Rethink: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
No matter where you are on the digital manufacturing journey, Rethink is a must-attend event to learn aspirational best practices, discover real-world case studies, and network with other leaders who are guiding the way to Manufacturing 4.0.
Rethink examines today’s digital factory as it intersects with technology, organizations, and leadership. Come away with a better understanding of the smart factory and what’s needed to compete, succeed, and thrive in the connected future.
Registration for Rethink 2027 will open later this year. In the meantime, save the date on your calendar!
Aspirational best practices
Hear how top manufacturers are turning digital vision into measurable operational value.
Real-world case studies
Award-winning projects across AI, autonomous operations, data strategy, and supply chains.
Connect with leaders
Join a community of executives guiding the way to the factory of the future.
Add event to calendar
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Featured Content
Engage and learn through keynotes, case studies, breakout sessions, 1-on-1 meetings and networking events, plus a Rethink Golf Outing, Annual Council Meeting and Strategic Industry Content.
Create roadmaps for enterprise-wide digital transformation
See real-world examples of AI deployment in manufacturing
Learn strategies for data mastery and governance
Get started on creating your company’s
Manufacturing 4.0 business culture
Discover how to create resilient, agile supply chains
Make connections that matter with peers and industry leaders
What to Expect at Rethink: Knowledge. Insights. Experience. Opportunities.
- Get an inside look into the deployment of Manufacturing 4.0 technologies directly from your peers. No other event offers such in-depth information straight from the teams advancing their organizations.
- Gain insights on how to build a business case for investments in Manufacturing 4.0 technologies and services.
- Understand the most successful ROI models associated with investments in Manufacturing 4.0 tools.
- Hear use case studies from manufacturers that have successfully addressed challenges and opportunities with digital manufacturing.
- Enhance KPIs, Project Management initiatives and digital transformation projects with tactical insights from manufacturing leaders.
- Network with peers on manufacturing’s most critical initiatives driving value for the industry, such as, Smart Factories and Digital Production, Analytics and Data Mastery, Resilient Supply Networks, and a Sustainable Circular Economy.
- Learn about cutting-edge technologies, processes and solutions that can immediately impact your operations and shape a new-age workforce ready for modern manufacturing.
In-Person Networking
Need we say more? Spend several days building relationships and connecting with like-minded executives both in and out of the event sessions.
Timely and Relevant Content
Hear from industry experts with curated content throughout the event, including real-world case studies, panel discussions, research insights, executive interviews and more!
Real-Time Discussions on Challenges and Solutions
Participate in our personal 1-on-1 meetings to understand how different solutions can help you overcome your current business challenges.
Interaction and Collaboration in Interactive Sessions
Collaborate, engage, share and learn with your peers in our interactive Think Tank sessions. With a dozen topics to choose from, you are certain to walk away with new insights and ideas.
A Roadmap for Digital Evolution
No matter where you are in your digital transformation journey, Rethink will help you understand how technologies can accelerate your journey, provide real-world insights and access to the manufacturing organizations leading the way.
VIP Technology Tour
A Rethink exclusive! Hear the highlights from each of our event partners during the Rethink custom VIP tour. In two minutes or less, you’ll gain quick insights and know where you’d like to take the opportunity to understand more.
Topic-Driven Discussion Tables
Join small group table discussions during lunch to discuss specific industry topics around some of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today.
Meet Manufacturing Leadership Award Finalists
Connect with some of the top Manufacturing Leadership Award project finalists and gain firsthand insights into their projects during our lightning round sessions and meet n’ greet tables.
Location. Location. Location.
Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers serene lagoons, unparalleled golf, exceptional dining options and an award-winning spa.
Connect. Engage. Advance.
With over 300+ top-level manufacturing executives and their teams, you’ll have access to real conversations, revealing real insights and providing real results.
The Event for Your Entire Team
Manufacturing 4.0 requires support from cross-functional teams within multiple divisions to integrate technologies, advance the adoption of Manufacturing 4.0 and keep your company ahead of the curve.
Rethink is designed to support all areas and provides content that covers technology, organization, culture, leadership, workforce and more.
This event is built for you and your team, including, but not limited to:
Divide and Conquer: A Team Approach
With multiple concurrent interactive sessions, more than two dozen live sessions, and access to content pre- and post-event, the best value will come from providing your team access to Rethink 2026. With multiple participants, you’ll be able to divide and conquer, allowing you to collaborate and bring new ideas, strategies and action items back to your company!
The agenda for Rethink 2027 will be announced in early 2027. In the meantime, please see the 2026 agenda below.
For questions on the agenda or if you’re interested in speaking at Rethink 2027, please email [email protected].
Sunday, June 21
6:00 a.m. 2026 Rethink Golf Outing – Check-In and Breakfast Opens
Tee off with peers at the Rethink 2026 Golf Outing on the iconic TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and one of the most iconic championship layouts in the U.S. Enjoy world‑class golf, scenic desert views, and spirited competition while networking with fellow manufacturing leaders. It’s the perfect blend of play and professional connection.
*Check-in and breakfast opens – Pre-event registration is required for the Golf Outing, restrictions apply.
7:30 a.m. 2026 Rethink Golf Outing – Scramble Tee-Off
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Early Registration Happy Hour
Open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees
Monday, June 22
7:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Annual ML Council Meeting
*Access is provided to ML Council members only.
7:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:15 a.m. Welcome, Opening Remarks and Board Overview
- Ron Castro, Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, IBM; Chair, MLC Board of Governors
- Will Bonifant, Group Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Hormel Foods; Vice Chair, MLC Board of Governors
8:25 a.m. Council Report and Update: MLC Year in Review
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC
8:40 a.m. Future of Manufacturing Project—Emerging Technologies Series Preview
- Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, MLC
8:50 a.m. Critical Issues Framework and Instructions
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC
9:00 a.m. Critical Issues Exercise – Table Discussions
9:30 a.m. Networking Break
9:45 a.m. Critical Issues Report Outs and Live Discussion
11:20 a.m. Critical Issue Vote
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC
11:30 a.m. Adjourn
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Networking Luncheon
Open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees. The Networking Luncheon will be followed by an afternoon of strategic industry content that too is open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees.
12:45 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
- Ron Castro, Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, IBM; Chair, MLC Board of Governors
- Jay Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Manufacturers
1:00 p.m. What’s Ahead for the Economy and Manufacturing?
- Gregory Daco, Chief Economist, EY
Manufacturers are navigating a complex mix of policy uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and uneven growth. This session will offer a clear outlook for the remainder of 2026 and 2027, focusing on tariffs and supply chains, demand and production trends, capex and credit conditions, productivity and technology adoption, and the workforce—translating macro signals into practical implications for operations and investment.
This session will be followed by a panel discussion on economic trends. Manufacturing company executives on the front lines will share their aspirations and concerns about the coming months.
- Gregory Daco, Chief Economist, EY
- Jill Dralle, U.S. Division President, Nexteer Automotive
- Chris Drew, President and Chief Executive Officer, Burnham Holdings
- Dan Dwight, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cooley Group; Executive Committee, NAM Board of Directors
Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
2:30 p.m. Networking Break
2:45 p.m. Energy Infrastructure at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities for Manufacturers
- Don Leavens, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
As U.S. energy demand accelerates—driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, electrification and manufacturing reshoring—our power generation, transmission and distribution system is struggling to keep up. A widening gap between peak power demand and generation capacity, an aging electrical grid and a backlog of critical components cumulatively poses one of the most significant challenges to American economic growth and energy security. For manufacturing leaders driving digital transformation, these energy challenges have direct implications for plant reliability, AI and automation investments, and long-term competitiveness.
Gain insights into how manufacturers are addressing these issues and hear about the updated findings from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s 2025 study, A Reliable Grid for an Electric Future, outlining how electrical manufacturers are supplying the technology and solutions to help the grid meet rising demand. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how grid constraints may impact manufacturing operations, what leaders can do to mitigate energy-related risks, and how to align digital strategies with the realities of today’s evolving electricity market.
This Session will be followed by a panel discussion examining what these energy dynamics mean for manufacturing leaders.
- Don Leavens, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
- Chris Phalen, Vice President, Domestic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers
Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
3:30 p.m. DC State of Mind: Manufacturing Policy and the 2026 Elections
- Charles Crain, Managing Vice President, Policy, National Association of Manufacturers
What happens in Washington, DC has a direct impact on manufacturers’ operations across the country. A year and a half into the Trump administration and the 119th Congress, manufacturers have secured historic policy wins—from generational tax reform and regulatory modernization to advances in AI and energy leadership. Yet significant opportunities remain, including permitting reform, infrastructure investment, health care, and trade policy.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, the session will explore the state of play for pro-manufacturing policy and equip manufacturers with the insights needed to navigate uncertainty and position their organizations for what’s next.
4:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Leadership that Moves the Business—Not Just the Work
As priorities multiply and resources remain constrained, effective leadership requires more than keeping teams busy—it demands clear alignment with what the business truly values. This session explores how manufacturing leaders identify high-impact work, ensure teams choose priorities intentionally, and decline misaligned efforts without creating organizational resistance. Panelists will discuss how to measure and communicate business impact in terms executives care about, support teams when strategic bets fall short, and ensure meaningful contributions are visible and recognized. The focus is on building teams that deliver outcomes, not just activity.
- Kim Johnson, Area Vice President, Manufacturing, Oracle
- Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director, The Manufacturing Institute
- Sachin Lulla, Vice Chair, Industrials and Energy, EY
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. VIP Guided Technology Tour
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Welcome Networking Reception
Tuesday, June 23
7:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibition
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
- Jay Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Manufacturers
8:15 a.m. Opening Address: The Inevitability of Autonomous Operations*
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Autonomous operations are no longer a future possibility — they are becoming a reality. With AI, robotics, IoT, digital twins, 5G, and edge computing converging, manufacturers have the opportunity to achieve 24/7 efficiency, heightened safety, and unprecedented productivity. At the same time, these advances demand careful consideration of operational, technical, and workforce challenges. The question is no longer whether autonomy will transform manufacturing, but how leaders will navigate its risks and capture its full potential.
8:30 a.m. Fireside Chat – Designing the Future Factory: AI, Robotics and Data that Put People at the Center of Operations
For more than 60 years, GM has been integrating robotics, automation, data collection, AI and machine learning into complex manufacturing environments. GM’s primary focus for deploying technology is to enhance safety (risk reduction) and quality—while empowering employees to concentrate on high-value work that truly shapes the outcome of every vehicle. As technology advances in the years ahead, these principles will be center stage as vehicles become increasingly defined by their software content. This fireside chat will explore how GM is thinking about its future factories and will provide practical lessons any industry can use to apply these principles on their own shop floors.
- Mike Trevorrow, Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing, General Motors
In conversation with: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
9:00 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
9:35 a.m. Case Study: From the Ground Up—Leveraging Advanced Compute to Accelerate Manufacturing at McCain Foods
- Jay Agarwal, Ph.D., Vice President, Digital Manufacturing and Agriculture, McCain Foods
McCain Foods is a multinational frozen food company established in 1957. It is the world’s largest manufacturers of frozen potato products, producing 1 in 4 French fries globally. The French fry manufacturing process is highly streamlined, utilizing continuous production lines that peel, flash fry and freeze at rates up to tens of tons per hour. At these high speeds, poor machine control can result in significant waste. Learn how next-generation compute, enabled by GPU processing, has enabled advanced machine control and deeper insight into fluid flow, heat transfer and product quality.
10:10 a.m. 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Lightning Rounds
Grupo Bimbo – Grupo Bimbo Kneads Cloud Technologies and AI into Its Growth Strategy, Enterprise Integration and Technology Project Category
- Jorge Cervantes, Global Senior Director, Manufacture to Distribution Solutions, Grupo Bimbo
Pure & Gentle – Turning Manufacturing Intelligence into Strategic Growth and New Revenue, Business Model Transformation Project Category
- John Blount, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pure & Gentle
10:40 a.m. Meet the Innovators: 1:1 Briefing Sessions, Networking Break
12:05 p.m. Networking Lunch featuring Topic Tables
1:15 p.m. Concurrent Interactive (Re)Think Tanks
Manufacturers are moving toward factories that sense, decide and act in real time. This panel will explore how adaptive systems, AI-driven scheduling and flexible automation are enabling factories that continuously optimize for performance and resilience. (MLC Critical Issue: Smart Factories and Digital Production)
- Mike Bradford, Director, Business Strategy, Dassault Systèmes
- Sabira Lakhani, Vice President, Product, SPARETECH
- Baskar Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, Global Products Strategy and Solutions, NTT DATA
- Jeff Wilhelmy, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Sylvamo
Moderator: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Discover how manufacturers are using shared digital platforms to collaborate with suppliers, logistics partners and customers. This session highlights how secure data exchange and real-time insight are transforming supply networks into integrated ecosystems. (MLC Critical Issue: Resilient Supply Networks and Ecosystems)
Co-Facilitators
- Jorge Cervantes, Global Senior Director, Manufacture to Distribution Solutions, Grupo Bimbo
- Gerald Jackson, Vice President, Supply Chain Solutions Strategy, Oracle
- Leslie McGlamery, Supply Chain Transformation Leader, Taylor Corporation
- Elaine Wan, Director, Product Strategy – Oracle Fusion Manufacturing, Oracle
Innovation isn’t optional in a fast-changing market, it’s survival. Hear how leading manufacturers are leveraging digital tools to experiment faster, shorten product cycles and unlock new business models that drive sustained growth. (MLC Critical Issue: New Product and Business Model Innovation)
- Michel Besner, Chief Executive Officer, Prevu3D
- Rodrigo Cambiaghi, Managing Partner, Digital Operations, EY
- Garth Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, Canvas Envision
- Eric Thorsen, Senior Director of Industry and Solution Strategy, Infor
Moderator: Penny Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
AI initiatives fail when the data isn’t ready. Learn how leading manufacturers are identifying, refining and governing their most valuable data sets to power successful AI applications. (MLC Critical Issue: Data Governance, Mastery and Interoperability)
Co-Facilitators
- Troy Mahr, Director, Industrial Management, Rockwell Automation | Kalypso
- John Maenner, Supply Chain IT Leader, Lamb Weston
- Jeff Miller, Principal, Global Industry Leader, Rockwell Automation | Kalypso
- Lion Moeliono, Senior Manager, Global Digital Manufacturing and Transformation, Rockwell Automation
Cyber threats are evolving as fast as factory connectivity. Hear how manufacturers are securing converged IT and OT environments while maintaining reliability and trust across digital operations. (MLC Critical Issue: Smart Factory Technologies)
Co-Facilitators
- Chris Casson, Principal Architect, AT&T Business
- Allen Roberts, Principal Architect, AT&T Business
What separates digital leaders from digital laggards? This session brings together executives who are driving transformation through vision, adaptability and a culture of innovation that keeps people at the center. (MLC Critical Issue: Leadership, Organization, Culture and People)
- Jerry Dolinsky, Chief Executive Officer, Dozuki
- Christian Segurado, Senior Manager, System Integration, Forvis Mazars
- Michael Weller, Global Head, Manufacturing Practice, Verizon Business
- Tammy Soares, President of Launch, NTT DATA
Moderator: Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Many manufacturers have proved AI works. Now they must scale it. This session will share lessons learned in moving from small pilots to enterprise-wide AI systems that deliver measurable results and lasting competitive advantage. (MLC Critical Issue: Industrial AI)
Co-Facilitators
- Jay Agarwal, Ph.D., Vice President, Digital Manufacturing and Agriculture, McCain Foods
- Alex Yurek, Managing Director and Partner, BCG
2:10 p.m. Power Panel: Building a Data Strategy for the Future
To enable manufacturers to truly embrace and reap the benefits of Manufacturing 4.0, a data management strategy that encompasses a corpus of needs must be devised and implemented by operational leaders. These needs include standards, architecture, data models, AI-ready data and operational AI at scale. This panel will examine how converging pressures—scaling digital solutions beyond pilot environments, integrating heterogeneous legacy and modern systems, and operationalizing data as a strategic asset — are reshaping the requirements for industrial architectures and the processes for applying data.
- Sthitie Bom, Ph.D., Vice President of Factory Data, Analytics and Applications, Seagate
- Chris Crotts, General Manager, Toyota North America
- Jim Davis, Ph.D., CIO/CTO/Professor Emeritus, UCLA; Executive Oversight, CESMII and BUILD SM programs; Member, MLC Board of Governors
- John Dyck, Chief Executive Officer, CESMII; Member, MLC Board of Governors
Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
3:00 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
3:35 p.m. Executive Interview: Winning Results in the Factory of the Present
Often, what’s possible in the factory of the future captures the spotlight, while the real opportunity for most manufacturers lies in evolving the factory of the present. This executive panel explores how industrial leaders are translating digital progress into measurable results—today. You’ll hear an executive perspective on disciplined digital investments that strengthen industrial data foundations and improve operational visibility, and emerging technologies that deliver real value for manufacturers dealing with legacy assets and cybersecurity risk.
- Johannes-Thomas Grobe, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Optima Pharma
- Scot Lindsey, Senior Vice President, Information Officer, Manufacturing and Quality, Eli Lilly and Company
- Blake Moret, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Automation; Chair, NAM Board of Directors
In conversation with: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
4:20 p.m. Case Study: Digitally Transforming into an AI-ready Enterprise at Rheem
- Joe Palomba, Senior Vice President, Information Technology, Rheem Manufacturing
Faced with rising customer expectations, regulatory changes, and aggressive competition, in 2022, Rheem launched a bold digital transformation to reinvent its business model. Shifting from a product-centric approach to an experience-first, platform-enabled operating model, Rheem extended value beyond the point of sale through IoT-connected products, remote monitoring, diagnostics, and grid-interactive energy programs, creating recurring service growth alongside product excellence, with a strong digital foundation. This is now enabling Rheem to build an AI-enabled operating system on top of its digital platform – effectively moving from “digital-first” to “AI-first.”
4:50 p.m. Fireside Chat: Building a Trusted AI Assistant for the Shop Floor
Frontline teams need answers that are fast, accurate and safe, and in today’s factories, more of those answers are coming from AI assistants. But moving from a promising prototype to a trusted, production-grade tool is where most initiatives stall. In this fireside chat we will walk through the real path from POC to scaled deployment: what it takes to get governance and validation right, how to build confidence and escalation paths into the experience, and why designing for technician trust is just as critical as the underlying technology. Hear how leading manufacturers are approaching the full lifecycle — from early pilot design through operational rollout — and what separates the AI-guided work initiatives that stick from the ones that don’t.
- Brian Kursar, Group Vice President and Head of AI, Toyota North America; Finalist, Artificial Intelligence Vision and Strategy, 2026 ML Awards
- Prasoon Saxena, Executive Managing Director and Co-Lead, Global Product Industries, NTT DATA; Member, NAM Board of Directors
In conversation with: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception
Wednesday, June 24
7:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibition
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
8:10 a.m. Keynote – From Vision to Value: Scaling Digital Transformation that Delivers
- Lisa McEvoy, Associate Vice President, Digital Manufacturing, Merck
Manufacturers don’t win with technology alone—they win by turning digital vision into measurable operational value. This keynote explores how purpose-driven digital organizations align around a clear performance “north star” to unlock capacity, improve quality, and drive results at scale. Discover how leading teams are breaking down organizational silos, integrating digital expertise into operations, and using AI to strengthen—not replace—human judgment. Leaders will leave with practical strategies to move from experimentation to sustained impact across the enterprise.
8:40 a.m. Fireside Chat: Driving Business Value in Connected Manufacturing—From Pilot to Scale
Successful Manufacturing 4.0 scaling begins with a clear focus on business outcomes and a repeatable model that moves beyond isolated pilots to deliver measurable improvements in throughput, quality, uptime and labor productivity. Explore how manufacturers can make disciplined technology choices, strengthen OT/IT alignment through shared governance and phased roadmaps, and modernize legacy environments in ways that expand visibility, analytics and automation while minimizing production risk.
- Cameron Coursey, Vice President, Connected Solutions, AT&T Business
In conversation with: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
9:10 a.m. Panel Discussion: Next-Generation Leaders
What’s on the minds of the next generation as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow? This panel discussion will examine the hopes, aspirations, and visions for the future from some of this year’s top finalists for the Next-Generation Leadership award.
- Kristen DellaVecchia, Corporate Sustainability Project Manager, Corning Incorporated
- Iran Arely Gomez Reyes, Industrial Engineer and Generative AI Lead, General Motors
- Arun Jegarkal, Data Engineering Manager, Peterbilt Motors Company
- Jeremy Smith, Senior Supply Chain Engineer, Winnebago Industries
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
9:40 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
10:15 a.m. 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Lightning Rounds
Eli Lilly and Company – Empowering Frontline Decision-Making with Real-Time Manufacturing Intelligence at Scale, Transformational Business Cultures Project Category
- Ravi Medandravu, Associate Vice President, Manufacturing and Quality Tech, Eli Lilly and Company
Schneider Electric – Autonomous Supply Chain: End-to-End Planning and Execution, Digital Supply Chains Project Category
- Olivier Redon, Vice President, NAM Supply Chain Strategy Deployment, Schneider Electric
10:50 a.m. Executive Interview: Built to Scale—Turning Plant-Floor Pilots into Global Standards
Too many digital initiatives start as promising pilots and end as isolated experiments that never scale. PACCAR has avoided this pitfall by evaluating digital projects not just on technical capability but on whether they can become global standards across its production system. Deep engagement with frontline teams is the difference between real adoption and vanity projects. For leaders who are tired of pilots that don’t scale, this candid conversation explores what predictive maintenance and AI-enabled decision-making look like inside a precision manufacturing environment and how PACCAR separates solutions that drive lasting operational value from those that just demo well.
- Graham Gillett, Director of Manufacturing and Capital Budget, PACCAR
- Nick Haase, Co-Founder, MaintainX
In conversation with: Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
11:20 a.m. Case Study: Developing Resilient Supply Chains in a Resource-Constrained World
- John Larson, Ph.D., Vice President, Plant Readiness and Startup, Niron Magnetics
What if the world’s most powerful magnets could be made without relying on rare earth elements? This session explores how Niron Magnetics is doing exactly that with high-performance iron nitride magnets built entirely from abundant, globally available materials. Beyond magnets, the lessons in innovation, resilience and supply chain agility apply to manufacturers across industries. Learn how this breakthrough eliminates supply risks, delivers exceptional thermal stability, and powers partnerships with leaders like General Motors and Samsung. Executives will walk away with insights on scaling resilient, high-performance supply chains while addressing the looming global magnet shortage.
11:50 a.m. Meet the Innovators: 1:1 Briefing Sessions, Networking Break
12:35 p.m. Networking Lunch featuring Topic Tables
1:40 p.m. Concurrent Interactive (Re)Think Tanks
Choose from one of the following interactive sessions.
Supply networks are only as strong as their weakest link. This session will explore how manufacturers are using AI to anticipate supplier disruptions, assess risk and take proactive steps to build resilience across complex ecosystems. (MLC Critical Issue: Resilient Supply Networks and Ecosystems)
- Raja Chandrashekar, Senior Partner, Supply Chain Transformation, Wayfinders, Fujitsu North America, Inc.
- Jake Winquist, Principal, Manufacturing Advisory, RSM US LLP
- Joe Rosing, Head of Smart Manufacturing and Supply Chain Center of Excellence, Amazon Web Services
Moderator: Penny Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Lot-size-one is no longer a dream. Discover how digital manufacturing technologies are making mass personalization possible—and profitable—through smarter design, automation and connected production. (MLC Critical Issue: New Product and Business Model Innovation)
Co-Facilitators
- Brian Cuttica, Senior Vice President, North America, Tacton
- Nils Olsson, Chief Strategy Officer, Tacton
Empowered teams are transforming how manufacturers manage and use data. This panel will reveal how data mesh principles are improving quality, accelerating analytics and scaling AI across the enterprise. (MLC Critical Issue: Data Governance, Mastery and Interoperability)
- Adhir Mattu, Chief Information Officer, Bloom Energy
- Oscar Montoya, Automation and Historian Software Solution Architect, Velotic
- Subba Rao, Director, Industrial Manufacturing, Siemens
Moderator: Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
With so many technologies vying for attention, how do manufacturers choose what truly delivers? This session will bring together experts to discuss the most effective combinations of IoT, AI and automation tools for scalable, secure smart factory operations. (MLC Critical Issue: Smart Factory Technologies)
- Alex Marotta, Connected Systems and Data Lead, MaintainX
- Piyum Samaraweera, Chief Product Officer, L2L
- Josh Santo, Senior Director, Industry and Strategy Solutions, Ease.io
Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
This interactive workshop helps leaders build confidence in guiding AI-enabled teams. Participants will explore practical strategies for collaboration, ethics and communication in environments where humans and intelligent systems work side by side. (MLC Critical Issue: Leadership, Organization, Culture and People)
Facilitator
- Andrew Scheuermann, Chief Executive Officer, Arch Systems
AI success doesn’t end at deployment. This discussion will highlight best practices for AI operations, governance and lifecycle management to keep models reliable, explainable and continuously improving. (MLC Critical Issue: Industrial AI)
- Jonathon Eaton, Partner, Operations Transformation Practice, Grant Thornton
- Patrick Thompson, Global Senior Vice President, Customer Transformation, Celonis
Moderator: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
2:20 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
2:45 p.m. Case Study: Scaling Digital Performance to Turn Data into Dominance
- Matt Wessel, Ph.D., Senior Data Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Manufacturers that win will turn operational data into real-time advantage. In this session, Thermo Fisher Scientific shares how it scaled a digital performance system that delivers immediate visibility into OEE, yield, and time-loss events. By equipping teams with live dashboards and root-cause analytics, they accelerated decision-making on the factory floor—reducing downtime and driving measurable performance gains.
3:20 p.m. Case Study: How PACCAR is Seeing the Future with AI-Enabled Vision Systems
- Raja Shembekar, Vice President and Corporate Officer, Global Manufacturing and International Business Development, PACCAR
AI-enabled vision systems can significantly enhance accuracy and speed in quality inspections, significantly reducing defects and eliminating costly rework. But effectively deploying these systems requires a strong data foundation, the right digital infrastructure, integration with manufacturing systems and a clearly defined use case with measurable value. Find out how embracing this technology and developing a holistic strategy for its use has helped PACCAR streamline operations, foster continuous improvement and enhance collaboration between teams.
3:50 p.m. Content for Rethink 2026 Concludes
Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala
6:00 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Cocktail Reception
7:30 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala and Dinner
Our Insightful and Visionary Speakers
Our high-caliber speaker lineup will bring you the insight and inspiration you need for moving your business forward.
2026 Speakers
Blake Moret
Jay Timmons
Mike Tomasco
Lisa McEvoy
John Larson, Ph.D.
Jay Agarwal
Joseph Palomba
Johannes-Thomas Grobe, Ph.D.
Scot Lindsey
Matt D. Wessel
Cameron Coursey
Brian Kursar
Prasoon Saxena
Nick Haase
David Pavlovic
Sthitie Bom
Chris Crotts
Jim Davis, Ph.D.
John Dyck
Kristen DellaVecchia
Iran Arely Gómez Reyes
Arun Bhaskara-Baba
Jeremy Smith
Raja Shembekar
David R. Brousell
Melissa Boom
Penelope Brown
Jeff Puma
2027 ML Award Finalists – Lightning Round Presenters
John Blount
Jorge Cervantes
Ravi Medandravu
Olivier Redon
2026 (Re)Think Tank Facilitators
Jonathan Eaton
Gerald Jackson
Sabira Lakhani
John Maenner
Troy Mahr
Alex Marotta
Leslie McGlamery
Jeffrey Miller
Lion Moeliono
Oscar Montoya
Thomas Muth
Nils Olsson
Baskar Radhakrishnan
Subba Rao
Allen Roberts
Joe Rosing
Piyum Samaraweera
Josh Santo
Andrew Scheuermann
Christian Segurado
Tammy Soares
Patrick Thompson
Eric Thorsen
Elaine Wan
Michael Weller
Jeff Willhelmy
Jake Winquist
Alex Yurek
Event Venue
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Travel Information
Nearby Airports
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (23 miles)
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) (39 miles)
Transportation to/From Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- We recommend using a rideshare, taxi, car service or car rental* of your choice for convenient transportation to and from the event venue.
* Please see parking pricing and information below for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
About the Fairmont Princess
Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess blends Southwestern charm with five-star luxury—making it the perfect destination for both business and leisure. From world-class meeting spaces to family-friendly pools, golf, and spa experiences, it’s a resort where events and relaxation meet in perfect harmony.
Check in | Check out Times
- Check in: 4:00 p.m. MST
- Check out: 11:00 a.m. MST
On-site Parking*
Resort Guests
- Overnight valet service: $40 per night
- Self-parking: $28 per night
Visitors
- Daily valet service: $26 per night
- Overnight valet service: $40 per night
- Self-parking: $28 per day
*Rates subject to change.
Build Relationships. Drive Opportunities. Deliver Results.
Sponsorship investments at Rethink provide you the opportunity to connect with top manufacturing executives and are proven to deliver results.
With multiple opportunities to educate buyers about your products and services, discuss challenges and solutions, showcase thought leadership, connect with attendees, build relationships, and generate opportunities with the executive audience, you are guaranteed to see results.
Partnering with NAM’s Manufacturing Leadership Council as a sponsor at Rethink, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Connect with hundreds of C-Suite Executives, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Council Members, Manufacturing Leadership Award Winners, Industry Thought Leaders and more who are looking to drive digital transformation and charting the course for the future of manufacturing.
- Showcase your company’s products, services and thought leadership in a variety of sessions and within the networking hall.
- Educate the manufacturing community through your 1:1 meetings, networking sessions, VIP Tour and more.
- Build solid relationships and opportunities with key executives on-site.
- Customize your sponsorship to meet your strategic objectives and deliver a solid Return On Investment
At Rethink, it’s the RoR (Return on Relationships) that will drive your ROI.
Reserve your Sponsorship for Rethink Today!
Sponsorships are limited and available in a range of levels. Please contact us today to discuss a customized solution for your organization.
See how ultra-fast, reliable fiber, protected by built-in security, and 5G connectivity can help you connect your factory environment and enable digital transformation. Let our experts work with you to simplify your supply chain and make your business more resilient. Welcome to a new standard for networking.
MaintainX is the leading maintenance and asset management platform designed specifically for industrial and frontline teams. It helps companies streamline maintenance, improve asset management, and manage regulatory compliance and audits — all while delivering insights to improve the bottom line. As a mobile-first platform trusted by 13,000+ customers, it delivers a modern IoT-enabled solution for maintenance, reliability, and operations teams. MaintainX is reimagining industrial maintenance and operations to address the realities of today and the future ahead.
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.
As market pressures and operational complexity continue to evolve, Rockwell Automation and Kalypso are helping companies accelerate digital maturity and create the future of industrial operations – securely and at scale.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, combines advanced hardware, software, and services to drive productivity, resilience, and sustainability across industries.
Kalypso, Rockwell’s digital services business, helps companies build resilient, secure, data-driven operations – turning operational data across IT and OT into insight that informs decisions and enables more autonomous, continuously improving ways of operating.
Together, Rockwell and Kalypso combine industry-leading automation and digital expertise to help manufacturers empower their workforce, adapt faster, and achieve measurable results.
2026 Sponsors
AWS is the world’s leading cloud and AI provider built for industrial AI. AWS delivers edge to cloud technology that enables manufacturers to deploy physical AI, agentic AI, and autonomous systems at production scale. Our flexible infrastructure bridges the sim-to-real gap for robotics, transforms supply chains from reactive to proactive with agentic AI, and connects data across the entire product lifecycle to create a trusted foundation for intelligent operations. With purpose-built edge capabilities for real-time factory-floor decision-making and sovereign-by-design security, AWS helps manufacturers achieve measurable outcomes in labor cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
Vaux is ArcBest’s award-winning suite of intelligent technologies that modernizes material handling and makes warehouse operations safer, faster and more efficient.
The Vaux portfolio includes:
Vaux Smart Autonomy™, an AMR forklift solution using digital twin mapping, intelligent navigation and real-time decision-making to automate material movement without costly facility modifications.
The Vaux Freight Movement System™, a mobile platform that improves space utilization and accelerates loading and unloading.
Vaux Vision™, real-time freight dimensioning and imaging that improves data accuracy, reduces billing surprises and enables smarter operational decisions.
Vaux – Intelligence Behind Every Move™
ArcBest Website | LinkedIn | X | Blog | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
Arch Systems delivers agentic AI for global manufacturing, moving beyond dashboards and alerts to AI that acts. By unifying fragmented shop floor data and applying agentic intelligence across the production environment, Arch enables manufacturers to automatically classify downtime, optimize OEE, and resolve the root causes of waste before they compound. Built on deep manufacturing expertise and proven data integration, Arch Systems gives operations teams the autonomous capabilities they need to run leaner, faster, and more reliably.
Arch Systems Website | LinkedIn | X | Blog
Boston Consulting Group is a global consulting firm that partners with leaders in business and society to tackle the most critical challenges and capture the greatest opportunities. BCG’s Operations practice is a globally integrated team that delivers tangible and enduring impact across the entire value chain. We deploy a unique blend of industry, operations, and digital expertise to deliver accelerated results and build capabilities, tailored to our clients’ context.
We work closely with manufacturing companies to navigate a shifting landscape of supply chains, AI technologies, and talent—delivering value with a relentless focus on driving growth, building resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future.
BCG Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube
Bloom Energy empowers enterprises to meet soaring energy demands and responsibly take charge of their power needs. The company’s solid oxide fuel cell systems provide ultra-resilient, highly scalable onsite electricity for Fortune 500 customers around the world, including data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, large utilities, and other commercial and industrial sectors as well as mission-critical organizations in local communities, such as hospitals, college campuses and retailers. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Bloom Energy employs more than 2,000 people worldwide and manufactures its systems in the United States.
Bloom Energy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | YouTube
Braincube delivers Industrial AI for Real-Time Process Optimization (RTPO), helping industrial leaders continuously adapt operations as conditions change to build resilient performance. For decades, industry has managed production through averages, fixed setpoints, and periodic improvement projects even though variability is constant and conditions never stay the same. Braincube replaces this static approach with continuous adaptation, revealing hidden drivers of performance and providing live operational guidance based on current reality. Instead of optimizing around historical averages, teams receive real-time direction for how to operate right now, stabilizing throughput, quality, and costs as conditions shift. Trusted by over 250 manufacturers worldwide, Braincube enables organizations to turn variability into operational advantage, sustain performance under change, and move from reactive operations to confident, adaptive execution while building long-term resilience.
Canvas Envision is the visual execution layer of the digital thread. We help manufacturers preserve critical knowledge, ramp workers faster, and reduce errors by turning engineering and 3D CAD data into AI-assisted interactive work instructions delivered at the point of work. Connected to your PLM and MES, built on 40 years of manufacturing visualization expertise.
Celonis makes processes work — for people, companies, and the planet. Powered by process mining and AI, the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform integrates process data and business context to create a living digital twin of business operations. We enable thousands of companies worldwide to understand how their business actually runs and, together with their partners, build intelligent solutions that transform and continuously improve the way they operate — unlocking billions in value.
At DELMIA, we believe in the power of the virtual world to transform and improve real-world industrial operations. We are dedicated to delivering solutions that drive sustainability, innovation, safety, agility, and profitability across collaborative operations, industrial engineering, supply chain planning and optimization, and manufacturing operations. Powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, DELMIA helps organizations collaborate, model, optimize and perform through integrated decision support and real-world data evidence.
Our solutions address the most complex challenges facing industry today by connecting the virtual and real worlds through actionable virtual twin experiences. DELMIA enables global collaboration, modeling, simulation, planning, optimization and execution across manufacturing, logistics, workforce and service operations to help companies build more resilient, efficient and connected value networks.
DELMIA goes beyond conventional digital twin technology by bringing together modeling, simulation, data science and AI in a secure environment to help customers make better decisions and execute with greater confidence. The result is a more powerful industrial AI and virtual twin approach that can accelerate simulation, improve orchestration and enable more adaptive, software-defined production and supply chain operations.
Dassault Systèmes Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Facebook
Dozuki is the leading AI-powered Connected Worker Platform designed to help manufacturers streamline knowledge, training, and upskilling for their frontline teams. By bridging the gap between operations and the shop floor with their digital platform, Dozuki empowers workers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a fast-evolving industrial landscape. Global manufacturing companies use the Dozuki platform and services to bridge skill gaps, boost productivity, and build a future-ready manufacturing workforce. Dozuki is trusted by digital manufacturing leaders including 3M, General Mills, Caterpillar, Ball Corporation, and more.
The EASE cloud-based platform for manufacturers ensures frontline processes are executed correctly and consistently every single time, with complete closed-loop issue resolution and real-time data insights across the enterprise. EASE digitally connects and automates critical plant floor work processes, including audits, inspections, scheduling, task assignments, data collection, and more. Dana, Tenneco, Eaton, and other leading manufacturers in 40+ countries use EASE to drive quality, safety, productivity, and compliance.
Ease Website | LinkedIn | Blog
At EY, we help industrial products companies translate disruption into advantage by combining deep sector insight with leading capabilities in strategy, transformation and technology. Working side‑by‑side with leadership teams, we identify where value is created, design practical roadmaps and execute with speed—deploying AI, digital, advanced manufacturing and data‑driven operating models to unlock growth, resilience and margin improvement. From customer‑led innovation and portfolio optimization to smart factories, supply‑chain reinvention and workforce transformation, we help organizations deliver measurable results and build sustainable enterprise value so they can innovate, scale and operate with confidence—strengthening performance today while building long‑term resilience and growth.
Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, the firm’s 7,000 dedicated team members provide an Unmatched Client Experience® through the delivery of assurance, tax, and consulting services for clients in all 50 states and internationally through the global network.
Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. Leveraging expertise across Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, Fujitsu helps manufacturers connect and harness data across their operations to drive greater transparency, efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Fujitsu Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Blog
Grant Thornton helps manufacturers turn AI into measurable value. Through a network of more than 75,000 professionals in 150 countries, we bring deep manufacturing insight with advanced AI and analytics. Our teams help solve complex challenges, including supply chain volatility, workforce constraints, margin pressure and aging systems, with data-driven solutions grounded in governance and trust. We take a practical, governance-first approach to enterprise AI, aligning operations, finance and technology to scale impact. By connecting AI strategy to execution, we move manufacturers beyond pilots to enterprise results that strengthen margins, resilience and long-term competitiveness across the value chain.
Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. We develop complete solutions for our focus industries, including industrial manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, food & beverage, automotive, aerospace & defense, and high tech. Infor’s mission-critical enterprise applications and services are designed to deliver sustainable operational advantages with security and faster time to value. We are obsessed with delivering successful business outcomes for customers. Over 65,000 organizations in more than 175 countries rely on Infor’s 17,000 employees to help achieve their business goals.
Infor Website | LinkedIn | X | Blog | YouTube
L2L is the Connected Manufacturing Operations Platform that serves as the “Heartbeat of the Modern Factory.” Built on the shop floor by manufacturers for manufacturers, L2L eliminates the operational, systemic, and human blockers that stall production and impact plant performance. Our platform replaces the chaos of disconnected systems with r
eal-time guidance for frontline teams and operational visibility for plant leadership. By following the L2L Method—a proven roadmap to stabilize, standardize, and optimize operations—customers see measurable impact in as little as 16 weeks. To date, L2L has helped global manufacturers uncover hidden issues and save more than $5 billion in downtime costs.
Oracle is a technology company that unlocks the full potential of enterprise AI for organizations around the world. With AI built into every layer of the technology stack, including its leading database and data platform, complete suite of applications, and the fastest-growing compute and storage infrastructure to power it all, Oracle delivers a uniquely integrated approach to AI. From nonprofits to large corporations, customers in every industry can harness the latest breakthroughs to solve their most complex problems and redefine what’s possible in business. For more information, visit www.oracle.com.
Oracle Website| LinkedIn | X | Facebook |Instagram | YouTube
Prevu3D delivers high-fidelity 3D visual digital twins that empower industrial and manufacturing leaders to accelerate digital transformation, improve operational clarity, and drive strategic outcomes. Using reality capture data, Prevu3D transforms complex facilities into accurate, interactive 3D models that enhance planning, reduce risk, and unlock measurable ROI across design, construction, and operations. At Rethink 2026, Prevu3D helps executives and teams tackle Manufacturing 4.0 challenges with tools that visualize smart factories, support cross-functional collaboration, and strengthen data-driven decision making. Prevu3D equips manufacturers to innovate faster, streamline workflows, and scale digital initiatives with confidence in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Prevu3D Website | LinkedIn | Blog | YouTube
RSM helps manufacturers turn capital investment into measurable enterprise value. We work with organizations navigating the economic headwinds, supply chain volatility, and increasing data complexity. Our teams advise on enterprise transformation, operational resilience, and data-driven decision making so organizations can scale efficiently while managing risk. RSM connects strategy to execution across finance, operations, and technology.
RSM Website | LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Resources
Mendix, a Siemens business, is a platform built for the agentic enterprise. It orchestrates people and AI agents as a single, governed workforce on a shared foundation. Most enterprises invest in AI. What they’re missing is the right infrastructure and context to act on that investment. Mendix closes that gap, building a live picture of how an organization works, connecting every system, solution, and data source into an enterprise context. That context layers on top of the infrastructure enterprises already have, giving people and AI agents a shared foundation to act on.
SPARETECH’s enterprise MRO software enables maintenance and procurement teams in manufacturing to reliably reduce spend and optimize inventory by sourcing spare parts inside or outside their production network and stop buying parts they already have.
To achieve our vision of the zero-waste industrial sharing economy, we leverage the industry’s largest spare part catalog and proprietary matching technology to provide AI-powered recommendations for daily decision-making.
Tacton is a leading SaaS company redefining how manufacturers of highly configurable products manage complexity and engage buyers. By aligning sales, engineering, and order fulfillment around a connected data thread, Tacton empowers manufacturers to sell, build, and deliver on customer promises more profitably. Trusted since 1998 by global leaders including ABB, Daimler, MAN, Scania, Siemens, Xylem, and Yaskawa, Tacton extends its CPQ leadership into an end-to-end lifecycle platform. The company is co-headquartered in Chicago and Stockholm, with regional offices in Karlsruhe, Warsaw, and Tokyo.
GE Vernova Proficy® Software & Services, Now Part of Velotic™
Velotic officially unites Proficy®, Kepware®, and ThingWorx®, three leading industrial and manufacturing software platforms trusted by you and our partners across the world, to establish an unmatched suite of solutions focused entirely on improving industrial operations in a manner that delivers enhanced productivity, visibility, and control across your operations.
The Proficy portfolio includes:
- Cloud-based and on-prem HMI/SCADA
- MES
- Industrial data management, and analytics
- Scheduler
As an independent company focused on industrial and manufacturing software, Velotic is uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance the data and AI capabilities of these market-leading products, and deliver even greater value to you.
Verizon delivers the digital world’s promise to millions daily; notably, 99% of the Fortune 500 trust Verizon Business to manage their networks. At Rethink, we demonstrate this commitment by focusing on your most vital assets: your people.
True operational efficiency requires closing the gap between digital assets and the people running them. While most manufacturers digitize their machines, they often fail to provide the necessary digital tools to the factory workforce. Verizon Business is solving this by building the “connected factory”—an intelligent fabric that puts real-time data directly into workers’ hands. This approach boosts OEE and reduces downtime. Let’s connect for a 1-1 to discuss transforming your frontline productivity.
Verizon Website | LinkedIn | X | Instagram | YouTube
Zebra Technologies offers solutions designed to help businesses grow by enhancing asset visibility, connecting frontline workers, and utilizing intelligent automation. With operations in over 100 countries, Zebra serves more than 80% of the Fortune 500. Specifically tailored for frontline use, Zebra’s award-winning portfolio includes hardware, software, and services, featuring mobile computers and tablets, thermal barcode label printers, RFID smart label printers/encoders, both fixed and handheld readers, along with machine vision and fixed industrial scanning hardware and software. By streamlining workflows, automating processes, and providing workers with real-time insights, Zebra empowers manufacturers to boost productivity and uphold high-quality standards. With automation and AI integrated into essential stages—from material handling to production lines—our solutions guarantee seamless operations that excel in today’s ever-changing market.
Zebra Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Blog
What
The Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala is a celebration of world-class manufacturing. Join us to meet the industry’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies and their achievements in Manufacturing 4.0. This exciting black-tie event includes a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, and recognition of the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards finalists. Category winners, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, the Manufacturers of the Year and the Future of Manufacturing Project Award Winners will be announced on stage. Come join the party!
Who
The Manufacturing Leadership Awards recognize accomplishments and operational transformation in digital manufacturing, including high-performing projects and outstanding leaders. Finalists and winners are selected in nine project categories and two individual categories.
Dress Code
This event is black tie, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the evening’s celebration. Guests are encouraged to dress in formal evening attire. For gentlemen, this typically includes a tuxedo, formal dress shirt, bow tie and dress shoes (dark formal suits are also acceptable). For ladies, preferred attire is a formal evening gown or cocktail dress.
Registration
Gala admission is included in most Rethink registration packages; you simply need to confirm your attendance at the time of registration. Finalists receive two (2) complimentary gala passes per finalist project. Other admission fees are listed below:
- Rethink attendees: Gala ticket included with Rethink registration – confirm attendance when registered for Rethink.
- Guest passes:
- Personal guest (spouse, partner, family member, etc.): $295
- Additional colleague (not already registered for Rethink): $695
Gala Sponsorship
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Lauren Bisset at [email protected].
