Skokie to Host Smart Manufacturing Summit on November 4

Limited seating is still available for the Smart Manufacturing Summit at the Illinois Science and Technology Park on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. The panelists and presenters at this event will focus on rapidly evolving technology trends that will impact the manufacturing sector from product design and prototyping to new approaches to production. Manufacturing business representatives and educators, technology trainers and other manufacturing industry professionals are invited to attend this unique program. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m., with networking from 5 to 6 p.m. which include food and refreshments from Downtown Skokie restaurants. Admission is complimentary, but space is limited and advance registration is required. The program is co-sponsored by the Village’s Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Commission and its Economic Development Commission in cooperation with the Illinois Science and Technology Park.

The summit will convene thought leaders and local business owners from the Chicagoland area to discuss ‘smart manufacturing’ technologies and share ideas on collaboration to prepare for the next age of industrial design and production. The Village is pleased to announce that Jacob Goodwin, Director of Membership Engagement and Communication, Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute is the keynote speaker.

Specific topics addressed at the summit include:

· What does the next phase of industrial change look like, particularly related to 3D printing, CNC machining, virtual prototyping and other technologies?

· Where will industry growth occur, and what knowledge is essential for manufacturers and other industry professionals to stay current and profitable?

At the conclusion, attendees will have increased knowledge on technology trends that impact product design, customization and production; practical information about software and hardware capabilities and how to source systems that will support new innovations and insights into workforce development and training resources.

Other scheduled topics and speakers include:

· Trends in Smart Technology – Dr. Guillermo Ameer, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Surgery, Northwestern University Material Science Division; Dr. David Boulay, President, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center and Dima Elissa, Founder and CEO, VisMed 3D. Moderated by Tom Peters, Director of Business Operations, Symbol Training Institute.

· 3D Printing for Manufacturers – Bill Stahl, VP Sales and Service, Bastech, Inc.

· Preparing Future Innovators – Dr. Colette Hands, Interim Associate Vice President for Continuing Education, Training and Workforce Development, Oakton Community College; Dr. Robert Sompolski, Dean of Mathematics and Technologies, Oakton Community College and Chris Powell, Director of Applied Sciences and Technology, Niles Township High School District 219

The event will take place at 8045 Lamon Avenue, Skokie, at the Illinois Science + Technology Park. To register or for more information, email info@skokie.org or call 847-933-8210.