The SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo, the state’s most significant manufacturing event of the year, is going virtual! Missed the conference & expo on October 29th-30th? No worries, you can still watch 14 hours of content on-demand, including such events as: Manufacturing Excellence Awards, Future of Manufacturing, Industry 4.0: The Next Revolution, Economic Outlook for Auto and Aerospace Industries, Women in Manufacturing and Building the Workforce of the Future. You’ll also be able to watch several keynote speakers and conversation with manufacturing CEOs about hot topics, such as Industry 4.0 and workforce challenges. AND…the technology backing our virtual Expo is amazing. If you’ve never seen a virtual Expo before, be sure to check it out.
SCMEP TRAINING COURSES AT THE CONFERENCE
The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s Continuous Improvement training and consulting solutions prepare manufacturers to implement a wide range of continuous improvement tools that provide sustainable results. We are pleased to offer the following training tracks sponsored by Anderson University:
For more information and to register for our training, go to SCBizUpskill.com
LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT COURSES
These courses focus on development for Leaders, Managers, Professionals and Human Resources. Earn 9 SHRM/HRCI credits through our courses taught by top industry professionals. From HR Trends to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Modern Workplace - you will be able to learn and improve your leadership skills through the 9 courses offered.
For more information and to register for our training, go to SCBizUpskill.com
Click here to see our current list of Exhibitors.
There are virtual expos and then there are VIRTUAL EXPOS! The technologically-advanced format is intuitive, engaging and allows you access to top companies in the manufacturing industry. This virtual expo will be available until November 30th, allowing you plenty of time to explore.
PLEASE VISIT THE EXHIBIT HALL WITH 85+ COMPANY BOOTHS FOR YOU TO EXPLORE
A CONVERSATION: PROVEN RESOURCES FOR MANUFACTURERES IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD
SUMMARY: CEOs from four key support organizations discuss how their companies support South Carolina’s vibrant manufacturing industry.
SPEAKER(s):Chuck Spangler
CEO, SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Susie Shannon
CEO, SC Council on Competitiveness
Bob Quinn
Executive Director, SC Research Authority
Tim Hardee
President, SC Technical College System
SUMMARY: Manufacturing facilities across the globe are in a constant state of transformation. Cutting-edge technologies, such as predictive analytics, additive manufacturing, cobots, automated guided vehicles, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, create challenges but provide endless opportunity. Hear how one plant is getting smarter by the day.
SPEAKER: Kevin Graham, Director, Plant Engineering, Volvo Cars
SPONSOR: Roebuck Buildings Co.
SUMMARY: The I4 conversation continues with an inside look at how a global leader in manufacturing automotive systems is currently implementing new technologies and preparing for the future.
GUEST: Antonio Vaz, Director, Production Engineering and Digital Innovation, JTEKT
A CONVERSATION: LEADERSHIP TRAINING
SUMMARY: Conference attendees will have the opportunity to take a training course on leadership training. SHRM/HRCI and other credits offered. You will receive an overview of the training and instructions on how to register.
GUEST: Nancy McCartney, Owner, HR Bridging
SUMMARY: The SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides South Carolina manufacturers with a wide range of innovative strategies and solutions. The organization also offers dozens of training courses for manufacturing employees and spearheads the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards program. You will get an overview of the training courses available and a preview of the upcoming awards show.
GUEST: Chuck Spangler, CEO, SCMEP
SPONSORS: Choate Construction and Anderson University
SUMMARY: SCRA brings together the key players in innovation to support the advanced manufacturing and materials sectors, and facilitates collaboration between the state’s manufacturing powerhouses, emerging companies and academia. Hear how their mission leads to growth.
A CONVERSATION WITH: Bob Quinn, Executive Director, SC Research Authority
SUMMARY: Industry 4.0 refers to a wide range of new technologies that are increasingly prevalent on today’s Smart Manufacturing factory floors. Get a first-hand look at how one company is navigating the 4.0 landscape.
SUMMARY: Fast-changing, disruptive technologies are hitting manufacturing facilities like a cyclone and profoundly changing industrial production. What will the factory of the future look like with respect to its structure, technologies and processes? Watch and imagine.
SPEAKER: Kai Woerner, VP and Technical Plant Mgr., Robert Bosch
SPONSOR: MAU Workforce Solutions
A CONVERSATION: SMART MANUFACTURING AND BEST PRACTICES LEARNED FROM MULTIPLE DEPLOYMENTS
SUMMARY: As manufacturers start Industry 4.0 deployments, they should carefully consider best practices and lessons learned. Avoid falling into the "Proof of Concept Purgatory." Instead deliver an ROI during each stage of deployment. Delays in implementation delay savings. Learn what NOT to do.
GUEST: Richard Phillips, Director, Smart Manufacturing Solutions, Polytron
THE SC COUNCIL ON COMPETITIVENESS FOSTERS VARIETY OF INDUSTRY CLUSTERS
SUMMARY: The Council manages select industry clusters and provides the research and resources they need to thrive. How is it accomplished? You will also receive an overview of the the Council’s Aerospace Economic Impact Study.
A CONVERSATION WITH: Susie, Shannon, CEO, SC Council on Competitiveness
SPONSOR: Truist Bank, Camp Hall
SUMMARY: The diverse aerospace cluster has been one of the fastest growing industries in South Carolina. Is it still growing? What is the outlook? Results of the study will be presented for the first time at the conference.
PRESENTER: Joey Von Nessen, Research Economist, Darla Moore School
INDUSTRY REACTION
Steve Townes, CEO, Ranger Aerospace and President, ACL Airshop
SUMMARY: Clusters allow companies to be more innovative and productive by providing access to a shared pool of specialized resources. Discover how exactly that works and how you can benefit.
MODERATOR: Susie, Shannon, President and CEO, SC Council on Competitiveness
PANELISTS:
TOPIC #1: ROBOTICS AND SENSORS FOR THE HUMAN WELL-BEING
Venkat Krovi, Michelin Endowed Chair of Vehicle Automation, Clemson University – International Center for Automotive Research
TOPIC #2: DRIVING ZERO-DOWNTIME WITH PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
Mo Abuali, Managing Partner, IoTco
TOPIC #3: MACHINE VISION WITH DEEP LEARNING
SUMMARY: How much has the industry been damaged because of the recent
shutdown? Is it rebounding? What does the future hold?
PRESENTER: Kevin Roberts, Global Automation Sr. Analyst, E&Y
SPONSOR: Burr Forman McNair
PLEASE VISIT THE EXHIBIT HALL AND SEE 85+ COMPANY BOOTHS FOR YOU TO EXPLORE
OPENING KEYNOTE
SUMMARY: Manufacturers are adopting innovative technologies and digitizing processes to become more efficient. As a result, companies are upskilling existing employees and looking for new skills when filling roles. Learn about new technologies that are gaining traction and the type of talent needed to manage the technologies.
SPEAKER: Jonathan Weiss, VP, Emerging Technologies, Software AG
SUMMARY: Increasingly, advanced manufacturing companies are turning to apprenticeship to develop, grow and retain a skilled workforce. Modern-day programs can combat a variety of workforce challenges.
GUESTS:
SPONSOR: Greenville Technical College
SUMMARY: Logistics is one of the largest and fastest growing industry clusters in South Carolina. The recently completed impact study shows just how important it is to the state’s economy.
PRESENTER: Taylor Jackson, Director of SC Logistics, SC Council on Competitiveness
INDUSTRY REACTION: Dave Edwards, CEO, GSP International Airport and Chair of SC Logistics Executive Committee
KEYNOTE: EXAMINING THE TRENDS
SUMMARY: A long-time executive at BMW Plant Spartanburg, Hitt will provide his unique insight into the direction of the industry in South Carolina.
SPEAKER: SC Secretary of Commerce, Bobby Hitt
SPONSOR: Upstate SC Alliance
KEYNOTE: LOOKING AHEAD; PLANNING SUPPORT
SUMMARY: As new higher-tech skills are required of manufacturing employees, the tech college system is poised to meet the training demand.
SPEAKER: Dr. Tim Hardee, President, SC Technical College System
SPONSORS: AFL, SC Tech College System
SUMMARY: A variety of excellence awards will be handed out at the 23rd annual event, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
PRESENTER: Chuck Spangler, CEO, SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership
SPONSORS: Choate Construction, BlueCross BlueShield
SUMMARY: Women make up only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. However, the industry’s attitude toward recruiting and promoting women has been changing and the gender gap is narrowing. Four executive women will share their past experiences and their hope for the future.
MODERATOR: Catherine Hayes. Manufacturing Industry Mgr., SCRA
PANELISTS:
SPONSOR: Nephron Pharmaceuticals and Michelin
CLOSING KEYNOTE: SC Gov. Henry McMaster
SPONSOR: Zverse