Exploring the Future of Metals Innovation: A Comprehensive Conference Agenda

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As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, the crucial role of innovation in the metals sector becomes more pronounced than ever. Our upcoming conference focused on “The Factory of the Future,” presented by Hitachi Vantara, promises a deep dive into this realm, bringing together thought leaders, experts, and visionaries.Here's a closer look at the agenda:On Tuesday, September 5th, conference registration commences at 1:00pm. The program begins at 3:00pm with remarks from MI2 leadership, providing context for the discussions ahead, as well as celebrating MI2’s first official year as an organization.Our first keynote is Maria T. Zuber, Vice President for Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We will hear from her on the Ecosystems of Innovation. Right after Maria's speech, attendees will witness the Metals Innovation Search finals, where preselected finalists will present their innovative ideas to a panel. Shortly after the pitch competition, the winner will be unveiled and celebrated.Leading into the evening, MI2 and Hitachi Vantara will share their perspectives on the collaborative nature of advancing innovation, and we will close out the day with our welcome reception where networking will take center stage, accompanied by food and drinks.We will kick off Wednesday, our second day, with networking and coffee as the emcee will welcome everyone promptly at 8:30am. We will share some additional insight on MI2’s work, followed by remarks from a Kentucky state government representative at 9:00am.Soon after, we will hear from our opening keynote Jeffrey Lorch with McKinsey. He is speaking on Prioritizing Action in a World of Rapid Innovation, emphasizing the urgency of action in an era of swift innovation. Then, we will enter our first content breakouts.Participants branch into focused sessions, navigating topics that define the industry's trajectory with:

• Sustainable Manufacturing with Circular Economy Principles for Accelerated Economic Development - UK Professor - Dr. I.S. Jawahir, Director of the Institute of Sustainable Manufacturing

• The Basics of the Industry 4.0 – Intro to Industrial Digitalization – Markus Schulte, Vice President for Digital Solutions, SMS Group Inc.
• University Student Breakout (ends at 10:50)

Following up our first content breakout will be networking with our sponsors, metals companies and ecosystem partners to foster connections beyond the conference. Visit our tables featuring Hitachi Vantara, Danieli Taranis, Deloitte, MI2 Membership, SMS Group, AMEND, CLEAResult, and Transmission.We will continue the day with remarks from one of our platinum sponsors, offering insights into their role in driving innovation and collaboration within the metals sector and lunch will begin promptly at 11:15am. We will hear from the Metals Innovation Search winner, and then our next keynote will take the stage: Jai Sundararaman, Chief Transformation Officer at Intertape Polymer Group.After Jai’s keynote, we will dive into our second session of content breakouts beginning at 12:30pm.

• Resources - The Basics of Industry 4.0 - Max Risinger, North American Stainless
• Technology/Data - Industry 5.0: Toward Increased Partnerships between Workers, Robots, Automation, and AI - Dr. Dan Popa, University of Louisville
• Talent/HR - Workforce Skills for the Factory of the Future - Teresa Hayes and Meghan Watkins, Logan Aluminum

After an afternoon break to engage with vendors and network with new connections, programming will reconvene at 1:30pm.Vignesh Markandan, VP, Manufacturing & Consumer Goods for our presenting sponsor Hitachi Vantara , will present on Driving Manufacturing Success by Bridging the IT-OT Divide: A Factory of the Future Award Winner’s Journey. Vignesh’s presentation will lead us into our facilitated roundtable discussions where attendees will share their insights, challenges and perspectives.We will have one more networking break to further engage with our new and existing connections. We will hear additional insights from another key sponsor and then promptly at 3:25pm, our keynote Bill Good, General Electric will presenting on Modernizing the Company that Edison Built. We will close out the day with final remarks from MI2.At the conclusion of the conference, we hope you leave with more than just knowledge, but the fuel to drive transformation in your respective roles. The insights, connections, and inspiration gained here become catalysts for progress in the Kentucky metals industry and beyond. We look forward to seeing you next week!