As the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) marks its 80th anniversary, anticipation is building for its newly reimagined annual conference, which takes place on 18 September at the British Motor Museum. Early interest in the event has exceeded expectations, with delegate registrations already double those of the previous year and all exhibition stands now sold out. With additional content announced by the Association, delegate bookings are expected to grow further as the early bird ticket pricing deadline approaches.
Designed as a standalone event for the first time, the 2025 conference has been developed in direct response to member feedback. The programme offers a dual focus: core technical themes for which the event is well-regarded, and dedicated sessions addressing broader business challenges, such as staff retention, succession planning, and organisational culture.
In addition to previously announced keynotes from Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham the Chief Instructor on the hit TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins (UK), and retention specialist Dr Paul Bedford, recent additions to the programme further strengthen its value. A dedicated session on succession planning – to feature representatives from Central Group, IPS Newcastle, Knowlton & Newman and Solutions in IT – will bring together diverse perspectives on sustaining leadership in the electromechanical repair sector, from outright sale to employee ownership and integration into larger groups. Meanwhile, a new roundtable led by female professionals will open discussion on the barriers and opportunities for women in engineering, with the aim of encouraging a more inclusive and representative workforce.
The programme also includes a morning initiative for apprentices, hosted by the AEMT. Participants, who will be given free access to the event, will gain hands-on insights into components, condition monitoring and motor repair through interactive sessions, culminating in a friendly, timed reassembly challenge.
In the technical stream, a panel discussion featuring Matt Fletcher from Fletcher Moorland and Will Ocean from Maintain Reliability will explore evolving practices in condition monitoring, contrasting traditional methods with new digital tools. The panel aims to foster debate around balancing on-site expertise with sensor-based diagnostics.
Scott Haslam, Head of Membership at the AEMT, said the event’s development reflected the changing needs of the sector: “While technical knowledge remains fundamental, our members are also business leaders navigating challenges that go beyond engineering. This year’s conference is about equipping attendees with both the technical insights and strategic perspectives they need for a sustainable future.”
With the conference’s expanded exhibition floor now fully booked, the event has already drawn support from across the sector. Confirmed sponsors also include Sulzer, EMiR, Hidrostal, Preformed Windings and Innomotics.
A final call is also being made to take advantage of the early bird ticket rate, which closes on 18 August. With strong registration levels and a packed agenda, early booking to secure a place is recommended.
To find out more and to book your place, please visit the AEMT website – https://www.theaemt.com/
