EASTEC is one of the longest-running and well-respected expositions for manufacturing. Hosted by SME, EASTEC 2015 will mark the 34th anniversary for the biennial exposition that showcases a broad range of manufacturing technologies, products and services.
EASTEC 2015
Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, Massachusetts USA
May 12-14, 2015
We caught up with Kim Farrugia, Sr. Event Manager at SME to learn about EASTEC 2015 in an exclusive AMazing® Q&A conversation.
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AMazing®: Kim, thank you for your participation. This must be an exciting time with EASTEC 2015 scheduled to open next Tuesday, May 12th. As one of the premier expositions on the east coast, what sets EASTEC apart from other manufacturing expositions? How will this year’s EASTEC differ from previous events?
Kim: Every EASTEC we provide the northeast audience features new event components. There could be timely keynote topics such as collaborative robots and wearable technology or short technology presentations on additive manufacturing or lasers. Companies value the content we offer beyond just the exhibit floor, helping retain longtime exhibitors while attracting new ones. This year, out of the 585 exhibitors, 104 of them are new to EASTEC. Our attendees and exhibitors look forward to EASTEC as it is a great opportunity to gather in the region with like-minded individuals.
AMazing®: Technical advances are always fascinating and a critical aspect for a thriving industry. Are there any technical advances generating pre-conference buzz?
Kim: We have over 318 new products and services that will be highlighted at the event this year. This is an increase of 144 percent from 2013 which is remarkable. These new products are highlighted on the EASTEC website, on-site directory and with a new product sticker by each exhibitor’s booth who qualifies.
AMazing®: Additive manufacturing is rapidly becoming more commonplace in industry. Will there be any special sessions to help businesses with commercialization of additive technologies?
Kim: You are correct, Additive Manufacturing is on the rise. In addition to the exhibitors that represent this technology on the event floor, we have sessions in the Manufacturing Brilliance Theater that will talk about Additive Manufacturing. Additionally, we will have two showcases in the SME booth that visually show sample parts of what additive manufacturing is and can offer. Also, in the SME booth we’ve partnered with an additive company to have a working additive unit to help show the audience what this great technology is all about.
AMazing®: As we understand EASTEC will highlight SME’s Bright Minds Program with 10 regional high school teams registered for Bright Minds at EASTEC. What challenges will teams face? What can students hope to gain from participating in this exciting initiative?
Kim: The student challenge is only one element of Bright Minds program but to focus on that aspect, the student challenge teams are based on the premise of problem-based learning. These high school students are going into a manufacturing facility in their area to create and solve one of the following challenges:
- Challenge 1 – “LEAN and Green: The 21st Century Advanced Manufacturing Workplace”
- Challenge 2 – “Understanding by Design: Engineering and Technology in Manufacturing”
Students will present their physical display and solution for the challenge and explain it orally to judges on-site at the Bright Minds event taking place at EASTEC.
AMazing®: Many industry insiders expect the global additive manufacturing market to grow significantly in the next few years.How will EASTEC evolve to meet the growing needs of this emerging industry?
Kim: We see additive manufacturing being incorporated into many of the traditional processes that have been used – with manufacturers benefiting from the unique strengths of both processes for years to come. EASTEC will continue to serve the space through applicable educational sessions, with exhibitors representing these solutions continually highlighting new products that solve current and future manufacturing needs.
This concludes our interview. Thank you very much Kim for your participation. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to learn about this year’s EASTEC 2015 Exposition.
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About EASTEC
With more than 500 exhibitors, complimentary conference sessions, industry keynotes and much more, EASTEC is an event dedicated to keeping northeast manufacturers competitive. It’s where manufacturing ideas, processes and products that make an impact in the northeast region, are highlighted through exhibits, education and networking events.
EASTEC offers a unique chance to connect with resources that can solve your company’s most pressing problems, improve productivity and increase profits. It’s clear why so many business owners, engineers, designers, production managers and purchasing executives attend EASTEC to keep their operations current. EASTEC brings human ingenuity and manufacturing brilliance together. Make sure it’s part of your strategy and reserve the dates on your calendar!
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. At SME, we are making the future. Together.
Contact:
Kim Farrugia
Sr. Event Manager
kfarrugia@sme.org
800.733.3976, ext. 3103
