The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
Event Sponsors
Smart Factory Institute Technology Partner:
About the Event
The industry-changing impacts of Industry 4.0 advancements can only be fully realized when there are corresponding changes in the manufacturing workforce. These impacts are likely to be seen and experienced in terms of changes to the design of manufacturing work, the manufacturing worker experience, and critical worker knowledge, skill, ability, and competency requirements. The positive impacts of Industry 4.0 technologies on manufacturing will only be realized if the existing workforce can be reskilled and retained.
EVENT WILL START IN
Keynote Presenter
2024 CONFERENCE AGENDA
(Speaker list is being continuously updated.)
CONFERENCE OPENING
9:00am
Registration & Networking
9:30am
Welcome
Marc Gibson
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director of the Division of Partnerships and Economic Development (DPED)
University of Tennessee Knoxville
FEATURED PRESENTATION
9:45am
The (New) Collar Worker Job Requirements
Industry 4.0 technology and process advancements will change the nature of many manufacturing jobs to the point that most workers will need to possess a combination of specific skills, attributes and characteristics. Learn what to look for and develop in emerging and existing talent. The information presented in this session is from research by the University of Tennessee Chattanooga Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s degree program and commissioned by the Smart Factory Institute.
Denise Hall
President and CEO, Peak Performance, Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
Dr. Chris Cunningham
UC Foundation Professor of Psychology, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Director, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate Program Director, UTC
FOCUS GROUP WORKSHOPS
10:45am
Managing the New Collar Worker in an Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Environment
Be part of focus groups that will look at how manufacturers can recruit, train, and retain talent. Groups will tackle topics such as recruiting and selection, training and development, evaluating and managing performance, and motivating and retaining talent.
Break
12:00pm
Break for Lunch
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
12:30pm
Hear insights on state initiatives aimed at cultivating new talent for the manufacturing industry and receive valuable guidance in the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention.
CAREER CONNECT JOB FAIR OPENING
1:00pm
Break for Talent Arrival
CAREER CONNECTION PANEL DISCUSSIONS
1:15PM
Pathways to Success: Navigating Careers in Manufacturing
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Human Resources Professionals and Manufacturing Leaders as they share insights, best practices, and success stories on pursuing careers in the manufacturing industry. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional looking to transition industries, or simply interested in exploring opportunities in manufacturing, this event is designed to provide valuable guidance and inspiration for your career journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the diverse and rewarding career paths available in manufacturing.
1:45PM
Career Development and Growth
CAREER CONNECTIONS JOB FAIR
2:15pm
Visit Manufacturers' Tables for Job Opportunities, Apprenticeship Programs, and Internships
TOUR AND CLOSING
3:15PM
Tour Machine Tool Research Center, TN-MADE
4:00pm
Closing Remarks
TICKETS
ATTEND
Single Ticket
In-Person Attendance
$35
Access to all Sessions
Lunch
*GROUP RATE: Use code GROUP6 for $70 off total price of 6 tickets at checkout.
CONNECT
Career Connect
Job Fair Table
$150
6ft table at the
Career Connect Job Fair
(1) ticket to the Conference
Lunch
