March 17, 2026

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7:00 am – 8:00 am CST

Delegate Registration and Networking Breakfast

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8:00 am – 8:10 am CST

Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks

Process Optimization

MODERN FACILITIES

Talent

Innovation

8:10 am – 8:40 am CST

Keynote

Chris Nielsen

Chief Supply Chain and Chief Quality Officer
Toyota North America

Engineering a customer-centered and trusted supply chain to navigate disruption and sustain operational excellence

  • Transitioning to digital operations powered by AI and based on Toyota Production System principles
  • Leveraging strong, collaborative partnerships to further strengthen supply networks to ensure business continuity
  • Leveraging data-driven supply chain representation to enhance end-to-end transparency and real-time responsiveness
  • Aligning supply chain strategies with sustainability and regulatory compliance goals
  • Empowering team members to manage growing complexity and create value for customers along the entire supply chain
8:40 am – 9:10 am CST

Plenary

Rebecca Teeters

SVP, Chemical Operations and Fluoromaterial Stewardship
3M

Optimizing Manufacturing Excellence and Innovation for Sustainable Growth

  • Leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to optimize processes
  • Building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
  • Enhancing quality, delivery, and cost through operational excellence
  • Fostering a learning organization to drive performance and growth
  • Implementing sustainable practices for long-term operational success
9:10 am – 9:40 am CST

Plenary

Speaker TBA


Innovapptive

Driving Operational Excellence with Connected Worker Platforms

  • Digitizing frontline workflows to reduce downtime and eliminate paper-based inefficiencies
  • Empowering workers in real time with mobile access to critical maintenance and inspection data
  • Streamlining asset management through intuitive, role-based mobile applications
  • Enhancing collaboration and safety across teams with connected worker technologies
  • Improving data capture and visibility to drive continuous improvement and smarter decision-making
9:45 am – 11:25 am CST

Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings

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11:30 am – 12:00 pm CST

Sessions

Process Optimization

Daniel Seidel

Chief Operating Officer, North America
HelloFresh

Advancing Lean with AI: Using Predictive Tools, Repeatable Systems, and Headcount Optimization to Streamline Operations

  • Leveraging AI to anticipate quality issues and take action before they impact output
  • Implementing repeatable lean tools to standardize processes and improve team efficiency
  • Optimizing headcount without compromising consistency, speed, or safety
  • Driving continuous improvement by embedding advanced analytics into lean initiatives
  • Using predictive insights to elevate production planning and decision-making
  • Aligning cross-functional teams to support lean transformation and performance ownership

Modern Facilities

Dan Campion

VP, Operations
Caterpillar

Modernizing Manufacturing Facilities with Smart Technology, Sustainable Design, and Scalable Systems for Future-Ready Operations and Long-Term Operational Excellence

  • Enabling flexible manufacturing with modular layouts and reconfigurable production lines
  • Leveraging smart sensors and automation for predictive maintenance and reduced downtime
  • Aligning facility modernization with workforce agility, safety, and digital skills development
  • Integrating sustainability into facility upgrades for long-term environmental and economic performance
  • Building strategic roadmaps for capital investment in scalable, data-driven infrastructure upgrades

Talent

Peter Shearstone

VP, Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Building a High-Performance Talent Strategy to Support Operational Excellence, Regulatory Readiness, and Innovation in a Complex, Global Life Sciences Manufacturing Environment

  • Developing next-gen leaders in quality and regulatory through cross-functional skill building Attracting and retaining top talent amid rising global compliance and complexity
  • Building a culture of quality ownership across global manufacturing sites
  • Embedding regulatory expertise early in product development and process design
  • Aligning workforce development with evolving compliance, safety, and quality standards
  • Enabling quality teams with digital tools and strategic decision-making capabilities

Innovation

Catalina Vargas

SVP, Global Supply Chain
Bristol Myers Squibb

Connecting Innovation, Digital Capabilities, and Long-Range Planning to Enable Intelligent Operations and Scalable Transformation

  • Linking digital strategy to long-range planning for resilient, forward-looking operations
  • Enabling agile decision-making through real-time data and next-gen command center capabilities
  • Translating emerging technologies into actionable capabilities that support scalable growth
  • Driving enterprise-wide alignment through a shared roadmap for innovation and capability development
  • Building tech-enabled visibility across supply chain nodes to manage risk and performance
  • Using integrated platforms to fuel predictive planning and continuous improvement cycles
12:05 pm – 12:35 pm CST

Workshops

Room 1

Speaker TBA


Vooban

From Data to Decision: Operationalizing AI and Software Innovation in the Factory

  • Identifying high-impact use cases for AI in maintenance, production, and quality control
  • Building custom software tools to connect legacy systems and streamline operations
  • Turning raw data into real-time insights with machine learning and predictive analytics
  • Bridging IT and OT to enable seamless technology deployment on the shop floor
  • Creating an AI adoption roadmap tailored to your plant’s size, maturity, and goals

Room 2

Speaker TBA


Competitive Solutions Inc

Digitizing Problem-Solving: Driving Plant Performance with Tiered Management Systems

  • Transforming daily operations through structured tiered management systems
  • Standardizing frontline issue escalation to boost accountability and speed
  • Leveraging real-time data for continuous improvement and visibility
  • Aligning cross-functional teams with digital routines and KPIs
  • Enabling plant leaders with actionable insights to drive engagement
  • Scaling best practices across sites with integrated digital workflows

Room 3

Speaker TBA


CADDi Co., Ltd

Transforming Sourcing and Engineering Workflows: Driving Efficiency with Intelligent Drawing and Quoting Systems

  • Digitizing part drawings to eliminate version confusion and manual errors in the sourcing process
  • Automating RFQs using intelligent matching between drawings and supplier capabilities
  • Reducing lead time and cost through streamlined procurement and quoting workflows
  • Enabling engineering-sourcing collaboration with real-time visibility and shared data platforms
  • Leveraging data analytics to gain insights into cost drivers, supplier performance, and sourcing strategy

Room 4

Speaker TBA


Oliver Wright Americas

Building Resilience and Efficiency Through Integrated Planning Excellence

Linking demand, supply, and inventory plans across business units and time frames
Improving visibility and accountability through integrated roles, KPIs, and governance structures
Managing constraints and risks with scenario modeling and proactive planning cycles
Balancing cost and service with aligned decision-making between commercial and operations teams
Embedding planning excellence into culture, processes, and digital capabilities for long-term gains

12:40 pm – 1:40 pm CST

Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch

Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 1 is limited to attendees and speakers. Choose from:

Speaker TBA


Infor

Driving Smart Factory Success: Leveraging Cloud ERP to Optimize People, Process, and Performance

Speaker TBA


Verizon Business

Powering Smart Manufacturing: Enhancing Connectivity, Visibility, and Security with 5G and Private Networks

Speaker TBA


CADDi Co., Ltd

Unlocking Manufacturing Agility: Digitizing Procurement and Drawings for Speed, Accuracy, and Cost Efficiency

Speaker TBA


Oliver Wright Americas

Aligning Strategy, Finance, and Operations with Integrated Business Planning

Speaker TBA


Vooban

Accelerating Smart Manufacturing: Applying AI to Drive Efficiency, Insight, and Innovation

Speaker TBA


Galorath

Using Predictive Cost Modeling to Optimize Manufacturing Investments and Projects

Speaker TBA


Uncountable

Accelerating R&D Innovation Using AI-Driven Data Management and Collaborative Experimentation Platforms

Speaker TBA


AssetWatch

Maximizing Asset Performance with Real-Time Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Insights

Speaker TBA


UCBOS

Empowering Smart Manufacturing with Real-Time Data, Strategy, and AI Integration

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm CST

Sessions

Process Optimization

Maria Genouzos

VP, Manufacturing Operations
Estée Lauder

Leading with Data and Lean to Elevate Warehouse and Manufacturing Performance

  • Utilizing data mining to uncover process inefficiencies and drive strategic improvements
  • Optimizing warehouse operations for speed, accuracy, and reduced operational costs
  • Applying Six Sigma to enhance quality, consistency, and throughput across facilities
  • Building data-driven leadership teams focused on accountability and continuous improvement
  • Integrating analytics into decision-making from floor-level operations to executive reporting
  • Aligning KPIs and performance dashboards with plant-level and enterprise-wide priorities

Modern Facilities

Eugene Bocis

VP, Manufacturing
Ball Corporation

Maximizing Plant Efficiency Through Lean Systems, Agile Teams, and Smart Energy Use

  • Driving productivity with energy-efficient systems and data-informed resource management
  • Applying lean thinking to optimize flow, reduce waste, and increase responsiveness
  • Fostering a continuous improvement culture across manufacturing teams and shifts
  • Enabling frontline teams with real-time insights and performance ownership
  • Using Scrum and agile practices to enhance team collaboration and delivery
  • Aligning facility goals with enterprise metrics to track progress and drive results

Talent

Dan Spitzer

SVP, Global Operations and EHS
3M

Transforming Global Operations Through Strategic Change Management and Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Driving enterprise-wide transformation through proactive, structured change management initiatives
  • Aligning cross-functional teams to accelerate organizational buy-in and operational adoption
  • Creating resilient supply chains amid global uncertainty and structural industry shifts
  • Strengthening leadership accountability to support sustained transformation outcomes
  • Leveraging digital tools to streamline transitions and reduce transformation cycle time
  • Embedding a culture of adaptability to improve responsiveness across global operations

Innovation

Jesper Toubøl

VP, Operations and Moulding Production
The LEGO Group

Innovating Operations: LEGO’s Journey Toward Automation and Sustainability

  • Advancing sustainable packaging to drive performance and environmental impact
  • Deploying robotics, AGVs, and cobots across moulding operations
  • Reducing operator dependency through smart automation investments
  • Aligning innovation with long-term manufacturing strategy
  • Empowering teams to adapt to new technologies and roles
2:20 pm – 2:50 pm CST

Workshops

Room 1

Speaker TBA


ALULA

Simplifying Smart Security to Accelerate Integration and Growth

  • Delivering easy-to-learn solutions that reduce training time for technicians Speeding up installations with streamlined, intuitive product design
  • Enhancing property value through integrated smart security and automation
  • Supporting dealers with tools that drive operational efficiency and growth
  • Enabling remote monitoring and management for improved end-user experience
  • Differentiating offerings to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market

Room 2

Speaker TBA


Galorath

Leveraging Predictive Analytics to Reduce Risk and Maximize ROI

  • Building accurate, defensible cost models for projects, products, and production processes
  • Quantifying uncertainty and risk using probabilistic analysis and simulation tools
  • Improving cross-functional planning with transparent cost, schedule, and resource data
  • Shortening planning cycles by automating estimation and reducing manual inputs
  • Using data-driven insights to support smarter capital investment and program decisions

Room 3

Speaker TBA


Nanoprecise

Predicting Failures Before They Happen with AI-Powered Machine Monitoring

  • Leveraging AI and IoT to enable real-time, remote machine health diagnostics
  • Detecting mechanical faults early to prevent unplanned downtime and costly repairs
  • Extending asset life by optimizing maintenance strategies with predictive analytics
  • Reducing manual inspections through automated condition-based monitoring
  • Scaling predictive maintenance across global operations with a plug-and-play approach
  • Empowering maintenance teams with actionable insights to improve reliability

Room 4

Speaker TBA


Indeavor

Optimizing Labor Planning to Maximize Workforce Efficiency and Compliance

  • Automating scheduling to align labor with demand in real time
  • Reducing compliance risks with built-in labor laws and union rule adherence
  • Empowering frontline managers with tools to make data-driven staffing decisions
  • Enhancing employee engagement through self-service scheduling capabilities
  • Eliminating manual processes that lead to errors, fatigue, and inefficiencies
  • Integrating workforce data with existing ERP and HR systems for seamless execution
2:55 pm – 4:15 pm CST

Happy Hour, Networking and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings

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4:20 pm – 4:50 pm CST

Sessions

Process Optimization

Markus Koehler

SVP and Head of Global Pharma Manufacturing
EMD Serono

Building Resilient and Agile Global Manufacturing Networks Through Strategic Planning and Leadership

  • Aligning global teams through integrated business and supply planning
  • Strengthening operations with cross-functional collaboration and visibility
  • Navigating complexity with proactive risk and scenario management
  • Developing leadership capabilities to unify international manufacturing efforts
  • Case study: Enhancing supply resilience across Merck’s global network

Modern Facilities

Lamar Rucker

VP, Global Propulsion and Battery Electric Truck Sector
General Motors

Leveraging Cross-Functional Alignment, Digital Visibility, and Lean Discipline to Streamline Complex Manufacturing Processes

  • Identifying and eliminating bottlenecks using structured problem-solving and process mapping
  • Standardizing best practices across units to reduce variation and accelerate efficiency
  • Leveraging data to drive informed decision-making and real-time operational adjustments
  • Improving collaboration between engineering, operations, and leadership for smoother execution
  • Embedding continuous improvement into daily workflows to reduce waste and cost
  • Maximizing throughput and uptime without sacrificing safety, quality, or employee engagement

Talent

Guy Mills

VP, Supply Chain Strategy and Technology
The Clorox Company

Developing Diverse, High-Performing Teams to Drive Global Operations

  • Fostering a culture of inclusion to fuel innovation and growth
  • Building leadership pipelines through mentorship and intentional development
  • Equipping global teams with digital and operational capabilities
  • Aligning talent strategy with long-term transformation goals

Innovation

Christopher Grail

SVP and Head, Global Pharma Engineering
Bayer

Engineering Innovation for Operational Excellence

  • Developing engineering solutions that enhance reliability, scalability, and performance in manufacturing environments
  • Modernizing production systems through the adoption of advanced materials and automation technologies
  • Optimizing facility design and operations to support efficiency, flexibility, and speed-to-market
  • Strengthening collaboration between engineering, operations, and digital teams to accelerate continuous improvement
  • Case study: How Bayer is advancing engineering capabilities to drive performance across global manufacturing sites
4:55 pm – 5:25 pm CST

Plenary

Speaker TBA


UCBOS

Future-Proofing Manufacturing: Aligning Workforce Development and Quality Control for Scalable Growth

  • Unlocking performance improvements by centralizing and contextualizing operational data
  • Building digital strategies that align with core business and manufacturing objectives
  • Breaking down silos between teams through real-time data visibility and collaboration
  • Enhancing agility and decision-making with AI-driven operational intelligence
  • Accelerating digital transformation through scalable, flexible technology architectures
  • Empowering leadership with actionable insights to drive continuous improvement
5:25 pm – 6:10 pm CST

Panel Discussion

  • Sven Fastré

    VP, Operational Excellence
    BASF

  • Marcos Costa

    VP, Global Operational Excellence
    Merck & Co

  • Todd Latouf

    VP, Operational Excellence
    Magna International

  • Chuck Medovich

    VP and Chief Quality Officer
    Johnson & Johnson

  • John Bailey

    Chief Operations Officer
    Hammond Power Solutions

  • René Buck

    CEO
    BCI Global

Advancing Efficiency and Operational Excellence

  • Leveraging automation and digital tools to modernize legacy facilities while minimizing disruption
  • Building a skilled, agile workforce through embedded upskilling and cross-functional training programs
  • Using sensory, qualitative, and data-driven research to optimize process design and product development
  • Enhancing safety and efficiency by aligning digital transformation with human-centered design
  • Embedding a culture of continuous improvement and innovation at every level of operations
  • Balancing operational efficiency and quality control with strategic workforce investment for competitive advantage
6:10 pm – 6:20 pm CST

Chair's closing remarks

Process Optimization

MODERN FACILITIES

TALENT

INNOVATION

6:25 pm – 7:25 pm CST

Networking drinks reception

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