Registration Opening Soon
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 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.
The agenda for this year’s event will be announced soon. In the meantime, please see the agenda for the 2025 event below.
Wednesday, December 4
6:00 p.m. Welcome Networking Reception
Network, engage and enjoy cocktails and conversations with fellow event participants.
Thursday, December 5
7:15 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
8:15 a.m. Opening Address: The Growing Competition for AI Supremacy
- David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
The potential of artificial intelligence to dramatically change society has sparked a worldwide competition for expertise in and development of AI systems. According to published estimates, global total AI investment rose to $142.3 billion in 2023, up from about $92 billion in 2022. The strong increase in spending is expected to continue as business and governments jockey for position in the race to dominate the market. For the manufacturing industry, the stakes could not be higher.
8:30 a.m. Keynote: What’s Next for AI?
- Michael Bennett, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Artificial Intelligence, University of Illinois
Predictions about the impact of AI on society range from the apocalyptic to the miraculous. Some fear an end to civilization while others see a future where AI augments the human experience in its many endeavors. For businesses, it is a time of high expectations, experimentation, and understanding the benefits and risks with AI. This session will explore the future of AI and its potential impact – how the technology may evolve, how it may impact the manufacturing industry, and how leaders should balance the opportunities and challenges with the technology.
Section 1 – Realizing Value
9:15 a.m. Case Study: Overcoming Innovation Barriers with AI Across the Product Lifecycle
- Uyiosa Abusomwan, Ph.D., Senior Global Technology Manager, Digital Engineering, Eaton Corporation
As product complexity increases and sustainability requirements intensify, manufacturers face new roadblocks on the path to rapid innovation. Overcoming these challenges demands immediate, forward-thinking solutions—specifically, the integration of AI into product development. In this session, you’ll see how Eaton, a $20B leader in intelligent power management, is taking decisive steps to address these dynamics head-on. Attendees will gain insights into the actionable strategies and AI-driven outcomes Eaton is pursuing to navigate today’s demands while building for tomorrow’s AI-dependent factories.
9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Rethinking Decision-Making Processes with AI
How will AI impact what is measured, how data is analyzed, and how this can lead to improved decision-making? This session will examine the interplay between decisions made by AI vs. those made by humans, the growing ability to make operational decisions in real time, and the impact that all of this will have on planning, forecasting, and business strategy for the short- and long-term.
- Wendy Collins, Chief AI Officer, NTT DATA
- Eric Danziger, Co-Founder and CEO, Invisible AI
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
10:15 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
10:40 a.m. Executive Interview: The Challenge and Opportunity of Scaling AI
From the first building blocks of a digital foundation to scaling solutions for automated problem-solving, there are many steps in between to deploying AI effectively and efficiently. This session will examine the multifaceted approach that Jabil has taken to move toward AI-enabled operations that monitor, predict, and automatically self-correct to enhance quality, efficiency, and productivity.
- Zohair Mehkri, Vice President, Engineering, Jabil
- Michal Wierzchowski, Vice President, Operations and Digital Transformation, Jabil
In conversation with: Steven Moskowitz, Ph.D., Senior Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Section 2 – Defining the Human Relationship
11:15 a.m. Panel Discussion: How AI Empowers Manufacturing Ecosystems
As manufacturing equipment and factories become more connected, there are more opportunities than ever to build holistic ecosystems that can leverage AI. What are these growing ecosystems, how should they be structured, and how can they impact the value that is generated through AI?
- John Dyck, Chief Executive Officer, CESMII – The Smart Manufacturing Institute
- Karl Hutter, Chief Executive Officer, Click Bond, Inc.
- Randal Kenworthy, Senior Partner, Commercial and Industrial Products, West Monroe
- Ali Shakouri, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, Purdue University
Moderator: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
12:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Lessons from Lean Leadership for an AI-Centric Future
While many manufacturers have established lean manufacturing or continuous improvement team, experience shows that true success requires more than just tools and processes on the shop floor – it demands a culture cultivated by strong lean leadership. The same will hold true for AI. To fully realize AI’s potential in manufacturing, leaders must go beyond simply adopting AI technologies and focus on cultivating AI-enabled leadership. This panel will discuss lessons learned from lean leadership and examine how they can inform the development of AI-enabled leadership for factories of the future.
- Gustavo Chohfi, Vice President, Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement, Cornerstone Building Brands
- Kevin Kozak, Global Senior Principal Operational Excellence Partner, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group
- Larry Megan, Head of Digital, Baldwin Richardson Foods; Board of Governors, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Moderator: Steven Moskowitz, Ph.D., Senior Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
12:30 p.m. Networking Luncheon
1:25 p.m. Panel Discussion: The Impact of AI Regulations and Ethics on Manufacturing
As AI and GenAI usage continues to accelerate, there is a growing body of governmental regulations and ethical guidelines under development that could impact the technology’s deployment. This session will examine the AI regulations that manufacturers need to be aware of and plan for on a regional, national, and global level; ethical considerations for the workforce, customers, and more; and the role that manufacturers should play in defining future regulatory and ethical standards.
- Dean Bartles, Ph.D., President and CEO, Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc.; Board of Governors, Manufacturing Leadership Council
- Ron Castro, Vice President, Supply Chain, IBM; Board of Governors, Vice Chair, Manufacturing Leadership Council
- Franck Journoud, Senior Director, Technology Policy, National Association of Manufacturers
Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
Section 3 – Reimagining Factories
2:00 p.m. DARPA’s Breakthrough R&D in Materials Science and Manufacturing
- Andrew Detor, Ph.D., Metallurgist and Program Manager, Defense Sciences Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
The internet, the field of materials science and engineering, and stealth aircraft, to name a few breakthrough technologies, all started at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) years before launching into public awareness. Today, DARPA researchers are pursuing breakthroughs in novel materials and manufacturing technologies not just for tomorrow, but as seeds of surprise for decades to come. This session will highlight recent advances in machine learning to revolutionize the development and production of structural hardware. These include designing and building multi-material parts and developing real-time qualification methods for additive manufacturing. Discover the latest developments from DARPA and learn how you can help invent the future of manufacturing.
2:30 p.m. The Role of AI in Achieving Autonomous Operations
- Mark Sen Gupta, Director of Research, ARC Advisory Group
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the integration of AI has become paramount to achieving autonomous operations across various industries. This presentation by ARC Advisory Group will share how companies leading in the deployment of autonomous operations are leveraging AI technologies to revolutionize automation processes by enabling systems to perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. By enhancing decision-making capabilities, improving efficiency, and reducing operational risks, AI is not only transforming traditional workflows but also paving the way for innovative solutions that promise to reshape the future of autonomous operations. This session will delve into the critical role AI plays in driving this transformative shift and the potential benefits it holds for manufacturing.
3:00 p.m. Case Study: AI at Scale in Manufacturing
- Anubhav Singh, Vice President, Data and Analytics, Global Supply Chain, Schneider Electric
AI at scale is transforming manufacturing by enhancing operational efficiency, improving product quality and enabling data-driven decision making in real time. To successfully scale these efforts, Schneider has established a solid data foundation along with clear data governance policies to maintain data integrity and security. By integrating intelligence with best-of-breed tools, Schneider has enabled closed-loop actions that optimize manufacturing processes. These intelligent systems continuously learn from data, allowing for predictive maintenance and adaptive control to reduce downtime and operational costs and foster innovation.
3:30 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break
3:55 p.m. Fireside Chat: Integrating ESG and AI to Drive Manufacturing Success
As emphasis on ESG shifts from a ‘nice to have’ to an essential business imperative, manufacturers are moving beyond regulatory compliance to a better way of running businesses. To build AI-centered factories of the future, manufacturers must address two critical questions. First, how will AI impact the development, use, and scaling of ESG initiatives? Second, how will ESG principles shape the way AI is developed and deployed in manufacturing environments? This conversation will explore these questions and how AI and ESG intersect while offering actionable insights for integrating these priorities into today’s operations while preparing for tomorrow’s factories.
- Rebecca Teeters, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Fluoromaterial Stewardship and President, 3M Chemical Operations LLC; Board of Governors, Manufacturing Leadership Council
In conversation with: Steven Moskowitz, Ph.D., Senior Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
4:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: Evaluating Future Scenarios
AI will play a critical role in manufacturing’s future, but the specifics of that role are still to be determined. This panel will reflect on the ideas and insights shared throughout the day and discuss (at least) two possible AI-centric futures – AI-driven lights-out factories and AI-enabled, human-partnered factories. What do these scenarios mean for small/medium vs. large manufacturers? Is there a decision point at which manufacturers must choose one of those future scenarios? And what should manufacturers do today to prepare for the future?
- Brian Legan, Partner | Industrials and Energy Group Innovation Leader, EY
- Sachin Misra, Field CTO and Digital Principal, Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business
- Parthiv Shah, Managing Director, Business Transformation Leader, Accenture
Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
5:00 p.m. Capstone Interactive Session: Creating Manufacturing’s AI-Centric Future
As we have explored throughout the day, the future of manufacturing is a dynamic landscape full of untapped opportunities. AI will be at the heart of this transformation – shaping the industry in ways we can already envision and ways we have yet to consider. This final session will build on the day’s insights to examine the manufacturing organization of the future. How will ecosystems, supply networks, and traditional boundaries between innovation and production evolve? What changes will we see in leadership structure, from the factory floor to the C-suite? Guided by MLC’s mission to help senior executives shape a better future for their organizations and the industry, we will explore how manufacturers can lead the way forward
Moderators:
- Michael Bennett, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Artificial Intelligence, University of Illinois
- Will Bonifant, Vice President, Manufacturing, Operations Technology and Supply Chain Strategy, The Hershey Company
- Steven Moskowitz, Ph.D., Senior Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
5:30 p.m. The Future of Manufacturing Project Networking and Cocktail Reception
6:45 p.m. The MLC’s Future of Manufacturing Project Event Concludes
Friday, December 6
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MLC Board of Governors Meeting
The Future of Manufacturing Project is not designed for those who are comfortable with the status quo, but those who are ready to embrace the future. Join us in Orlando for an event like no other.
- Network with like-minded, forward-thinking executives and industry thought leaders.
- Collaborate, brainstorm and share ideas to drive the future of manufacturing.
- Gain a holistic view of the role and value of data and AI and how people, process, technology, AI and even data itself will evolve in the years ahead.
- Walk away with strategies and action items to get a leg up on the competition.
- And so much more!
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
