2024 Conference Programme

Welcome cocktail reception

Join industry leaders, experts, colleagues, and peers for an enjoyable evening of networking and camaraderie at the welcome drinks reception, located at the The Henry Hotel, Dearborn, MI.

Dress code - Business casual.

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Conference welcome and keynote

Shaping North American manufacturing towards a lean, sustainable, and flexible future.

Conference open for registration, networking and refreshments

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Session: Lean, competitive and resilient

Hear strategies for shortening complex value chains and redefining end-to-end processes. Explore innovations across press, body, paint, and assembly that will make your manufacturing competive and stable.

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Session: Factory transformation and automation 

Understand how OEMs and suppliers are redesigning factories to leverage new technology and future-proof manufacturing. Experts will explore layout, tooling, and cultural changes, incorporating advanced robotics, flexible automation and AI across production processes.

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Networking break

Connect with old and new acquaintances to talk about all things manufacturing.

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Session: EV and battery integration   

Navigate the electrified future by adapting production lines for electric vehicles and powertrains. In this session experts will dive into the intricacies of battery pack and module production, and discuss system, data and crucial supplier relationships.

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Session: Manufacturing flexibility

In an age of uncertainty, understand how automotive manufacturers are adapting plants and processes for ever greater flexibility. Hear about the incorporation of AGVs, cobots and connected technologies to upgrade production lines for unparalleled flexibility across powertrain and vehicle types.

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Lunch and networking

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Session: Sustainable manufacturing practices

Understand the path toward sustainability through new vehicle architectures and materials, energy reduction, circular economy practices and more. Experts will discuss the responsible usage of materials and mixed materials in shaping an eco-friendlier manufacturing landscape.

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Session: The smart factory 

 Understand how the future of production can be a reality today through flexible automation, Industrial IoT, and the application of AI, including cutting-edge simulations, digital twins, and visualization systems.

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Networking break

Connect with old and new acquaintances to talk about all things manufacturing.

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Session: Optimising maintenance for production equipment

Learn how to elevate operational efficiency through advanced, digital maintenance strategies for production equipment. Understand how manufacturers are embracing predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

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Session: Human-centric manufacturing 

Understand how to nurture workforces in the smart factory, ensuring technology and tools help them work better. This session will focus on skills development and empowering workers to lead the charge in industry innovation.

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Session: Collaboration and partnership

AMS Evolution ends with discussion on how to move the industry forward through strategic collaboration. Explore successful case studies, understand changing OEM-supplier partnerships, and understand how cross-functional collaboration will drive efficiency, sustainability and flexibility in manufacturing.

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AMS North America closing drinks and networking

Participants can unwind, share insights, and build lasting connections during the closing drinks and networking session.