Manufacturing leaders are constantly balancing today’s priorities with tomorrow’s opportunities. While daily operational demands require your attention, maintaining a competitive edge requires the vision to spot emerging opportunities and the leadership to turn them into business results.
The Future of Manufacturing Project: Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing gives you that opportunity.
In one focused day, you’ll see emerging technologies in action, learn how manufacturers are applying them to real operational changes, and gain practical insights for evaluating, piloting and scaling new solutions. You’ll join with peers who are facing the same challenges as you and connect directly with technology innovators who are exploring what’s next.
Leave with fresh, applicable ideas, valuable connections, and a clearer perspective on how your company can thrive in the future of manufacturing.
This event is part of the Future of Manufacturing Project.
Please note that agenda is continuously updated as information becomes available and is set to Eastern Standard Time (EST).
For questions on the agenda or if you’re interested in speaking, please email [email protected].
Tuesday, December 1
12:00 p.m. MLC Board of Governors meeting
5:15 p.m. VIP Meet-and-Greet
6:00 p.m. Welcome Networking Reception
Network, engage and enjoy cocktails and conversations with fellow event participants.
Wednesday, December 2
7:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
8:10 a.m. Opening Address: Why Imagining a Better Future Starts Now
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Manufacturing has always been shaped by technological developments, but the pace of change today is unlike anything we’ve seen before. As emerging technologies continue to redefine what’s possible, manufacturing leaders have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to explore, evaluate, and prepare for the future.
8:20 a.m. Partnerships for an Accelerated Future
- Rebecca Teeters, Ph.D., Senior Vice President Business Supply Chain and President Chemical Operations, 3M; Member, MLC Board of Governors
Many technologies shaping the future of manufacturing are coming from innovators and technology pioneers outside the walls of traditional industrial organizations. Manufacturing leaders must find new ways to engage with emerging technology partners and the broader innovation ecosystem. Hear from 3M and discover why external innovation has become a strategic necessity, how to identify promising opportunities earlier, and what it takes to build partnerships that accelerate adoption, reduce risk, and create competitive advantage.
8:50 a.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Round
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
9:05 a.m. Case Study: From Pilot to Performance on the Shop Floor
- Craig Sutton, Vice President, IT Supply Chain and Operations, Eaton
What does it take to improve shop floor visibility, empower frontline teams and drive operational performance without falling into the experimentation trap? Learn how Eaton implemented vision systems and machine learning while avoiding “unicorn pilots” that never scale.
9:35 a.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Rounds
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
9:55 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
10:35 a.m. What’s Next for Manufacturing Operations
- Alan Machuga, Executive Vice President, Technology, Rheem Manufacturing
Emerging technologies are changing the production landscape, providing an opportunity for leaders to drive improvements in productivity, quality, agility and operational performance with increased urgency. Explore the innovations every operations leader should be watching today and how they could reshape manufacturing performance in the years ahead.
11:05 a.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Round
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
11:15 a.m. Panel Discussion: How Manufacturing Leaders Spot What’s Next
How do manufacturing leaders stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends? Hear how organizations identify fresh ideas and separate lasting opportunities from short-lived hype.
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
11:45 a.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Round
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
12:10 p.m. Networking Luncheon
1:15 p.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Round
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
1:30 p.m. Case Study: Bringing WCM Requirements to Life Through Connected Data
- Ethan Ott, North America Manufacturing Strategy Director, Whirlpool
Accurate frontline data is essential for World-Class Manufacturing (WCM), yet collecting and organizing it can be challenging. Discover how Whirlpool selected and partnered with emerging technology organizations with the aim of simplifying data collection and connecting critical operational information to WCM requirements.
2:00 p.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Rounds
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
2:20 p.m. Leading Through Emerging Technology Disruption
- Mike Tomasco, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Fujifilm Biotechnologies; Member, MLC Board of Governors
Leaders face an increasingly difficult challenge: understanding which technologies warrant attention, investment and action. How can leaders separate meaningful opportunities from industry hype, while also assessing their organization’s needs and building awareness of what’s on the horizon? Gain practical insights into the emerging innovations every manufacturing leader should be watching and why technology awareness is becoming a critical leadership competency.
2:50 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
3:30 p.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Round
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
3:40 p.m. Panel Discussion: Innovating Responsibly Without Regret
Manufacturers must continually innovate to drive value, but not every new technology deserves investment. How should leaders balance operational realities, innovation opportunities, and risk to focus on sustainable business value.
Moderator: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
4:10 p.m. Emerging Technology Lightning Rounds
See emerging technology in action through a fast-paced demonstration showcasing its real-world manufacturing applications.
4:30 p.m. Case Study: From Vision to Value
Moving from vision to value requires more than a great idea. Find out how General Motors transformed its global manufacturing operations with intelligent, flexible systems that have brought its strategic digital vision to life. The payoff has been improved competitiveness, enterprise-wide transformation and measurable operational and business results.
5:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: From Experimentation to Transformation
Many manufacturers have proven that emerging technologies can deliver results in isolated applications. The real challenge is turning successful pilots into scalable, enterprise-wide value. Hear practical lessons on what it takes to scale innovation and overcome common barriers in governance, organizational alignment, workforce engagement, and change management.
Moderator: Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
5:40 p.m. Networking and Cocktail Reception: The Future of Manufacturing Project and Innovating the Future
7:30 p.m. The Future of Manufacturing Project event concludes
Manufacturing leaders are constantly balancing today’s priorities with tomorrow’s opportunities.
While daily operational demands require your attention, maintaining a competitive edge requires the vision to spot emerging opportunities and the leadership to turn them into business results.
Cut Through the Noise
New technologies, platforms and AI solutions seem to emerge every week. Instead of sorting through endless vendor pitches and industry hype, you’ll gain exposure to a curated group of innovators and technologies that can help address real manufacturing challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Spot What’s Coming Next
A new technological development can change the market dynamic and reshape manufacturing overnight. The organizations that understand emerging trends early are better positioned to adapt, compete and lead. The Future of Manufacturing Project helps you identify the developments that matter and will influence your operations, workforce and business strategy in the years ahead.
Learn from Manufacturers Putting Technology to Work
Hear directly from manufacturing leaders who have confronted the same hurdles you encounter every day and are exploring, implementing and scaling emerging technology solutions. Learn what they’re testing, what’s delivering results, and what lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Maximize a Day Away from the Plant
Your time is valuable. Your workforce and operations depend on your attention every day. But you know that leadership also requires looking beyond today’s priorities to identify the technologies and solutions that can drive future growth, resilience and competitive advantage. The Future of Manufacturing Project Emerging Technologies event is designed to make the most of your time away from the plant. In one focused day, you’ll experience live technology demonstrations, hear manufacturer’s case studies, connect with innovators, and build relationships with peers navigating the same challenges and opportunities.
Take Away Ideas You Can Act On
Leave with a broader understanding of the emerging technology ecosystem, new connections to innovators and peers, and practical insights that can help inform your next investment, pilot project or transformation initiative.
The future of manufacturing is taking shape. Be among the leaders defining what’s next.
The 2026 speaker lineup will be announced soon. In the meantime, please see our 2025 speakers below.
Michael Bennett, Ph.D.
Wendy Collins
John Dyck
Gustave Chohfi
Kevin Kozak
Rebecca Teeters, Ph.D.
Dean Bartles, Ph.D.
Uyiosa Abusomwan, Ph.D.
Michal Wierzchowski
Zohair Mehkri
Larry Megan
Anubhav Singh
Karl Hutter
Ali Shakouri, Ph.D.
Brian Legan
Mark Sen Gupta
Ron Castro
Sachin Misra
Randal Kenworthy
Franck Journoud
Eric Danziger
Will Bonifant
Parthiv Shah
David R. Brousell
Penelope Brown
Jeff Puma
Partnership presence at the Future of Manufacturing Project event is just one piece of the overall series that extends through 2026.
The MLC’s Future of Manufacturing Project partners are helping to influence and shape the industry for years to come.
If you are interested in becoming one of our exclusive Future of Manufacturing Project Partners, please reach out to Lauren Bisset at [email protected].
Future of Manufacturing Project Partners
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Automotive, transportation, aerospace, defense, chemicals and industrial products companies can draw on the strength of our network of cross-industry players and put our diverse range of approaches to use today to equip their businesses for tomorrow. EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. Visit https://www.ey.com/en_us/advanced-manufacturing.
Invisible AI is a computer vision system for manufacturers to empower their workforce. Invisible AI uses real-time video and AI to analyze human motion and objects on the factory floor and conduct automated time studies on manual assembly tasks. This data is then used to improve production efficiency, support line rebalancing efforts, and reduce safety and quality incidents. Visit us at invisible.ai for more information.
NTT DATA – part of NTT Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. We partner with manufacturers to deliver innovative approaches to IT, OT and business challenges. Our experts provide deep industry expertise with applied innovations in digital, cloud and automation across a comprehensive portfolio of consulting, industry solutions, business process services, IT modernization and managed services. We enable clients, and society, to move confidently into the digital future and are committed to our clients’ long-term success. Visit us at us.nttdata.com.
Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business, helps clients fundamentally change the way they discover, create, make and sell products by powering innovation and autonomous operations with a digital value chain. From product ideation to production to the end customer, Kalypso provides professional services in strategy and change management, data science and artificial intelligence, enterprise technology, and managed services. Visit kalypso.com.
For 100 years, RSM has empowered middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth. Our unique understanding of the middle market makes RSM the natural choice for growth-oriented, internationally active organizations seeking relevant insights and tailored, innovative solutions for a complex and changing world. With a global reach spanning more than 120 countries, we instill confidence in a world of change by bringing the full power of RSM to make a lasting impact on our clients, colleagues and communities. For more information, visit rsmus.com.
Registration is subject to approval by the Manufacturing Leadership Council. You will receive confirmation of your registration status or outreach from an MLC team member within three (3) business days of your completed registration.
If you have any questions about registration or would like more information, please contact [email protected].
In-Person Registration Fee: $595*
Manufacturing Leadership Council Members
- One (1) event pass is included as a part of your membership.
- A limited number of additional passes per company will be available for purchase.
NAM, IRI and Affiliate Members
- May purchase up to two (2) passes for qualified team members to attend.
Non-Members
- May purchase up to two (2) passes for qualified team members to attend.
*Registration is limited to end-user manufacturing organizations and approved academia. Solution providers: organizations that provide any form of technology and/or consulting products and services to manufacturing organizations, and do not manufacture any products, are not permitted to attend outside of MLC membership or program partnership. If an individual from an organization that qualifies as a solution provider registers, a Manufacturing Leadership Council team member will contact you about your registration.
If you are interested in learning more about partnership of the project, please contact [email protected].
Conrad Orlando
Inside the lush 1,100 acres at Evermore Orlando Resort is a captivating retreat. Buffered by a nature preserve, Conrad Orlando offers everything from a tranquil water garden to thrilling aquatic adventures. Explore our eight-acre crystalline lagoon, golf at the acclaimed Links Course, and dine at our five restaurants and lounges. Take the dedicated motor coach to Walt Disney World® Resort, less than three miles away.
Booking Information
Discounted room rates: $399
Book by: Monday, Nov. 9 (in order to secure this rate and availability)
To make your reservations online, please click here and continue to book your room, or call (407) 387 – 2000 and reference the 2026 NAM/IRI room block.
Travel
- Suggested Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Suggested Arrival: Afternoon of Tuesday, December 1
- Suggested Departure: Morning of Thursday, December 3
