Top Shops Conference 2026 (TS26) is the event for CNC machining and industrial finishing professionals to find data-driven, peer-reviewed best practices for process technology, shopfloor practices, business strategies and human resources. Founded in 2017 as a live extension of Modern Machine Shop’s annual Top Shops Benchmarking Program, the conference combines technical education, technology displays and business networking all aimed at delivering practical, applicable solutions that have been defined “for shops, by shops.” Whether you are annual Top Shops survey participant or have never seen the survey before, if you are a manufacturing business interested in building your business through data, technology and process improvement – the Top Shops Conference is your event. New this year, Top Shops Conference will expand to include CNC machining and industrial finishing. Modern Machine Shop Top Shops and Products Finishing Top Shops, Gardner Business Media’s two largest and longest running benchmarking and business improvement survey programs, will join forces to host concurrent Top Shops Conference programs. In addition to dedicated conference programing, Top Shops Conference attendees will benefit from access to several shared general sessions, keynotes, exhibit rooms and special networking events enabling these two critical manufacturing service groups – CNC
machining and surface finishing - to learn, exchange ideas and make valuable business connections.​​