Overview
As global competition, labour shortages, tariffs and supply chain volatility intensify, manufacturers must rethink traditional operations to remain competitive. The future of the factory will be defined by speed, adaptability, flexibility and intelligence—requiring faster machine deployment, scalable robotics, vision systems and AI-powered decision-making fueled by structured plant data. At the same time, businesses must deliver tangible results now while laying the foundation for long-term transformation. This Future of the Factory Tour will explore how leaders can navigate immediate challenges and accelerate toward a more resilient, digitally enabled and future-ready manufacturing model that balances operational performance with strategic innovation.
This high-impact tour will explore the transformative trends shaping the future of factories—from intelligent automation to sustainable operations—and equip leaders with actionable insights to drive competitive advantage in the age of Manufacturing 4.0.
This event will address the urgent need for manufacturers to modernize in the face of accelerating disruption, shifting global dynamics and rapidly evolving customer demands while delivering on the today’s business objectives.
The tour and discussions will confront the most urgent issues facing manufacturers today, while showcasing emerging opportunities for innovation, speed and resilience in the age of intelligent industry.
Attendees will uncover strategies to build smarter, faster and more adaptive production environments and also explore how to address today’s imperatives while future-proofing the factory floor through curated discussions, technology spotlights, thought leadership panels, immersive tech showcases and peer-to-peer dialogue.
Walk Away with Actionable Insights
Attend this plant tour, which will be followed by a panel discussion on Digital and Physical Convergence, and walk away with actionable insights, including:
- Smart Manufacturing Playbooks: Learn how manufacturers are adopting AI, IoT and advanced analytics to enable predictive, adaptive and autonomous operations.
- Generative AI at the Edge: Understand how structured plant data can fuel real-time GenAI insights and intelligent recommendations.
- Workforce Transformation: Explore best practices for reskilling talent and cultivating digitally fluent frontline teams.
- Digital Twins & Data Fluency: Discover how virtual modeling and real-time data orchestration are reshaping design, production and supply chain alignment.
From Pilot to High-Volume, Global Manufacturing
Eclipse Automation Inc. Plant Tour
Designing the Factory of the Future is a Marathon, Not a Sprint.
Digital and Physical Convergence
October 7-8, 2025, Cambridge, Ontario
Please note all times are Eastern Time.
October 7, 2025
- Registration
- Welcome Reception and Dinner
October 8, 2025
Full Day Event – Detailed Agenda to Follow
- Networking Breakfast
- Welcome
- Eclipse Automation Plant Tour
- Networking Lunch
- Breakout Discussions
- Panel Discussion
Breakout Discussion
- Information to follow.
Speakers
Steve Mai
CEO, Eclipse Automation
Mike Fisher
SVP, Sales and Business Development, Eclipse Automation
Brad Zalischuk
Program Manager – Digital Innovation & Transformation, Eclipse Automation
Jeff Puma
Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Group Hotel:
Four Points by Sheraton Cambridge Kitchener, Ontario
- Discounted room rate: $144.00 ++ CAD
- Reservation cut-off date: September 16, 2025 (once the room block is filled, which may be before the cut-off date, availability and rate are not guaranteed)
- To make your reservation online, click here for the booking link.
- To make your reservations by phone, call +1 519-653-2690 and reference the NAM Eclipse Automation Plant Tour. Important Note: If complete cancellation of an individual reservation takes place within 24 hours of the scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night’s room revenue will be charged.
Airports
Suggested International Airports
- Waterloo International Airport (YKF) – 4.8 miles (12 minute drive by car)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – 47 miles (1 hour drive by car)
Suggested Travel Dates
Arrival: Late morning/early afternoon on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
To ensure you arrive in time to attend the kick-off networking dinner on Tuesday evening.
Departure: Morning of Thursday, October 9, 2025 or after 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
To ensure you do not need to leave the tour and sessions early or miss out on any post-event networking opportunities!
Important Travel Note
A valid US or International Passport is required for entry into Canada. Passport expiration date must be at least six months from the final event date, October 8, 2025.
