First keynote speaker for PPMA Show 2026

PPMA SHOW organiser Automate UK has announced the first keynote speaker for the event: Kevin Fong, a doctor and broadcaster who has held prestigious positions with NASA and NHS England.

Visitors to the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, which takes place from 22-24 September at the NEC, Birmingham, will have the opportunity to hear Fong share insights from his first-hand experience in high-risk situations in his keynote speech, Leading Through Uncertainty, on the first day of the show.

Organised by Automate UK, the PPMA Show, offers valuable insight into innovative technologies, live equipment demonstrations, and networking opportunities to industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum.

Leading through uncertainty

"Every year we promise visitors to the PPMA Show access to unique expert-led seminars, and we are thrilled that Kevin has agreed to share his extensive knowledge and experience in our first keynote address at the event," said Scott McKenna, COO for Automate UK. "Kevin is best known for his work with NASA’s Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Office in Houston, Texas, further to which he developed an interest in high risk, high reliability teams and the science behind their success or failure. He was subsequently appointed as a National Clinical Adviser to NHS England during the Covid-19 pandemic, and flies as an air ambulance emergency doctor.

"In addition to these inspirational roles, Kevin is a multi-award-winning author and broadcaster, currently presenting his BBC Radio 4 series Artificial Human following the success of his BBC World Service podcast 13 Minutes to the Moon which focused on NASA’s first landing on the Moon and the rescue of Apollo 13.

"Needless to say, his keynote speech is going to be exceptional. Kevin will share his unique insight into how teams cope with risk, uncertainty and making decisions under pressure in some of the most intense scenarios imaginable, making his address a must-attend seminar at the event," he said.

1,500 brands to exhibit

Now in its 39^th year, the PPMA Show 2026 will give more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands the opportunity to cast a spotlight on their products and expertise, showcasing cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses.

The event once again will include a live demo theatre where selected exhibitors will launch technology directly to attendees and participate in daily innovation tours to expand upon it and show them how to harness it within their own businesses.

For more information: 

www.ppmashow.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)20 8773 8111