Celebrating 10 Incredible Years of the American Manufacturing Summit [Summit Recap]

We've started the year off strong with the success of our 10th anniversary of the American Manufacturing Summit! We wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those who contributed to this milestone event that took place March 19-20, 2024, at the Westin Chicago Lombard.

If you missed out on this year's American Manufacturing Summit or simply would like to re-live the event, we've put together a recap of key moments and highlights from the 2-day summit. From insightful presentations, to productive 1-2-1 meetings, and vibrant networking, to lively roundtable discussions and panels, we can confidently say that it was an outstanding experience!

Table of Contents

Day 1 Highlights

Day 2 Highlights

Conclusion

Testimonials

Day 1 Highlights

Day 1 of the 10th annual American Manufacturing Summit started with a warm welcome from our Room 1 chair, Colin Nolan, Executive Vice President at Mark Anthony Brewing. His opening remarks set the tone for an event filled with excitement, engagement, and right insights! A special thank you goes out to our emcees for the breakout rooms, including Felix Lu, Director, Corporate Engagement at the University of Chicago, Elena Bernardo, SVP, Operations at HelloFresh, and Eugene Bocis, Director, Lean Manufacturing at Ball Corporation. 

We launched the event with a dynamic opening keynote from Gonzalve Bich, CEO at BIC. Gonzalve took to the stage and discussed reassessing leadership strategies and business models to drive innovation. He focused on promoting organizational resilience, and how to leverage insights for better decision-making and growth opportunities.

Following the keynote was Steve Landry, SVP, Chief Operating Officer at TreeHouse Foods, who led a plenary on how C-level executives can build and sustain operational excellence initiatives beyond their tenure, highlighting their evolving role in driving innovation and navigating disruptive changes. 

Next up was a plenary session featuring Bill Currence, Managing Partner and Owner of Cornerstone Consulting Organization and Premier Staffing Solution. He discussed the pitfalls of legacy ERP systems and which numbers to pay attention to to improve decision-making and aligning forecasted results. 

Following the insightful speaking sessions, we took a break to enjoy refreshments, network, and engage in pre-arranged 1-to-1 meetings. This intermission provided the opportunity for all participants to foster new connections and explore innovative business solutions.

Day 1 continued with simultaneous sessions from Israel Salinas, SVP, Global Supply Chain from Gildan, Judy Brunson, VP, Global Quality at Cummins, and another led by Stan Rendon, VP, R&D at 3M. They addressed vertically integrated manufacturing models, continuous improvement and customer centricity, and new processes technology, respectively.

Next up were some insightful workshops! On the main stage, Kimberly Fine, Principal Product Manager from Magic Leap, led an engaging workshop about the value of augmented reality (AR) in manufacturing. Meanwhile, Shane Yount, CEO and President at Competitive Solutions Inc. led a captivating workshop surrounding high-functioning leadership programs. 

Across the hall were two additional workshops, one led by Valerie Ells, VP, Client Services from Talent Solutions RPO, and the other led by Eric Whitley, Director, Smart Manufacturing at L2L. In Valerie's workshop, she covered comprehensive workforce strategies and precise talent matching. Eric's workshop looked at a unified performance excellence approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence. 

Afterward, we transitioned into Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions, where industry experts engaged in moderated discussions about pressing issues in the field. These engaging conversations were led by executives from Advanced RPO, Cornerstone Consulting Organization, Redaptive, BCI Global, Infor, Valenta, Verizon Business Group, Copia Automation, Sabert Corporation, and Effex Management Solutions. 

Following the roundtables, we heard from more industry executives during their insightful speaking sessions. Mehran Ravanpay, EVP, Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain from MGA Entertainment, spoke on achieving operational excellence through innovative technologies and diverse teams. Leading the Modern Facilities stream was Hakim Richard Savoy, VP Global Manufacturing from Kimberly-Clark. He highlighted the benefits of leveraging digital automation to accelerate lean manufacturing. 

Ivan Lugo, VP, Worldwide Engineering at Edward Lifesciences, simultaneously led a session on strategies for building effective leadership on a global scale. Meanwhile, Javier Lujan, Senior Director, Operations from Johnson Controls, led the Innovation stream, discussing advancements in standardization, continuous improvement, and automation. 

Later in the afternoon, we dove into some workshops from our solution providers. Sri Karthik, EVP, Connected Worker Solutions from Innovapptive, discussed the power of a connected workforce with smart manufacturing technologies. William Sundblad, Co-Founder and CEO of Oden Technologies hosted a workshop that revolved around leveraging AI for frontline workers for advanced analytics.

Concurrently, another workshop hosted by Stephen Gold, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at SparkCognition, explored use cases for generative AI and predictive maintenance. Meanwhile, Michael Weller, Associate Director, Global Solutions Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities Practice from Verizon Business Group, led their workshop on digital lean and Industry 4.0 initiatives. 

Following these engaging sessions, we prepared for our next round of one-on-one meetings and a Networking Happy Hour.

After the break, we moved to an exciting plenary about leveraging 3D models to achieve digital twins and ultimately be more efficient and drive quicker decisions, led by Anthony Muzzillo, Principal Implementation Consultant from Autodesk. 

Anthony's plenary was shortly followed by an empowering panel discussion surrounding Women in Leadership. The panel brought together Susanne Lauda, Director, Global Advanced Manufacturing Technology from AGCO Corporation, Angela Reamer, VP, Manufacturing from Monin Americas, Elena Bernardo, SVP, Operations from HelloFresh, Donna Deyo, VP, Operations from PACCAR Winch, and Joy Malinowski, North Coast Director, Maintenance and Engineering from Constellation Brands. The panelist shared their inspiring leadership journeys, challenges they had to overcome, and lessons learned along the way. 

Concluding Day 1 of the conference, we heard from a panel comprised of MD Rakibul Hasan, Head Performance Excellence, Global Supply Chain and Operations from Ocen Spray Cranberries, Hakim Richard Savoy, VP, Global Manufacturing from Kimberly-Clark, Eugene Bocis, Director, Lean Manufacturing from Ball Corporation, Steve Landry, SVP, Chief Operating Officer from TreeHouse Foods, Javier Lujan, Senior Director, Operations from Johnson Controls, and Ryan Stoianowski, SVP, Client Services, Manufacturing from C&W Services. The industry executives shared their expertise and strategies on lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence.

We wrapped up the day with closing remarks, followed by a vibrant Networking Drinks Reception, bringing together our valued delegates, sponsors, and speakers for enjoyable networking.

A special appreciation goes out to our emcees, Colin Nolan, Felix Lu, Elena Bernardo, and Eugene Bocis, for their insightful contributions and support throughout the day!

Day 2 kicked off with Breakfast Briefs hosted by solution providers from Gig and Take Inc., MaintainX, SPARETECH Inc., and Parsable. The speakers led engaging and insightful roundtable discussions surrounding crossing-skilling and flexible work programs, bridging digital transformation with scalable tools, leveraging AI for sourcing transparency, and the value of ESG and corporate responsibility, respectively.

Following breakfast, Colin Nolan shared his opening remarks.

The morning commenced with an opening keynote led by Vinay Khanna, SVP, Operations Transformation from IFF. Vinay shared some insights on how to continually drive performance in operations, and navigate supply chain disruptions.

Immediately preceding Vinay's insightful session, Max Fisher, Product Manager, Platform Technology Group from Infor, and Michelle Kelley, Director, IT from Ring Container Technologies, led a plenary. Their presentation delved into the uses of enterprise automation and AI technology for sustainable growth and operational excellence. 

Workshops were then hosted in separate rooms for the delegates to attend. Danielle Hochstein, VP, Strategic Engagement, and Gina Siemieniec, Principal from ALULA, hosted a workshop on employee experience (EX) and retaining and engaging talent. Concurrently, Jon Quick, CFO from Launchpad, hosted a workshop next door. Jon demonstrated how Launchpad's solution integrates AI and IoT to drive manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness. 

Across the hall, Jai Shah, CEO of Kahuna Workforce Solutions, led a workshop on leveraging skills management for frontline workers while improving employee satisfaction, quality, and safety. Meanwhile, Dave Westrom, VP, Sales from TwinThread, led a workshop about Virtual Operations Center (VOC) to accelerate industrial transformation. 

After our initial Day 2 sessions, we enjoyed our final networking break of the summit with more engaging 1-2-1 meetings and refreshments!
 

Following the break, we got back to the lively industry discussion with a plenary led by Steve Marshall, VP, Engineering and Data Sciences Leader from Cargill! Steve provided insights into Cargill's operations and how they scale innovations globally.

The plenary was followed by a series of captivating workshops. In Room 1, Stefan Jesse, Group CEO from AUVESY-MDT, led a session about the importance of security in production. Room 2 was led by Patrick Heiser, Director, Enterprise Sales from Nanoprecise Sci Corp. Patrick led the lively workshop about AI-driven machine health monitoring for predictive maintenance. 

Room 3 hosted John Dougherty, Head, Manufacturing, Americas from ServiceNow, where he shared some great insights on talent transformation, with a focus on automated solutions for enhanced efficiency. The final workshop was led by Sam Zheng, CEO and Co-Founder of DeepHow. Sam focused his discussion on DeepHow's AI solution to transforming skilled workers. 

Then, it was time for lunch with some engaging roundtable discussions featuring Eugene Bocis, Director, Lean Manufacturing of Ball Corporation, Daniel Rosa Pereira, Director, Operations from Embraer, MD Rakibul Hasan, Head, Performance Excellence, Global Supply Chain and Operations from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Craig Kelliher, VP, Fulfillment from Ruggable, Joy Malinowski, North Coast Director, Maintenance and Engineering from Constellation Brands, and Valtencia Wilder, Director, Quality, Safety, and Environmental Insights and Analytics from The Coca-Cola Company.

Having enjoyed some delicious food and lots of valuable insights, we returned to the main stage with a riveting panel discussion, with Daniel Tomazella, Director, US Operations Sustainability from Reynolds American Inc., Renata Vallese Munhoz, VP, Manufacturing from Mars Wrigley, Jay Douglass, Chief Operation Officer from Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, and Salvador Montes, VP, Operations and Supply Chain from Resolve Surgical Technologies! The panelists discussed the future of manufacturing and Industry 5.0. They predicted trends for the next decade, emerging technologies and tools, and how companies can prepare for industry and sector-wide transitions.

In a thought-provoking Diversity Equity and Inclusion Panel, we had the honor of hosting Natasha Pollock, Chief Human Resources Officer from The Timken Company, Theresa Watts, SVP, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from True Religion Brand Jeans, Tonya Sisco, Executive Director, Global Equity Programs from Cummins, Mona Dine, Chief Diversity Officer and General Manager, Corporate Human Resources from United States Steel Corporation, and Donna Deyo, VP, Operations from PACCAR Winch.

During this session, our speakers delved deep into the dynamic landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the manufacturing industry. They shared personal stories that have profoundly shaped how their organizations embrace diversity and inclusion, underscoring how these experiences have been instrumental in molding them into the accomplished leaders they are today.

As we concluded the discussion, the experts generously provided actionable advice for fellow leaders, offering concrete steps towards building and growing current diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their organizations, driving tangible progress for the future.

As the Summit drew to a close, concluding two days filled with learning, networking, and knowledge exchange, our remarkable emcee Colin Nolan delivered their closing remarks and announced the winners of our survey prize giveaway. A special thank you again to Felix Lu and Eugene Bocis for their incredible support throughout the day emceeing the breakout rooms.

 In celebration of our attendees' outstanding participation, we're delighted to unveil our prize champions, who've brought an extra dash of thrill to our event! Our congratulations to Nathan Ruetz of The Boelter Companies, our survey winner, and Javier Reinoso from Ferrara Candy Company, the networking star!

We are delighted by the achievements of our 10th Anniversary of the American Manufacturing Summit! Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the esteemed experts mentioned earlier, as well as every delegate and sponsor company who contributed to making this Summit an extraordinary experience. Our summits thrive on your unwavering support and enthusiasm!

It's been a remarkable journey towards this event's 10th anniversary, and we're excited to replicate the success in the 11th annual American Manufacturing Summit!

We genuinely hope that the Summit left a profound and lasting impact on you, just as it has on us. If you couldn't join us this time but are eager to be part of this exceptional gathering next year, don't hesitate to express your interest. It's never too early to get excited about what's to come.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR: 11th annual American Manufacturing Summit | March 2025 in Chicago, IL

Visit the summit's website to learn more and secure your pass today!

Save your spot at next year's discussion as an attendee, solution provider, or speaker with early registration opening now! To keep yourself in the loop about upcoming Summits, explore our event calendar at generisgp.com/events. 

Overall, it was a great experience highlighting cutting-edge technologies and innovations with thought-provoking dialogue around critical manufacturing issues.

Nathan Ruetz, Director of Manufacturing Operations at The Boelter Companies

The summit was an incredible wealth of knowledge, both with expert speakers and solution providers who give ample ideas and insights to better your organization

John West, VP of Operations at Prime Beverage Group

I'm very pleased with this event. I learned about many best practices and found some unexpected opportunities with sponsors.

Donna Deyo, VP, Operations at PACCAR Winch

This is my first time and very impressed with the overall feel and experience. So many talented and knowledgeable individuals to learn from!

Theresa Sims, Master Production and Inventory Planner at Monin

The unique format of the one-to-one meetings makes this event a no-brainer compared to other events. Attendees and vendors have better quality conversations and forge better relationships here.

Joseph Reygers, VP of Partner Development at Effex Management Solutions

Good experience, I had a variety of great meetings. A lot more networking opportunities than the larger tradeshows or conferences.

Adrian Arguello, Sales Director at Doyensys

Learn more about our upcoming North American events and secure your spot today:

• 10th annual American Biomanufacturing Summit | April 10-11, 2024
• 8th annual American Supply Chain Summit | April 30-May 1, 2024
• 7th annual American Packaging Summit | May 21-22 2024
• ...and more 2024 events!

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