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MECAD Accelerate Annual Product Launch Conference

South Africa's premier CAD conference

MECAD Accelerate kicks off the 2026 season in KwaZulu-Natal. Join us for a day of live product demos, practical tips from our Application Engineers, and the chance to connect with engineers and designers from across the region. Registered engineers earn 1 ECSA CPD point (Category 1).

8 October 2026
Kloof Country Club, Kloof
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Event Benefits

Why you should attend

MECAD Accelerate KwaZulu-Natal kicks off the 2026 season. Here’s what to expect from a full day built around the tools you use and the people you work alongside.

Live Product Demos
Our presenters walk you through the latest SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE features with live demonstrations. No slides full of bullet points. Real software, real workflows, real questions answered on the spot.
Tips and Tricks
MECAD's Application Engineers run focused sessions on the techniques that make a measurable difference to how you work. These are the things our support team sees customers benefit from most.
Industry Networking
KwaZulu-Natal has a strong engineering community, and MECAD Accelerate is where it comes together. Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or meeting someone new, there's dedicated time to talk.
Snacks and Lunch Included
Start the morning with coffee, break for a full lunch at Kloof Country Club, and refuel with snacks between sessions. Everything is taken care of.
Event Speakers

Industry Experts

Wessel van Heerden

Chief Development and Marketing Officer

Wessel has been part of the MECAD Group since 2007 and today serves as Chief Development and Marketing Officer. With a background in systems analysis and deep experience in organisational development, he brings a perspective that bridges technology, people, and brand. Expect sessions focused on helping engineering teams work smarter.

Tyrone Bright

Mechatronic Engineering Lecturer

Tyrone is a registered Professional Engineer and Mechatronic Engineering Lecturer at the Durban University of Technology. With a master’s in mechatronics and research focused on human-robot collaboration in advanced manufacturing, he brings a hands-on view of where automation is heading. Expect sessions exploring how robotics and smart systems are reshaping engineering work.

Ryan Hamilton

Mechanical Engineer

Ryan is a Mechanical Engineer at the Durban University of Technology, where he has worked with DUT’s Technology Station to help local companies with product design, prototyping, and tooling development. Focused on turning industry challenges into practical, manufacturable solutions, he brings a perspective that bridges academia and the shop floor. Expect sessions on how smarter design helps manufacturers stay competitive.

MECAD Accelerate Agenda - KwaZulu-Natal

8:00 – 9:00

Registration with Arrival Snacks

Sign in, grab a coffee, and settle in before the day kicks off.

9:00 – 9:10 General

Welcome & MECAD Group

Wessel van Heerden (MC)

An introduction to the day and what to expect.

9:10 – 9:50 Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker: Durban University of Technology

Tyrone Bright — Mechatronic Engineering Lecturer, DUT

A Mechatronic Engineering lecturer from DUT shares his perspective on engineering education and industry.

9:50 – 10:20 What's New

What's New in SOLIDWORKS 2027 — Design & Assemblies (Session 1)

Application Engineers

A deep dive into the latest design and assembly updates in SOLIDWORKS 2027.

10:20 – 10:50

Morning Tea & Refreshments

10:50 – 11:35 What's New

What's New in SOLIDWORKS 2027 — Design & Assemblies (Session 2)

Application Engineers

The design and assembly deep dive continues after tea.

11:35 – 12:20 What's New

What's New — PDM, Data Management & Collaboration

Application Engineers

12:20 – 13:00 Product

AI and Data Management

Carel Ras

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

14:00 – 15:00 Tips & Tricks

SOLIDWORKS Tips & Tricks LIVE

Application Engineers

Hands-on tips, shortcuts, and techniques from our Application Engineers.

15:00 – 15:20 What's New

What's New — Simulation & Flow Simulation

Application Engineers

15:20 – 15:40 What's New

What's New — Electrical + DraftSight

Application Engineers

15:40 – 16:00 Product

SolidCAM Introduction

Carel Ras

An introduction to SolidCAM and what it can do for your manufacturing workflows.

16:00 – 17:00

Afternoon Tea & Networking

17:00 General

Official End of Conference

Featured Solutions

Product showcase

Logo Marquee — KwaZulu-Natal
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Event testimonials

What previous attendees said

Quinton Du Preez
New Identity

MECAD Accelerate is a key event in the annual calendar that is a "must attend" to advance your team and ensure you are using your software to its full potential

Adam Becks
Rham Equipment Pty Ltd.

MECAD Accelerate is always a good refresher and opportunity to see what the latest industry standards are. Thanks

Daleel Samaai
Alu Cab

Good workshop, very informative, provides insight on shortcuts for design.

Etienne Horn
Global Riser

Events such as the MECAD Accelerate Product Conference play an important role in educating the SA Design and manufacturing sector on cutting edge developments that will ultimately ait in its global competitiveness

Momina Malik
Durban University of Technology

Great work and thank you! I was intrigued from the start to end. I'm always fascinated by Brandon's vast knowledge and great ability to teach SW. Your team is great, definitely the cream of the crop. Brillant!

Ayuk Ebot Valerie
Blue Nova Energy

The world is evolving and advancing so to is technology. Thanks MECAD for keeping us informed with new innovations and making us keep up with current and future technologies

DR Eugene Wilsenach
Edenglen High School

“This event was hosted by the industry leader in CAD and should be attended by education leaders in the engineering field as well as the wider engineering management fraternity.”

Jason Wepener
3D Pro Reverse Engineering (Pty) Ltd

“Definitely worth attending: to meet the MECAD team, see what’s new, and networking, all at an excellent venue.”

Riaan de Beer
Vee Plastics

“Very well-planned event, the food was great, all MECAD staff was top notch, information that was available was more than sufficient. It was well worth the time and effort to attend! Well done!!!”

Paul Vermaak
Grid Control Technologies

“It was presented in a very professional manner and by extremely knowledgeable people in their specific fields of expertise”

Zander Lesch
HidroTech Systems

“Event made me aware of what is possible with SOLIDWORKS and associated programs".

Wessel Stapelberg
Fabrinox

"The event is a great opportunity to engage and network with peers from various CAD backgrounds and industries".

Dale Trevor
Global Riser

"Attending the event gave me a lot of insight into what the future holds for SOLIDWORKS and operating within the CLOUD. It also provided a great opportunity to hear how other companies are using the software".

Ivan Marais
Filmatic

"Thank you to you and your team for inviting us. It was a well structured and professionally executed function that I found informative".

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MECAD Accelerate GP Ticket 2026
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