2023 Smart Manufacturing Conference announced

The organisers of the Modern Manufacturing Expo have announced the return of the Smart Manufacturing Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

This year’s theme is ‘Connected, Automated and Digital Transformation’ and the organisers say the conference 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 2023 and include all-day catering, a Certificate of Attendance and access to the Modern Manufacturing Expo.

“The Conference offers manufacturers a unique opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology, including automation, artificial intelligence, IoT and other related technologies,” said Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition & Conference (IEC Group). “We are proud to announce digital business architect and technology leader Ram Veeramony as our Smart Manufacturing Conference Chair.”

One of the highlights of the Smart Manufacturing Conference is the opportunity to hear from some of the industry's leading experts. Delegates will learn about the latest trends, best practices and success stories from companies 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.
   

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

“We understand that many local manufacturers are struggling with the rising cost of materials and labour. That’s why a core purpose of this conference is to provide attendees with valuable insights and information for streamlining manufacturing processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency — everything needed to improve a company’s bottom line,” Kinsella said.

Image credit: iStock.com/stellalevi