Mfg4, sponsored by SME, is a leading advanced technology event with focus on aerospace, defense and medical device industries. This year Mfg4 will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut.
Mfg4
Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, Connecticut, USA
3-5 May, 2016
We caught up with Kim Farrugia, Mfg4 Senior Event Manager, to learn about the biennial event in an exclusive AMazing® Q&A conversation.
*******
AMazing®: Kim, thank you for your participation. Based upon your conversations with industry experts, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the aerospace, defense and medical sectors today? What can Mfg4 attendees learn and experience to help face these challenges?
Kim Farrugia: The Aerospace, defense and medical device industries share similar challenges: long project lifecycles, stringent regulations, mission-critical quality control, and a vital need for advanced manufacturing technologies. Attending Mfg4 provides a unique opportunity to explore the methods and products that are working in these industries and discover how they can be adapted and implemented within your operations.
AMazing®: In this highly competitive global economy, businesses are constantly trying to stay current with developing technologies and utilizing those technologies in a cost-effective manner. What new features and tools will be available to assist businesses to meet the everyday challenges of thriving in today’s global economy?
Kim Farrugia: Each year at Mfg4, exhibitors highlight new products and services that help the attendee enhance and improve their manufacturing processes. This year at Mfg4 2016 is no different. We have highlighted new products and services in our on-site directory available to all attendees which will easily direct them to must-see exhibitors. Workforce development is also a key issue for manufacturers. Finally, Mfg4 will feature show floor sessions discussing creative ways manufacturers can improve workforce development in their companies.
AMazing®: Would you please share some Mfg4 attendee demographics with us?
Kim Farrugia: While the Mfg4 event is located in the Northeast and attendees do come from that region, many attendees also come from key industry areas around the U.S., including California, Florida, Canada and more. They also represent various job functions, however, we have a high level of middle to upper level managers that attend. In fact, 38% of Mfg4 attendees are management level or above.
AMazing®: As interest in additive manufacturing continues to thrive, how has interest in additive manufacturing evolved at Mfg4? Will there be any special sessions to help businesses with commercialization of additive technologies?
Kim Farrugia: We recognize that additive manufacturing and 3D Printing have the interest of many manufacturers. Since its first offering, Mfg4 has always included topics in this area. This year our medical keynote on Wednesday, May 5th will be given by Stryker Orthopaedics.
Gene Kulesha, Senior Director, Platform Technology Engineering, Research and Development Business Unit, Reconstructive Division will cover Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing for Orthopaedic Devices. There are several other sessions offered in the Intersection, on the event floor, that address the use of additive manufacturing in the focus industries.
AMazing®: Mfg4 will feature notable events like GE’s ‘21st Century Brilliant Factories’ by Stephan Biller of GE Global Research and a SME moderated panel discussion titled ‘The future of Smart Manufacturing’. What can businesses and employees hope to gain by attending these sessions?
Kim Farrugia: GE is a leader in many industries. Mr. Biller, Chief Manufacturing Scientist will share how a global company such as GE continuously strives to re-invent themselves to stay ahead of the competition. This topic also ties in with the Smart Manufacturing Panel lead by SME’s Advanced Manufacturing Media to include panelists from Cisco, Bystronic, MEMEX and Rockwell Automation. It will cover the future of manufacturing and how the digital transformation is beginning to take root in U.S. manufacturing sector. Both the GE presentation and the Smart Manufacturing Panel provide insights into what manufacturing facilities should be looking to implement today.
AMazing®: Finally, what insider tips and strategies would you like to share with Mfg4 attendees to help maximize their event experience?
Kim Farrugia: The Mfg4 event has a new mobile app that allows attendees to plan their event experience. With over 200 exhibitors and multiple industry and technology presentations attendees are sure to find new ideas and technologies that can give them the competitive edge. We also have a Crossroads of Manufacturing networking reception on the event floor that provides an excellent opportunity to meet with exhibitors, speakers and other attendees to talk about common issues with like-minded individuals.
This concludes our interview. Thank you very much Kim for your participation. We are very grateful for the opportunity to learn about this year’s Mfg4 event.
*******
About Kim Farrugia:
Kim Farrugia, CEM, joined SME in 1998 and is currently a senior event manager for the Mfg4 and EASTEC events. She has over 25 years serving multiple industries developing events with various manufacturing technologies. Kim is responsible for ensuring that SME advance and educate the manufacturing industry at every event she produces.
About Mfg4
Manufacturing is growing and changing… moving from low value repetitive assembly to high value, technology-rich products and services. To serve the evolving needs of East Coast industry, SME produces this exclusive event focused on the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. These three major industries are driving change through their supply chains and leading the way in innovation and collaboration.
Mfg4 surpasses the traditional manufacturing technology event by delivering content and suppliers mandated by industry. Mfg4 is an event for industry developed by industry, with an emphasis on industry-specific solutions with attention to cross-collaboration.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a non-profit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, governments 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 the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitteror facebook.com/SMEmfg.
Questions can be directed to:
Ashley Areeda
communications@sme.org
313-425-3187
