Inside the Smart Manufacturing Conference

The Modern Manufacturing Expo has announced the return of the Smart Manufacturing Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 (Day 1 of the expo) at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

The theme is “Connected, Automated and Digital Transformation” and the speaker line-up is designed to provide practical advice and solutions for manufacturers looking to transform and gain a competitive edge in a fast-paced world. Early-bird ticket sales end on 30 June and include all-day catering, a certificate of attendance and access to the Modern Manufacturing Expo.

Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition & Conference (IEC Group), organisers of the expo, said the conference offers manufacturers an opportunity to stay up to date with technological advancements. The Chair of the conference will be architect and technology leader Ram Veeramony.

A highlight of the Smart Manufacturing Conference will be the opportunity to hear from some industry-leading experts, including Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners, GE Digital, Bosch AU, APPMA and Dulux. Presentations include:

• Case Study: Smart Manufacturing Transformation Roadmap and Lessons Learnt. Speakers: John Broadbent, Founder, Industry 4.0 Strategy & Mentoring, Realise Potential and Clement Chen, Plant Manager, Packaging Services Division – Australia Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners.
• GE Digital and the Smart Factory. Speakers: David Berridge, Senior Sales Manager – Digital Channel Sales, ANZ, GE Digital and Geoff Morris, Senior Solution Architect – APAC, GE Digital.
• The Future of Manufacturing according to AI. Speaker: Mergen Pillay, Director, Factoryworx.
• Bridging the gap between IT and OT.’ Speakers: Phil Seboa, Automation Enthusiast and Glen Fry, Founder and Director, iControls. Joined live from the US by Kent Melville, Director of Sales Engineering, Inductive Automation.
• Industry Panel — How Industrial IoT is changing the manufacturing sector. Panel is made up of representatives from GE Digital, ifm, Bosch AU, Romar Engineering, Dulux and HSO.
• How to prepare for your Industry 4.0 digital transformation. Speaker: James Balzary, CEO, TilliT.
• Transforming Manufacturing Performance at GME with Lean Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Speakers: Tim McLean, Managing Director, TXM Lean Solutions and Armando Lecaros, Operations Director, GME Limited.
• Panel: Packaging 4.0. Panel chair: Mark Dingley, Chair of the APPMA, joined by selected APPMA members.
• Charging into the Future: Modern ERP for Manufacturers. Speakers: Priscilla Liew, Practice Manager and Steve Evans, Principal Consultant, SOCO. It will also feature Microsoft.

The program also includes an opening government address, which will see a representative sharing their vision to rebuild manufacturing and sovereign capability, and explore new technologies for Australian manufacturers and future opportunities from the National Reconstruction Fund.

The conference provides a chance to learn from industry experts and is a platform for professionals to network. It provides attendees with the opportunity to connect with manufacturers and stay informed about trends and technologies driving the industry’s progress.

According to Kinsella, many local manufacturers are struggling with the rising cost of materials and labour. The conference will provide attendees with valuable insights and information for streamlining manufacturing processes.

The conference offers a comprehensive program featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive sessions and demonstrations.

For more information, visit https://modernmanufacturingexpo.com/.

Image credit: iStock.com/kasto80