Educational Content

Embedding Digital Technology to gather critical reliability and environmental data on your production processes to monitor, manage and mitigate failure in critical process related equipment.

Centralisation of data streams into one easy to use and understand dashboard for predicting failures

Analytics carried out by AI within the platform to accurately detect failures, demonstrated by using a live demonstration of the ARSL test rig and developed digital twin.

Is your factory data telling the whole story? This session explores how integrating frontline worker insights with traditional machine data through Connected Worker applications unlocks a new level of visibility. We'll delve into the AI capabilities that drive Optimal Agility, Efficiency, and rapid Time-to-Value. Hear a compelling customer story from Barry Callebaut showcasing the power of this integrated data strategy.

Mental Health Strategist, Petra Velzeboer, shares how Industry professionals can manage their own mental well-being while supporting their teams in high-pressure environments. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How to invest in yourself: habits for maintaining mental balance. 

• Techniques for effective stress management and decision-making 

• The ripple effect of leadership on team mental health. 

This session, led by EA Technology's head of High-Voltage Monitoring, will explore the principles behind smarter electrical asset management - using condition data, timely insights, and informed decision-making to strengthen reliability and performance. Jonathan will discuss how different parts of your network - such as transformers, switchgear and cables - can be monitored more effectively, and how this information can underpin your crucial every-day operations.

Ideal for those responsible for electrical asset performance, this session offers a practical framework for making better decisions and building more resilient electrical assets.

A new report, Future Factory: Supercharging digital innovation in food and drink manufacturing, released by the Food and Drink Federation in partnership with strategic delivery consultancy Newton has found that there is an untapped growth opportunity of up to £14bn in the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. This session will cover:

- the barriers to investing in AI, digital and automation in food and drink

- potential solutions and collective action being taken through the newly formed Food and Drink Technology Taskforce

Sustainability drives innovation, boosts efficiency, and creates value for the long-term. Eco design is an important tool for sustainability and is not only applicable to manufactured products but also to the manufacturing system itself. 

In this session we will look at how eco efficiency approaches can improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes. We will also consider how a future industrial system could be sustainable by design.

• The true value of a trusted MSP as your infrastructure evolves (and why a vendor/MSP partnership matters)
• How the attitude to network and Security has not kept up with modern times. We work different so need different security. 
• Why you cannot afford to neglect the security risk presented by both OT/IoT and legacy technologies… and what to do about it

Our presentation explores how to manage data effectively for successful Digital Twin implementations. At FLAGS Software we know a Digital Twin is only as good as the data it relies on. We will discuss:

• How organisations collect excessive data, much of which remains at best, unused, or at worst, a diversion from the true picture.
• How data lakes promise a unified repository, but often turn into disorganised "data swamps."
• How without standardisation and clear parameters, AI-driven insights become unreliable.

1. Making the economics of Digital Manufacturing work across all your plants, instead of limiting to the most profitable/ largest plants

2. Open data platform approach - converting manufacturing data into business benefits

3. Data to 'AI & Execution' and everything in between

In today’s evolving manufacturing landscape, secure and reliable connectivity is no longer optional; it’s essential.

This session will explore the critical building blocks of a secure and resilient data and communications infrastructure tailored to the needs of manufacturing environments.

Whether your preferred deployment model is on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid, we’ll cover solutions that align with the performance, scalability, and security demands of modern manufacturing organisations.

Key topics we’ll cover include:

• Ubiquitous connectivity with Industrial Wi-Fi & Private 5G

• IoT Enablement

• Secure Network Deployment

• Industrial Switches

• Cloud Communication & Collaboration

• Emergency Communication Solutions

This session is designed for manufacturing organisations looking to drive operational efficiency and future-proof their infrastructure and technology, while maintaining control over security and compliance.

 

 

 

Manufacturers today face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to future-proof their businesses. To stay competitive, leaders must embrace three new priorities - productivity, resilience, and growth - while balancing traditional objectives of cost, quality, and service.

This session explores the megatrends redefining smart manufacturing, from automation and AI to workforce evolution and economic shifts. Led by one of the foremost strategic minds in Industry 4.0, this session provides practical insights, management foresight, and actionable strategies to help manufacturers navigate the next decade.

Robotics is transforming manufacturing, but how can we ensure we are unlocking its full potential across the whole supply chain? Quentin Wylie, Robotics & Automation Consultant at Schneider Electric, explores how smart factories can integrate automation with sustainable practices to optimise energy use and reduce waste.

This is the key to both closing the industry wide skill gap and growing the UK manufacturing sector. Join Quentin to explore the role of automation and robotics in a circular economy and how the whole supply chain can work together to create a more resilient industry.

As the manufacturing industry embraces digital transformation, maintenance strategies are evolving from reactive approaches to more proactive, predictive, and condition-based methods.

Join us as industry experts discuss the ROI, operational benefits, and technologies driving these changes in maintenance practices.

We offer powerful, flexible solutions for every need, no matter the complexity. Simply put, we’re built to scale. That means more growth for you.

Understanding where an ERP system integrates with your business.

How to prepare and what to expect when implementing an ERP solution.

Leveraging established ERP systems to provide better value to your business.

Are you drowning in data? Do you struggle to separate what's important from the white noise? Do you need to accelerate production, enhance quality and reduce wastage? Do you want to make work easier for your teams, while saving money? If so, come and find out how:

• Race-inspired sensors and analytics are generating the insights manufacturers need to spearhead process improvements
• F1 prototyping and simulation techniques improve testing and demonstrate real-world benefits

We'll help you build, scale and embed solutions that accelerate change and drive results. We're here to solve your manufacturing challenges. At pace.

The rise of the smart factory is shaping the future of manufacturing. Smart machines help speed production and lower costs by automating tasks and supporting workers. Using sensors, AI, and machine learning, these machines can navigate their environments, avoid obstacles, and make real-time decisions.

In this panel discussion, experts from Hitachi Rail, Slalom, Cypher Robotics and Ericsson will share real-world applications of autonomous things in manufacturing using 5G.

In this session, Neil Cooke explores how cloud-based CAD and PDM tools are transforming the way teams design and develop products. He'll dive into how using Agile methods with cloud technology speeds up development, improves teamwork, and makes design tools more accessible and scalable. Whether you're an engineer, designer, or product manager, this session will offer practical insights on how to work more efficiently and innovate faster.

A first of its kind, dedicated to businesses who make for the makers, this framework presents a methodology for integrating strategic thinking and practical application across all aspects of marketing communications in any industrial sector. It enables businesses to consider their sector and audience context within a marketing ecosystem of 9 key principles, and to identify clear areas for improvement making planning and tactical decision-making straightforward. The Marketing for Industry framework helps Marketing, Sales and C-Suite speak the same language.

This session will show you how to leverage collective knowledge within your organisation to define your Net Zero strategy and achieve your sustainability targets. You'll explore how the strategic roadmapping process can help to:

- Map trends, drivers and market requirements influencing Net Zero strategy

- Identify and prioritise key opportunities to meet your Net Zero goals and generate additional value to your organisation

- Establish clear milestones to delivery those priority opportunities and capabilities needed

- Align stakeholders and resources across your organisation

- Foster collaboration, co-creative decision-making and innovation to accelerate your sustainability journey.

Apply HERE.

Pailton Engineering’s adoption of automation demonstrates that it's not about replacing workers, but about transforming their roles to focus on creativity, problem-solving and making the workplace safer and more inclusive.
• Empowering workers
• Reducing fatigue and improving safety
• Expanding and future-proofing automation

What’s the one key take away attendees will get from your presentation?:

Automation isn’t about replacing workers, but about elevating their roles by removing repetitive, physically demanding tasks and creating space for them to contribute their skills and creativity to continuous improvement and future innovation.

 

Many large manufacturing companies operate across multiple sites and countries. These companies struggle to maintain efficiency and competitiveness because they lack real-time visibility and standardised processes. Many organisations still rely on manual data collection and disconnected systems, which lead to inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.
 

In this session, Simon Johnson—Principal Engineer at HiveMQ and Chair of the MQTT-SN committee—explores how organizations can unlock the full potential of their industrial data by building an open, standards-based data backbone from edge to cloud. He will discuss the critical role of MQTT in enabling scalable, real-time, and interoperable communication across distributed systems. Attendees will learn how to architect data infrastructure that supports decentralized computation, integrates legacy assets, and breaks down silos using technologies like MQTT, MQTT-SN, and Sparkplug. The talk highlights practical patterns and real-world strategies for driving efficiency, insight, and innovation in industrial environments.

Rising energy costs, grid limitations, pressure to meet sustainability goals, and the drive for operational efficiency are all crucial concerns for manufacturers. But what if there was a smarter way to manage your power?

In this session, we’ll demonstrate how energy management solutions—such as Voltage Optimisation, Low-Loss Transformers, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)—can reduce your site’s energy consumption and boost efficiency, resulting in energy savings, lower CO₂ emissions, and accelerated electrification.

 

This session delves into the journey of automating small ingredient dispensing, from manual methods to advanced Cobot-driven solutions. We will explore the challenges of accuracy, consistency, and integration, along with innovative approaches to overcoming them.

- Understanding key challenges in small ingredient dispensing.

- Exploring Cobot automation for precision and efficiency.

- Real-world applications and future advancements.

The Dutch School of Football, known for its total football philosophy, thrives on teamwork and adaptability. Established in the Netherlands in 1988, IFS Ultimo's best-of-breed enterprise asset management solution is built on these same pillars. In both football and asset management, success depends on collaboration and communication.

Berend Booms, Head of EAM Insights at IFS Ultimo, uses Ultimo’s unique Circle of Collaboration model to explain why he believes that asset management thrives when these same, fundamental principles are in place.

AI is only as good as the data behind it. In industrial settings, the journey from raw sensor data to AI-driven insights depends on a robust modern data platform. This session explores how data architecture, storage, and compute impact AI performance, ensuring models deliver accurate, real-time decisions. Learn best practices for designing scalable, high-performance platforms that bridge the gap between operational data and AI-driven automation.

Manufacturing commerce has evolved away from disconnected, cumbersome systems to a seamless experience that integrates business logic to create a digital sales factory.  

Going digital for the B2B Commerce (r)Evolution is critical to converting the rising number of digitally native B2B buyers into loyal customers. But what exactly do they value – and how can you provide a seamless digital experience that engages new buyers without alienating your existing customer base?  

Our session will show you how integrated e-commerce platforms like Sana Commerce eliminate manual processes, reduce inefficiencies, and provide seamless customer experiences to enhance operational agility and meet the evolving expectations of the modern B2B buyer.  

Discussion Points:  

• New Generation(s) of buyers: reaching digitally native buyers and building relationships   
• Seamless, integrated commerce: how integrated commerce helps your business scale and evolve  
• Real-world success: how Moto Direct evolved e-commerce for the digital era 

This session will explore how additive manufacturing is enabling manufacturers to overcome modern supply chain challenges, reduce production costs, and accelerate lead times by digitising tooling and spare part workflows. Drawing on recent real-world examples, we’ll highlight how technologies like FDM and SAF are helping organisations embrace localised, on-demand production to drive efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage.

Deploying IoT at scale doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. Learn how to ensure your devices connect reliably and securely, giving you the confidence and flexibility to drive ROI and boost operational efficiency.

Join us as we share real-world examples, proven strategies, and practical deployment tips to help you avoid common pains and pitfalls.

BMW Group is shaping the future of smart manufacturing through advanced automation, AI-driven improvements, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). By integrating intelligent systems and real-time data, production and logistics processes become more flexible, scalable, and efficient.

This presentation will explore how these technologies optimise material flow, enhance operational agility, and support constant digital improvement in the production network of the BMW Group.

Many companies struggle with the Product Lifetime Management policies of the big OEM's. They feel forced to spend a lot of time and money on upgrades. JC-Electronics will show that there is an alternative that is being used in over 100 countries around the globe. Besides that, many companies struggle in how to save CO2 in their production lines. JC-Electronics doesn't have just a way to get it done, but also a way so you know exactly how much CO2 manufacturers are saving while using the solution offered by JC-Electronics.

Combatting global climate change requires urgency, scale, high ambition and necessitates overcoming the sometimes complex language and calculations required for sustainability improvement.

As a result, there is immense potential for enhancing sustainability, though this is sometimes challenging to align with daily management processes and leadership objectives. The Sustain 8 organisational engagement programme ensures this alignment. It is designed to motivate factory floor personnel, thereby offering valuable opportunities for low and no-capital cost improvements. Developed by the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) - a division of the University of Cambridge's Department of Engineering, Sustain 8 follows eight simple steps - introduced in this session.

Apply HERE.

The Truth About the Manufacturing Growth Plateau

Growth in manufacturing businesses isn’t just about getting more leads—it’s about attracting the right customers, converting them efficiently, and keeping them long-term. However, many businesses struggle at every stage of the buyer journey due to misalignment, poor processes, bad data, and an ineffective tech stack.

Here's what no one's telling you. It’s not your people. It’s not the market. It’s the hidden blockers baked into your strategy.

Most manufacturing growth challenges aren’t caused by one problem—they are a combination of the following, yet nearly always businesses try to fix their growth challenges by throwing more money into lead generation at the bottom of the funnel.

• Poor branding & differentiation
• Ineffective demand generation
• Lead nurture & conversion challenges
• Sales process inefficiencies
• Customer churn & lack of retention strategies
• Lack focused product & service development
• Bad data
• Disconnected tech stack

Join Paul to unpick what this looks like and how to break through the glass ceiling.

The manufacturing sector is facing a dual challenge: a widening skills gap and the prevention of technical downtimes. The presentation shows how smart maintenance solutions can address both. By leveraging data-driven insights, manufacturers can optimize maintenance strategies, reduce unplanned downtime, and empower existing personnel to work more efficiently.

This presentation will showcase practical examples of smart maintenance customers from Scable. Companies like Siempelkamp, A+E Keller and CATL have reduced their technical downtimes by up to 73% as well as they have been able to onboard more than 100 maintenance employees in a short time.

Manufacturers are under constant pressure to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and respond to challenges on the factory floor in real time. But disconnected systems, manual logs, and delayed insights often stand in the way. Sound familiar?

In this session, we’ll explore how a simple, scalable approach to manufacturing intelligence can help teams move from raw data to real improvement—faster. Learn how Factbird enables production teams to gain visibility, engage operators, and act on performance issues without the complexity of traditional systems. It’s a practical path to smarter operations—one that scales quickly and painlessly.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is revolutionising manufacturing by enabling smarter, more connected operations. This panel will delve into how IIoT facilitates real-time monitoring, enhances automation, and drives operational excellence across the factory floor.

Our panel of industry leaders will discuss key strategies, technologies, and examples that showcase the transformative impact of IIoT on efficiency, productivity, and innovation in manufacturing. 

Discover how JoinXR is transforming businesses through immersive collaboration. See how Videojet Technologies leveraged JoinXR for a successful product launch, streamlined CAD design reviews and efficient multi-location sales training.

Learn how this powerful platform enables real-time interaction with complex 3D models in AR/VR/MR, reducing production risk and accelerating time to market. Explore the potential of JoinXR to revolutionise your workflows and unlock new possibilities for your organisation.

What does “great” really look like when it comes to maintenance management? Whether you're still using spreadsheets or already working with a CMMS like Agility, this 30-minute panel-style session from SSG Insight is your opportunity to explore the proven steps that drive real impact.

Join our CMMS experts at Maintec as they unpack the key elements of a best-practice maintenance and asset management journey, covering everything from asset registers and resource planning to mobile working, performance reporting, and integration. Plus, learn why implementation is vital and just the beginning, and how the right ongoing support can accelerate maturity and long-term success.

This practical discussion is designed to help you assess where you are, understand what’s possible, and uncover the building blocks of an efficient, insight-driven operation. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to improve uptime, compliance, and team performance.

If you’re an engineer, maintenance leader, or operations professional looking to get more from your CMMS, this is a must-attend session.

Does your ERP strategy support your business objectives? Learn from our industry experts and explore the top 8 things to consider when looking to invest in, or upgrade to a smart and scalable ERP solution.

A manufacturer’s Digital Thread holds the potential to drive greater automation, efficiency and agility within a business. Kept intact, it can support a product throughout its lifecycle and enable enhanced services - including live updates to aftersales platforms, predictive maintenance solutions, closed loop manufacturing, and more.

In this talk, Sam Burgess from Partful will advise SMEs how to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to a Digital Thread being broken and highlight ways to take advantage of the huge benefits it can provide.

As we move from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, a robust data foundation becomes a clear catalyst for innovation. Yet, true success in this evolution lies in aligning data, technology, and talent. It’s no longer about amassing data—it’s about turning the right data into actionable insights that empower timely, informed decisions. A secure digital thread, scalable architecture, and strong governance form the backbone of AI-driven operations. But long-term advantage depends on people, enabling them through reskilling, engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.

This session explores how organizations can strategically align their data strategy with workforce development to accelerate transformation and deliver measurable results.

Learn how to elevate your waste management strategy with Smart 365 from Biffa. Our cutting-edge technology harnesses data to transform your manufacturing sustainability and operational efficiency. Smart 365’s modular solution offers unparalleled visibility of waste across multiple sites, empowering manufacturers to monitor performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.

*Enhanced Visibility and Monitoring: Smart 365 offers unparalleled visibility of waste across multiple sites, empowering manufacturers to monitor performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.

*Advanced Features: Including waste reporting by weights, types, production lines, and shifts, along with seamless data export and alarm setup for proactive management and continuous improvement.

*Tailored Insights: By integrating data from diverse sources and delivering tailored insights to stakeholders, Smart 365 drives meaningful improvements in sustainability, efficiency, and maximising value from waste.

This session will provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of the UK economy, the manufacturing sector, and the progress of the government's industrial strategy. Seamus will explore the challenges facing key industries, and explore the key trends in manufacturing output, investment, automation, and workforce development, as well as the impact of global economic shifts including tariffs and technological advancements.

The session will also assess the alignment of the industrial strategy with the needs of modern manufacturing and its role in boosting economic resilience and competitiveness.

This session will explore the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS) Manifesto, a bold framework for enhancing industrial safety worldwide. With 2.3 million work-related deaths annually (ILO), the manifesto calls for urgent, coordinated action from industries, governments, and civil society to tackle emerging risks. It promotes resilient safety cultures, standardised global protocols, and innovative, data-driven approaches to crisis management and risk prevention.

Key discussion points include:
• How industries can adopt the manifesto’s principles to improve safety and resilience
• The most pressing safety risks in manufacturing, energy, and construction
• The role of technology in shaping the future of industrial safety
• How harmonising global safety standards can benefit industries across regions

Apply HERE.

About Women in Manufacturing. The Women in Manufacturing UK Initiative (WiM UK) is a non-profit network of academics, practitioners, and professionals working within and with the manufacturing sector to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

Manufacturers play a critical role in shaping the future of inclusive economies. As the sector adapts to digitalisation, decarbonisation, and global supply chain shifts, there is a growing need to ensure that these transformations do not leave workers and communities behind. This panel will explore how manufacturers can embed inclusivity into their operations, workforce development, and innovation strategies.

Unlock the future of inventory management with exclusive insights from Netstock's Global Benchmark Report, featuring data from 2,400+ customers and 300+ survey participants. Alastair Taylor, VP of Sales (EMEA) at Netstock, will reveal key trends like nearshoring, supplier challenges, and excess inventory while showcasing AI-driven strategies to enhance forecasting and demand planning.

Gain actionable tools to overcome barriers such as data inconsistencies and low AI adoption.

Maintenance isn’t just about fixing things when they break — it’s one of the most powerful levers manufacturers can pull to reduce downtime, improve efficiency and stay competitive in an industry where reliability is everything. Yet too many manufacturers are still stuck in a cycle of reacting to problems instead of preventing them. AI is changing that, but only for teams that build the right foundation.

This session gets straight to the point:

- Where your maintenance strategy really stands — and how to move forward.

- The real cost of reactive maintenance — and why it’s holding you back.

- How AI is already helping teams cut downtime and improve reliability.

- Practical steps to make AI work for your operation — starting now.

As manufacturing becomes increasingly data-driven, creating a unified data strategy is crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation. AI-powered insights and predictive analytics are transforming maintenance, quality control, and productivity, enabling manufacturers to stay competitive.

This panel will explore how breaking down silos between systems, teams, and supply chains'combined with the strategic use of AI'can enable smarter decision-making and drive the future of manufacturing.

Learn how plant managers and Compliance teams are saving time and money by:

- Proactively detecting health and safety issues, reducing costly liabilities

- Streamlining OSHA compliance efforts, including incident record keeping

- Auditing PPE and safety compliance with AI-powered search

- Mitigating near misses and injuries with smart alerts

- Increasing visitor security

How can organisations effectively transition their daily management system from manual methods to a digital platform without sacrificing the core benefits of leaders being present at the Gemba? Mark Davies, a former senior manager with 27 years at Toyota UK, will address this critical question. This session will delve into his journey of moving the Production Control Board (PCB) from pen and paper to a fully digitalized system. Mark will illustrate the strategies employed to maintain management visibility of performance, enable improved real-time data analysis, and ensure continued engagement of all personnel. Discover the step-by-step process, from line by line to full-scale implementation, which increased productivity of Production, Maintenance and Engineering.

This speaker session explores the critical role of data-driven leadership in manufacturing excellence, delving into key performance indicators crucial for success and how to align manufacturing metrics with your business purpose. 

Join Toby Mankertz and Michael Jacobs from Columbus and hear about how effective leadership is essential for ensuring your business goals are embedded into your organisational culture.  

They will talk through a practical roadmap for delivery, which focuses on translating theoretical understanding into actionable strategies, treating changes as structured projects, and recognising milestones. The discussion will also highlight the importance of clear communication, stakeholder engagement and coaching for effective cultural shifts in your organisation. 

Integrating physical products with digital platforms has become increasingly common in today's manufacturing landscape. But how many are genuinely delivering value? 

This session explores the challenges and opportunities in creating successful physical-digital experiences that manufacturing leaders can apply to their product ecosystems.

An introduction to Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) and how real-time monitoring from within the Motor Control Cabinet delivers insights into condition, performance, and energy consumption.

Samotics leverages AI and Machine Learning, combined with human in the loop validation, to detect electrical, mechanical and operational failures at a component level across the entire drive train.

5G-enabled, precise indoor positioning in a smart factory can revolutionize operations. Imagine real-time inventory tracking, ensuring materials and products are always where they should be. Geofencing enhancing security by restricting access to sensitive areas and preventing expensive tools from leaving designated workshops.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) navigating efficiently, optimizing routes and reducing delays. In this session, Ericsson will explore real-world examples of private cellular network factory deployments and how they deliver advantage with the positioning feature of 5G.

Oliver will lead a discussion around how UK OEM robot manufacturers work with automation solution providers (System Integrators) to ensure resilience and capacity in the automation supply chain.

Oliver will lead the audience though how financial, and technical risks can be measured and assessed when choosing the right partner. With every solution provider working with one or multiple robot brands how do you choose who will fit your needs?

Join Professor Tim Minshall as he covers insights from his new book, Your Life Is Manufactured. Described as 'Fascinating' by The Times and 'Well-observed and enjoyably written' by the Financial Times, this book provides an exploration of how manufacturing has shaped our world and can hold the key to a sustainable and equitable future.

Sign up for this session to hear from a renowned expert on the future of manufacturing and gain a deeper understanding of how manufacturing systems create a more sustainable and resilient world, especially given the huge geopolitical and environmental challenges we are now facing. Whether you're an industry professional seeking inspiration or curious about the mechanics behind the products we use daily, this session will be informative and engaging.

Apply HERE.

Our connectivity solution, featuring IO-Link and other protocols, ensures seamless sensor integration. The intelligent IO-Link master SIG300 offers additional features and protocols, enhancing solution integration. SICK's Smart Compressed Air Solution uses intelligent connectivity for high data transparency, eliminating algorithm bottlenecks.

- Seamless sensor integration with IO-Link and other protocols.

- High data transparency and no algorithm bottlenecks.

- Identifies leaks and excess usage for a lower carbon footprint.

As new technologies and processes reshape manufacturing, training must keep up. Eye-tracking technology makes training smarter by showing how workers interact with tools and machines, helping new employees learn faster and adapt more easily. By capturing real-time insights, it bridges the gap between humans and technology, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Key points:

• Smarter training for new employees - Eye tracking accelerates learning by capturing expert techniques.
• Optimizing human-tech collaboration - Helps workers quickly adapt to new processes.
• Data-driven improvements - Real-time insights refine training, improve compliance, and cut costs.

Nowadays, (gen)AI is a buzzword that dominates the media. But what has AI concretely contributed to supporting production and maintenance teams in a manufacturing environment so far? Orise sheds light on this in their lecture, showcasing various successful use cases. Orise is committed to leveraging AI to support production and maintenance teams by reducing energy and raw material consumption, minimizing waste, and increasing efficiency. Our practical examples demonstrate how smart software solutions can contribute to a greener and more profitable future. Be inspired by our lecture and discover how you can achieve more sustainable production with AI.

Discover how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing MRO inventory management by eliminating stockouts, reducing surplus, and improving uptime. This session explores practical applications of AI for criticality assessments, proactive maintenance, and enhanced collaboration across teams.

-Learn how to identify and prioritize critical spare parts using AI.

-Discover best practices to reduce unplanned downtime and avoid rush orders.

-See how leading organizations are transforming MRO with intelligent, data-driven insights.

The factories of 2025 hum with autonomous robots, edge analytics and 5G-connected sensors. This connectivity is unlocking unprecedented productivity, but it is also turning every production line into a target. In this session I will review the cyber threats that are eyeing up the manufacturing industry, from ransomware that halts steel furnaces to malware that overrides safety-instrumented systems. We will decode the fast-approaching regulatory wave: the UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, the NCSC’s OT Cyber Assessment Framework, and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act that hard-wires supply-chain accountability into law. Drawing on real incident data and hands-on research, I will demonstrate how converged, advanced Threat Detection & Response, delivered through a hybrid SOC model, shrinks detection windows from days to minutes, without throttling innovation. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap for embedding security-by-design, satisfying auditors and investors, and keeping the digital factory running safely at full speed. The opportunity is vast; with the right controls, it can also be secure.

AI is the current cross-industry buzzword, but how can today's smart factories use it to advance improvement across frontline workers and beyond?

We'll explore the potential and steps to take to create real competitive advantage using technology.

AI-Manufacturing is revolutionising engineering, dramatically accelerating project timelines. Platforms like Xometry connect engineers with vast manufacturing networks, offering instant quoting, rapid prototyping, and diverse production capabilities. Dorien Sarsby will share the story of the Hilo One e-scooter, showcasing how AI-powered manufacturing enabled a startup to produce complex parts quickly and efficiently.

Engineers gain significant advantages, including reduced lead times and enhanced design flexibility. Embracing AI technologies is crucial for staying competitive, allowing engineers to focus on innovation and shape the future of manufacturing.

Technology can enhance manufacturing business operations and its implications for insurance. We will delve into various strategies businesses can employ to optimise their sales processes and drive efficiencies.

- Unleashing the power of technology and AI: Discover how digital advancements can supercharge your results.

- Scala's impact on manufacturing: Learn why Scala is just the beginning of the automation journey and how it has transformed the manufacturing landscape.

Manufacturing organizations are often burdened by fragmented spare parts data, redundant inventory, and inefficient sourcing processes. In this session, Sparrow will present how leading industrial players are leveraging our modular platform — Sparrow.CLEAN, Sparrow.POOL, Sparrow.STOCK, and Sparrow.PLAN — to streamline spare parts inventory management. With an AI-powered data cleaning engine, mobile-first usability, and seamless integration into ERP and maintenance systems, these tools empower maintenance, procurement, and operations teams to reduce redundancy, surface critical parts faster, and align inventory with actual plant needs.

3 Key Takeaways of this session:

- Learn how to clean and consolidate your spare parts data to eliminate duplicates and legacy clutter with Sparrow.CLEAN.

- Improve sourcing costs and time using Sparrow.POOL. Create an internal spare parts pool with your sites and join a network connecting operators, manufacturers, and distributors for better transparency and shorter lead times.

- Drive availability and procurement decisions with dynamic planning via Sparrow.STOCK and Sparrow.PLAN.

Automation and robotics are not just enhancing manufacturing—they're redefining it. As machines become smarter, faster, and more capable, what does this mean for the future of human workers?

This panel will dive into the game-changing impact of automation, the rise of intelligent robotics, and the growing influence of collaborative robots (cobots) on workforce dynamics. Industry leaders will debate the opportunities, challenges, and potential risks of this technological revolution—will humans and machines truly collaborate, or are we headed for a fully automated future? 

Join this session from the Women in Manufacturing UK initiative to explore the vital role of inclusive leadership in attracting and retaining diverse talent, while enhancing business performance in the manufacturing sector. Hosted by a panel of academics, practitioners, and professionals, this session will focus on practical steps organisations can take to foster an inclusive workplace where women and men are valued and empowered.

Panellists will share insights on the true meaning of inclusive leadership, how it can drive diversity and business productivity, and strategies for implementing meaningful change to build more inclusive workplaces. Be part of the conversation and discover how the Women in Manufacturing initiative is shaping a more equitable and innovative future for the industry. The session will conclude with a networking drinks reception, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees who are passionate about driving positive change.

Apply HERE.

There is a systemic problem in global manufacturing. The established business model is having a negative impact on the financial performance of both manufacturers and the solution provider ecosystem. This situation is inefficient, ineffective and unsustainable for all parties.

The Quorum Principle™ is a new strategic approach that has the potential to release significant bottom line value. In his opening keynote, John will explain the systemic problem, present the solution and the global traction that has culminated in this ground-breaking event.

Discover how Leonardo is reshaping its future through a bold digital transformation programme. Rooted in our core values—people first, process driven, and technology led—this case study unveils how we’ve successfully disrupted long-standing industry habits to embed a thriving digital culture that fuels innovation and growth. 

• Why. Business and market overview, exploring the common efficiency drains that exist in organisations. 

• Method. Business led transformation, how to engage and inspire digital ownership within an organisation. 

• Outcome. Unlocking the true value of a digital led organisation, detailing the roadmap to success – ‘one platform’. 

The global manufacturing industries have made significant strides in recent years. New technologies, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart automation, have transformed traditional linear manufacturing supply chains into intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems. One key technology driving these changes is private wireless networks. With a private network, manufacturing facilities can create intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems that offer a range of benefits, including speed, reliability, security, mobility, and full site coverage. The presentation will discuss the following items:

Introduce the Alliance for Private Networks and the deployment tools to ease deployment of private networks for manufacturing companies,

Explore the benefits of private networks for manufacturing facilities, and

Highlight successful deployment case studies.

Asset management is evolving beyond traditional maintenance efficiency—it’s now a strategic driver for operational resilience and business growth. In this session, John Parker will explore how organisations can optimise asset management strategies with HxGN EAM to increase uptime, enhance reliability, and drive measurable value. Attendees will gain insights into the latest innovations transforming asset-intensive industries, ensuring smarter maintenance management for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• How asset management is evolving to maximise uptime and efficiency

• Strategies for optimising maintenance and asset performance with HxGN EAM

• The role of technology in enhancing operational resilience and sustainability

Through the right blend of both hard and soft power, the UK is becoming one of the safest places to invest in the future of sustainable and responsible manufacturing. The Made in Britain trademark signposts buyers to products that are assured as manufactured in the UK that are also some of the most exciting businesses in the world – pioneering useful and essential solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

AI agents are ready to transform your business. But to take action, you need seamless orchestration of all your workflows, data, applications, and agents. Join this session to hear from Weir Group on their AI & Data Transformation and to discover MuleSoft’s blueprint for the multi-agent enterprise to jumpstart your journey to an agent-first future today.

The Made Smarter Innovation Challenge has invested over £300m in the development of new Industrial Digital Technologies in Manufacturing and their novel application in manufacturing. Dr Ben Farmer will share the highlights of how this investment has created jobs, upskilled people, driven innovation and contributed to improvements in productivity as well as reductions in waste and carbon emissions. 

Join us at the networking cafe for a beer, wine or soft drink of your choice and live music from The Shadow Monkeys. Network, relax and have fun!