The annual Manufacturing Summit, presented by BizTimes Media, features an exciting interactive discussion with chief executive officers of southeastern Wisconsin companies. The CEOs will share their companies’ best operational strategies and discuss their solutions for competing in a global marketplace.

Thriving Through Innovation Leveraging technology for operational excellence Learn how to remain competitive by harnessing AI, machine learning, automation, 3D printing and more. Enhance efficiency, support your workforce, and strengthen your bottom line by attending the Manufacturing Summit.

Speakers:

• Thomas Carney, President, Royal Basket Trucks, Inc.

• Rob Ewing, President, Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co.

• Sara Sina, President, The Howard Company

• Todd Zakreski, President, HUSCO Automotive

Exit Planning Options: Internal Sale, External Sale, Private Equity, ESOP.

ROOM A

Speakers:

• Kevin B. Perlberg, CFP; Managing Partner, Blackhawk Capital Partners
• Donald (Trace) W. Tendick III, MBA, CFP; Partner, Blackhawk Capital Partners
• Rick Jaye, AIF, CRC; Managing Director, Business Transition Advisors

Blackhawk Capital will explore the technical aspects of exit planning. The ultimate goal is to help you determine possible exit strategies that work best for you and your personal economy.

Mastering ERP Implementation – Dos and Don’ts for Seamless ERP Success

ROOM B

Speakers:

• Andy Zinkle, Partner, goVirtualOffice
• Jamie Zdroik, Partner, goVirtualOffice

Modern Enterprise Resource Planning software provides a platform for innovation. New and emerging technologies are predicated on your ability to capture, harness, and utilize the accurate real-time data provided by a modern ERP system. Attendees will gain insights into project scoping, understanding the real costs, and the significance of a well-defined project owner. Uncover the secrets of effective go-live support and the common pitfalls that lead to an unsatisfactory ROI. From testing best practices to selecting the right software and avoiding red flags, this conversation is your comprehensive guide to achieving a triumphant ERP implementation. Don’t miss out on the knowledge that could save you time, resources, and headaches on your ERP journey.

• Paul T. Riedl Jr., CEO, River Run

3D Modeling: Transforming Manufacturing Marketing into Immersive Experiences

ROOM D

Speakers:

• Jim Kohlhardt, President, Saturn Lounge
• Nathan Gerred, VP-Marketing, Saturn Lounge

Discover how 3D modeling is changing the game for manufacturing marketing by providing lifelike product visuals, enhancing customer engagement, and speeding up the prototyping process. This session will explore the innovative use of 3D technology to create interactive and personalized experiences that drive sales and customer satisfaction. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging 3D modeling to reduce costs, improve collaboration, and accelerate time-to-market.

• Tim Wasmer, Founder/CEO, The Wasmer Company

In this presentation, we’ll explore how sustainability initiatives, particularly energy efficiency projects, can go beyond just reducing carbon footprints – they can also be powerful drivers of business growth. Attendees will learn how to develop and implement energy projects that not only lower operational costs but enhance market positioning and increase profitability.

Moving Manufacturing Forward: Applied AI Training for Your Workforce

ROOM F

Speakers:

• Mike Shiels, Dean – School of Applied Technologies, WCTC
• Dan Lindberg, Director – Applied AI Lab, WCTC
• Nicki Kowalchuk, Instructor – School of Business Information Technology, WCTC

Moderator: Dr. Brad Piazza, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, WCTC Waukesha County Technical College is leading the way in artificial intelligence in southeastern Wisconsin, providing practical, applied training and support for the regional workforce. While other institutions offer more research-based or conceptual support, WCTC is taking a uniquely practical approach to AI education, equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI solutions for immediate impact. In this session, hear from a variety of experts at WCTC who have developed hands-on, cutting-edge training in artificial intelligence. Learn about specific ways you can implement AI in your workplace and how WCTC can help you automate and modernize your workforce in a rapidly evolving environment.

How to Excite & Inspire Your Workforce About Implementing Automation

ROOM A

Speakers:

• George Bureau, Senior Vice President Consulting Services, WMEP
• Stephen Smiley, Business Transformation Service Line Leader, WMEP

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, automation stands at the forefront of innovation, promising to revolutionize efficiency, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction. However, the journey towards embracing automation can be met with resistance and apprehension from employees. This breakout session will address the strategies and tools needed to excite & inspire your workforce about implementing automation.

AI-Driven Solutions for Manufacturing Efficiency

ROOM B

Speaker:

• Paul Stillmank, Founder & CEO, 7Rivers

Discover how AI can transform manufacturing by addressing key business challenges, optimizing data management, and reducing repetitive tasks. Attendees will learn practical strategies to enhance efficiency and drive innovation in your operations. Takeaways: Implement AI for smarter data management. Automate tasks to boost productivity. Overcome business challenges with AI solutions.

Not Another AI Presentation: Using Intellectual Property Fundamentals To Create Value And Mitigate Risk In Manufacturing

ROOM D

Speakers:

• Christopher M. Scherer, Partner, Executive Committee Member, DeWitt LLP
• Joseph T. Miotke, Partner, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group Co chair, DeWitt LLP

During this interactive session, experienced DeWitt intellectual property (“IP”) attorneys will explore how different types of IP create value in manufacturing businesses. Patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights will be put into the manufacturing context. In addition, risk mitigation techniques for avoiding unwanted IP liability will be addressed.

Data-Driven Manufacturing: How to get relevant data, what to do with it, and its impact beyond the factory floor.

ROOM E

Speakers:

• John Rinaldi, CEO, Real Time Automation Inc.
• Rick Sovitzky, Partner, Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services, Chortek LLP
• Mike Steger, President & COO, Waukesha Metal Products

Moderator: Jared Junk, SVP, Business Lending Team Lead, Landmark Credit UnionData-Driven As data is becoming easier to access, converting it to actionable information becomes the real challenge. Join our panel of experts for a discussion on collecting data, normalizing it, and applying its valuable insights. 

The program concludes with an engaging networking reception, featuring an open bar and a selection of light hors d’oeuvres. This is your chance to mingle with the speakers and fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build valuable professional connections in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.

• 2023 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2022 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2021 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2020 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2019 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2018 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2017 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2016 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit