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.
The Smart Factory Workforce Conference
The Workforce of the Future
April 10, 2026 | 9:00am - 1:00pm (ET)
(Registration and Networking begins at 8:30am)
Optional PIE Center Tour | 1:00- 2:30pm (ET)
Smart Factory Institute at the PIE Innovation Center
2215 Parker Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311
#SmartFactoryInstitute
About the Event
Step into the future of manufacturing work at the Smart Factory Workforce Conference. Designed for plant managers, operations leaders, HR professionals, and training leaders, this event delivers actionable insights for navigating today’s evolving manufacturing workforce.
Explore how Industry 4.0 advancements are reshaping job design, workforce skills, and the employee experience. Featuring research from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology department, this conference highlights practical strategies to reskill, upskill, and retain talent in an increasingly digital environment.
Don’t miss your opportunity to gain forward-looking insights, engage with industry leaders, and prepare your organization for the future of work.
EVENT WILL START IN
Keynote Presenter
2026 CONFERENCE AGENDA
(Speaker list is being continuously updated.)
Register & Networking
8:30am
Registration & Networking
9:00am
Welcome
9:10am
Opening Remarks
Denise Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
Keynote Presentation
9:15am
Preparing the New Collar Worker for Success in Smart Factories
This presentation explores how manufacturers, policymakers, and workforce leaders can better prepare the new-collar workforce for success in smart factory environments. Featuring insights from Dr. Chris Cunningham; Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate Program Director, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and TBD (U.S. Department of Labor, National Association of Manufacturers). The conversation will focus on aligning skills training, with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0. Speakers will discuss talent readiness, reskilling and upskilling strategies, and the collaboration needed between industry, education, and government to build a resilient, future-ready manufacturing workforce.
Dr. Chris Cunningham
UC Foundation Professor of Psychology, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Director, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate Program Director, UTC
BREAK & NETWORKING
10:00am
Break & Networking
DISCUSSION GROUP WORKSHOPS
10:15am
Igniting Motivation and Retention in the Workforce
In this breakout session, we will examine how workers’ essential psychological and professional needs can be fulfilled within Industry 4.0 manufacturing environment and why this matters for employee engagement, performance, and retention. Discussion will consider core motivation frameworks and practical talent strategies, including total rewards strategies and talent management efforts to develop and retain talent in ways that reduce turnover and minimize risk of poaching. Join this session if you are working to elevate employee engagement, address retention challenges, refine your rewards approach, or apply evidence-based motivation principles to strengthen your organization’s talent outcomes.
Adapt, Evolve, Succeed; Actionable approaches to change management.
We will examine how organizations can effectively manage Industry 4.0 workforce transformation. Participants will discuss strategies for delivering and evaluating workforce training, tracking development progress, and communicating change in ways that build trust and clarity. Other topics for discussion include practical approaches for reducing change anxiety and resistance while strengthening employee adaptability and resilience. Join this session to explore how manufacturers can intentionally future proof their workforces by building sustainable capability for ongoing technological and operational change.
New Talent, New Opportunities
Explore practical strategies for engaging and attracting emerging talent for Industry 4.0 manufacturing environment. Participants will share and discuss strategies for building effective talent pipelines, leveraging community and educational partnerships, and using modern recruiting technologies to reach both traditional and non-traditional candidate pools. Related topics may include the value and importance of realistic job previews and crafting an authentic and compelling employer brand that reflects the high-technology nature of modern manufacturing. Join this session if you are involved in efforts to recruit and retain talent for your organization and are interested in considering and sharing concepts that may elevate these efforts in Industry 4.0 environments.
Smart metrics for Smart workers, driving performance excellence.
In this breakout session, we will discuss how to evaluate and manage smart worker performance using data-driven management and coaching practices in Industry 4.0 environments. The focus will be on helping leaders translate performance-related feedback into effective action while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Participants will examine strategies for leading effectively in human-machine augmented team settings, defining clear performance expectations, and using real-time insights to support employee well-being, productivity, and performance. Join this session if you are seeking clearer performance expectations, stronger safety accountability, more effective use of real-time data, or practical strategies for managing smart workers in Industry 4.0 settings.
Harnessing Advanced Tools for Effective Training.
Learn how extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence can strengthen and improve the use of assessments to guide selection and placement, and ongoing learning and development for Industry 4.0 manufacturing workers. Topics may include ways in which XR can simulate with meaningful realism actual work conditions, so employees can safely practice high-risk or high-precision tasks. Also discussed may be ways in which gamification combined with such assessments may help your organization to reduce hazards, improve procedural accuracy, and support stronger real-world performance among employees. Concepts related to measuring success through such advanced assessments can also be discussed. Join this session if you are interested in how EX can enhance modern manufacturing and Industry 4.0 environments.
FOCUS GROUP SHARE OUT
10:35am
Discussion Group Report Out
BREAK AND NETWORKING
11:00am
Break & Networking
11:15 AM
Practical Solutions for Upskilling and Workforce Development in Manufacturing
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders who are shaping the future of manufacturing. Our esteemed panelists will share their insights and real-world experiences on implementing effective workforce strategies. This dynamic discussion will address critical topics, including:
- Upskilling: How can manufacturers equip their workforce with the skills needed for emerging technologies?
- Pay for Skills: Exploring innovative compensation approaches that reward employee development and mastery.
- Succession Planning: Best practices for preparing the next generation of leaders in your organization.
Bonita Montgomery
Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Division, DENSO NA
Forrest Holloman
Sr. Manager HR, Mueller Water Products Co.
Katelyn Dennis
Human Resources Director, WACKER Chemical Company
LUNCH & NETWORKING
12:15pm
Lunch & Networking
CLOSING REMARKS
12:00pm
Closing Remarks
Skylar Randolph
Director of Business Development, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
OPTIONAL TOUR
1:00pm
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