students at Bright Minds Student Summits, 11 new SME PRIME schools, 139 scholarships in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Penn State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2026Host of NAMRC 54 (54th annual North American Manufacturing Research Conference), recognizing exceptional contributions to manufacturing engineering and innovation.
• TCT (Rapid News Publications)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026Joint awards ceremony partnership for 'Celebrating AM Achievement' at RAPID + TCT 2026, recognizing innovators in additive manufacturing across materials, hardware, software, and applications.
• CTA (Consumer Technology Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2026Partnership to host the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Showcase at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, featuring twelve co-exhibitors and a presentation by CEO Jeannine Kunz on advanced manufacturing and training models.
• Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show (MMTS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026SME-organized event bringing together manufacturing professionals, suppliers, and OEMs to showcase production-ready technologies across automation, additive manufacturing, clean tech, and aerospace defense.
• Milestone CcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025SME acquired Milestone C, a Connecticut-based provider of K-12 STEM programs focused on engineering and manufacturing. The acquisition aims to expand workforce development efforts, address talent shortages, and engage students early in their education to build future talent pipelines from classrooms to careers.
• ViaPath TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Partnership to launch workforce development programs for incarcerated individuals in Tennessee Department of Corrections, providing industry-recognized skills and job training to support reintegration and employment opportunities.
• TalentGrominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Workforce development program partner for incarcerated individuals in Tennessee, helping provide industry-recognized skills and employment pathways.
• Work WellminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Workforce development partner for Tennessee Department of Corrections program supporting incarcerated individuals with job training and reintegration services.
• CMTDA, CTMA, APMA, CME, CWB-EWI, NGencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2025Strategic industry partners supporting CMTS (Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show), along with CWB-EWI for welding expertise and NGen for advanced manufacturing leadership.
• U.S. Department of Energy ISEED CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SME selected to join DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Industrial Systems Energy Efficiency Development Collaborative.
• Manufacturing USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership with Manufacturing USA network to advance manufacturing technology adoption and workforce development through collaborative initiatives.
• BlueForge AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce through collaborative initiatives supporting national talent development goals.
• AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023New strategic partnership in workforce development, combining SME's workforce solutions with AMT's manufacturing technology events to address industry talent needs.
• Smart Manufacturing Executive CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022Joint formation of executive council led by CESMII and SME to strengthen US competitiveness through smart manufacturing, integrating IoT, AI, and automation into manufacturing processes.
• CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021Partnership to accelerate smart manufacturing adoption. CESMII and Tooling U-SME collaborate to develop educational resources that remain current with rapidly changing technology and democratize access to smart manufacturing skills training.
• FABTECH (with Fabricators & Manufacturers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Original co-sponsors of FABTECH International, a metal fabrication conference and expo. SME continues to organize FABTECH events.
• AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2016Major partnership to co-produce a series of regional, co-branded trade shows including EASTEC, WESTEC, SOUTHTEC and HOUSTEX, now expanded as the Manufacturing Technology Series. Collaboration encompasses existing events and strategic connection of decision makers with suppliers.
• Tooling UcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 14 October 2010SME acquired Tooling University LLC, which became Tooling U-SME. The acquisition expanded SME's training outreach and established a nationally recognized e-learning provider for manufacturing workforce solutions.
• Reed Exhibitions' Industrial GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 19 January 2007SME acquired Reed Exhibitions' Industrial Group of Trade Shows, forming its Canadian office. Included were major Canadian manufacturing shows including CMTS, WMTS, MMTS, and others.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): Large professional engineering society offering membership, codes & standards, and certifications. ASME competes for engineering professional members and conference sponsorship, though it is broader than SME's manufacturing-specific focus.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Largest manufacturing trade association in the United States, advocating on policy and workforce issues. NAM operates at the industry-wide policy level whereas SME focuses on engineering, technical certification, and workforce development — making it a broad incumbent rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute): Manufacturing USA institute focused on smart manufacturing technology adoption. CESMII partners closely with SME on training content (via Tooling U-SME) and the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council, but is a smaller, government-funded entity focused on a narrower smart-manufacturing use case.
• ARM Institute: Manufacturing USA institute advancing robotics in U.S. manufacturing. The ARM Institute overlaps with SME's RMF (Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals) certification and workforce initiatives, and awarded SME leadership in 2024, signaling partial competitive overlap in robotics training.

Direct peers

• AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology): Trade association representing U.S. builders of manufacturing technology. AMT co-produces the Manufacturing Technology Series with SME and is a long-standing strategic partner, sharing the same enterprise audience of manufacturers and OEM buyers.
• NTMA (National Tooling and Machining Association): U.S. trade association for the precision custom manufacturing and tooling industry. NTMA serves a narrower tooling/custom-manufacturing segment of SME's broader audience and competes for similar corporate memberships, certifications, and event sponsorships.
• American Welding Society (AWS): Trade association providing welding standards, certifications, and member services. AWS operates the same member-funded, certification-and-events business model as SME, but specialized to welding rather than broad manufacturing engineering.
• ATMAE (Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering): Professional association for technology, management, and applied engineering educators and practitioners. ATMAE competes for institutional memberships and certification revenue in the manufacturing/engineering education space that SME also serves through its CMfgE, CMfgT, and ABET engagement programs.
• Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA): Trade association serving the metal forming and fabricating industry. FMA co-owns FABTECH with SME, the largest metal forming/fabricating event in North America, and shares a member base of metalworking manufacturers.

Regional players

• NGen Canada: Canadian advanced manufacturing Supercluster supporting industry-led projects. NGen is a partner at CMTS and operates in the same advanced manufacturing workforce and adoption space, but is geographically limited to Canada.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sme_mfg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SMEEvents
• Facebookfacebook.com/SMEmfg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sme

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SME