MMA Operations Conference 2024

Morning Keynote
Leading & Cultivating Sustainable Innovation

Unlock the essence of innovation by understanding its core qualities with Amy Seymour of Interactive Training Solutions. Explore why innovation is a key focus in the current Industry 4.0 revolution and how individuals can cultivate an innovative culture seamlessly. Attendees will discover the importance of creating an atmosphere of innovation to harness resilience, embrace change and prepare to create and sustain a culture of innovation effortlessly.

Pitch Event
Industry 4.0 Technology Pitch Event

The Industry 4.0 Accelerator will be presenting four unique technology solutions addressing some of the most common and challenging productivity issues facing manufacturers. Attendees will learn about Andonix, Detect-It, CrossBraining and Khenda and will engage in a voting process to determine a “Peoples Choice Award” for the most popular solution.

Pitchers:

Patrick Gaughan Khenda

Kevin Kerwin Detect-It

Josh Nichols CrossBraining

Oliver Theis Andonix

Judges:

Michael Billiel Star Cutter Company

Suzanne Morrison Hatch Stamping Company

Dan Radomski Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Tech University

John Walsh MMA

Achieving True Employee Engagement Using Evidence-Based Methods

Elevate small to mid-sized manufacturers’ effectiveness through Process-Based Leadership (PBL) and Open Book Management (OBM). Discover how aligning the entire workforce with strategic goals, not just management, enhances engagement. Glastender Inc.’s Todd Hall shares their journey implementing PBL in 2005 and OBM in 2009, emphasizing the transformative impact on employee involvement and company success. Uncover the power of these concepts in driving collective strategy and fostering a shared stake in success.

Driving Profitability: Understanding Your Costs and Operational Performance

With limited resources and competing priorities, delving into the specifics of cost structure is rarely prioritized — and usually quite difficult. Join Rehmann’s Jerry Benjamin for an informative session on cost management focused on improving small to mid-sized manufacturing expenses, especially those associated with selling, general operations and administration. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to develop a cost basis, operational capacity, quantify performance and a path forward to drive profitability.

Leverage your ISO Certifications to Enhance Cybersecurity Controls

Join Lisa Du Brock and Sally Smoczynski of Radian Compliance for an engaging discussion of attendee-specific questions related to cybersecurity management systems, providing mappings and recommendations to take back to their facilities for operational changes. This discussion will identify key areas of common requirements where cybersecurity controls can be embedded into pre-existing processes and policies.

Skills, Attitudes & Culture: Preparing for the AI Revolution

Stay ahead by ensuring you and your employees are equipped to maximize the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while maintaining high employee engagement. Led by Dale Carnegie’s Phil Zeller, unlock the potential of AI in your organization by empowering your leaders to prepare and support their employees with the essential skills and attitudes for successful implementation. Attendees will discover the key skills crucial for AI adoption, strategies to prepare and support employees and insights on leading through change to cultivate a thriving corporate culture.

The Dangers of Misapplying Lean Concepts to Human Learning

Explore the critical link between talent development and manufacturing competitiveness in this interactive session led by Ryan Pohl of Praeco Skills LLC. Discover how misapplied Lean Manufacturing hinders employee growth and learn about the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition. Participants will engage in activities differentiating Lean Manufacturing and the Dreyfus Model, self-assess company learning strategies and gain insights to guide corrective actions. Empower small to mid-sized manufacturers to align Lean Manufacturing with effective skill acquisition; fostering innovation and troubleshooting capabilities essential for sustained growth.

What Better Energy Management Can Do For You

Gain comprehensive insights into energy-related matters impacting overall manufacturing operations. This panel discussion with MMA, Enstar Energy, CPower Energy Management and the US Department of Energy’s Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership will feature topics such as essential energy management practices, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) demand response programs, solar installations, updates on Michigan’s energy bills and combined heat and power benefits.

Panelists:

Kellen Bollettino CPower Energy Management

Ben Campbell US Department of Energy Central Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership

Donald Johns EnStar Energy LLC

Mike Johnston MMA

Building a Strong Organizational Culture for Thriving Teams

Gain valuable insights into the art of crafting meaningful core values with Amigo Mobility International’s Jordan Thieme. Learn how to tailor those values to your company’s identity and discover the strategic methods to successfully implement them. Discover how fostering a culture that fuels sustained company growth is a must for evolving manufacturers.
 

Improving Operational Efficiency and Reducing Absenteeism through Effective Leave and Accommodation Practices

Elevate your leave laws training with expertise from Clark Hill PLC’s Brian Shekell as he presents this dynamic session, unraveling the complexities of employee leave options. From ADA to FMLA, Michigan Paid Leave, Workers’ Compensation and the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, gain insights and strategies to navigate with confidence.

Will Generative AI Really Transform Manufacturing?

Where should small to mid-sized manufacturers begin when looking at Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementations and how can they use current offerings to revolutionize their business? Join Amazon Web Services’ Aniket Vashisht to understand Generative AI and how it has impacted various domains within the manufacturing industry.