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.
About the Event
Prepare to embrace the future of maintenance and industrial production at the Automation, Maintenance, and Reliability Summit.
This premier event is designed for plant, production, and manufacturing managers, as well as safety engineers, technical specialists, and automation professionals. Discover how Industry 4.0 is transforming maintenance practices through cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotics.
Gain practical insights into how to leverage existing sensor data and smart connectivity to implement condition-based maintenance, maximize asset reliability, and prevent costly equipment failures. The summit will feature industry leaders sharing real-world case studies, proven strategies, and innovative solutions that drive operational excellence.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of maintenance in the digital era. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step toward transforming your operations.
As an added highlight, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in an optional post-event tour of DENSO in Athens, Tennessee, offering an inside look at advanced manufacturing and maintenance practices in action.
EVENT WILL START IN
TICKETS
2026 SUMMIT AGENDA
Agenda is continuously being updated.
OPENING
8:30am
Registration & Networking
9:00am
Welcome
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
FEATURED SPEAKER
9:15am
Building a World Class Maintenance Culture that Supports Automation
Derek Kozlowski
Senior Engineering Manager, WACKER
Join us for an enlightening keynote presentation that dives deep into the essential components of building a world‑class maintenance culture capable of embracing automation with agility and effectiveness. This session will explore key topics, including the attributes that define exemplary maintenance organizations and the crucial roles and responsibilities that align teams through the RACI framework. Attendees will learn why fostering change is imperative for success and how cultivating the right skills and abilities in maintenance technicians is vital for achieving operational excellence. Discover the power of maintenance scorecards to motivate teams and drive accountability, and understand how proactive planning and scheduling can significantly reduce maintenance rework.
Ricky Smith
Vice President, World Class Maintenance
Workshop I
10:00am
Is Zero Down Time Possible?
Maintenance Managers, Planners, and Supervisors are looking to increase team efficiency and safety, while decreasing chronic maintenance issues and unscheduled downtime - with the ultimate goal of seeing ZERO unplanned downtime. By focusing on the fundamentals of plant maintenance and equipment reliability we can get closer to that important objective. During this session, you will hear about real-life examples and applications where maintenance personnel proactively prevented redundant asset failures and unplanned downtime, all the while increasing overall safety and resulting in significant cost savings. See which real-world success stories YOU can incorporate into the maintenance goals of YOUR organization!
Jonathan Gonzalez
Co-President, FocustApps
Workshop II
11:00am
Utilizing Digital Tools for Enhanced Operational Efficiencies
Manufacturers are under constant pressure to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs. In this workshop, we will review various digital tools that can be deployed to gain better insight into machine and facility assets, helping to identify areas for improvements in quality, machine utilization, and energy usage. Real world examples will be provided, along with measurable results. Attendees will also be provided access to reference information, which they can utilize within their organizations.
Mike Brooks
Industry Manager- Automotive and AGV, Phoenix Contact
Closing Remarks
11:45am
Closing Remarks
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
LUNCH & NETWORKING
11:45 am
Lunch & Networking
Optional Plant Tour
1:00pm
