Wednesday, June 18
7:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibition
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
8:10 a.m. Keynote: Scaling Digital on Eaton’s Path for Growth
- Craig Sutton, Vice President, Industry 4.0, Eaton Corporation
Scaling digital transformation across a global manufacturing enterprise requires more than just technology—it takes structure, strategy, and cultural change. This keynote will explore how Eaton is scaling its Manufacturing 4.0 journey from a single digital plant to a global network, using governance, process frameworks, and a tailored tech stack to drive real impact. Learn how they’re standardizing best practices, moving from automation to autonomy, and linking digital transformation to business growth.
8:40 a.m. Fireside Chat: Shaping the Future of Digital Resilience in the AI Era
AI has amplified enterprise focus on the strategic need for digital transformation. But at the same time, it has compounded complexity with heightened requirements for a robust infrastructure, workforce upskilling and reskilling, and mature data capabilities.
In this session executives will share insights on how forward-thinking manufacturers can capitalize on advances in networking, data, and generative AI to propel digital transformation, enhance operational agility, and reinforce supply chain resilience.
- Prasoon Saxena, President of Manufacturing and Commercial Industries, NTT DATA
In conversation with: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive 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.
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
9:40 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
10:15 a.m. Case Study: IPG’s M4.0 Journey, from Big Data Analytics to AI/ML Implementation
- Pete Durette, Chief Executive Officer, IPG
2024 Large Enterprise Manufacturer of the Year IPG shares its six-year transformative journey into Manufacturing 4.0. Taking a deliberate, step-by-step approach, IPG built its M4.0 foundation on plant-level employee engagement, a strong focus on quality, and measurable ROI. Their “clean data first” strategy enabled the development of diagnostic and prescriptive analytics, paving the way for advanced AI and machine learning models that deliver predictive insights and prescriptive capabilities. As IPG continues to evolve, the focus has shifted to using M4.0 data to drive new levels of efficiency, precision, and excellence.
10:45 a.m. Executive Interview
11:15 a.m. Panel Discussion: Bridging the Digital Divide – Accelerating Transformation for Small and Medium Manufacturers
As digital transformation reshapes the manufacturing landscape, small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) face unique challenges in keeping pace with larger enterprises and global competitors. Limited resources, workforce constraints, legacy systems, geopolitical uncertainties, and competing priorities can slow adoption, widening the digital divide. However, with the right strategies, SMMs can harness emerging technologies to drive efficiency, agility, and growth. This panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss practical approaches for accelerating digital transformation in SMMs.
- Chris Droney, Chief Operating Officer, Milo’s Tea Company
- Dan Dwight, President and CEO, Cooley Group; Chair, MLC Board of Governors; Executive Committee, NAM Board of Directors; Winner of the 2024 ML Awards Small/Medium Manufacturer of the Year; Winner of the 2024 Manufacturing Leader of the Year
- Joe Pfaff, Vice President, Global Business Technology, Husco
Moderator: Steven Moskowitz, Ph.D., Senior Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
11:45 a.m. Meet the Innovators: 1:1 Briefing Sessions, Networking Break
12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch featuring Topic Tables
1:35 p.m. Concurrent Interactive (Re)Think Tanks
Choose from one of the following interactive sessions.
2:35 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
2:55 p.m. Lightning Round: Meet the Manufacturing Leadership Award Finalists
Get a deeper look at some of this year’s top projects from the Manufacturing Leadership Awards.
4:00 p.m. Content for Rethink 2025 Concludes
Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala
6:00 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Cocktail Reception
7:30 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala and Dinner
AI in the Factory
Creating Digital Roadmaps
Industrial Cybersecurity
Next-Generation Leadership
Need we say more? Spend several days building relationships and connecting with like-minded executives both in and out of the event sessions.
Hear from industry experts with curated content throughout the event, including real-world case studies, panel discussions, research insights, executive interviews and more!
Participate in our personal 1-on-1 meetings to understand how different solutions can help you overcome your current business challenges.
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.
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.
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.
Join small group table discussions during lunch to discuss specific industry topics around some of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today.
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.
Located along the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a white sand beach, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers a luxurious setting and an experience like no other!
