Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/415707
20 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • November 2014 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m An eye toward the future Manufacturing First Expo & Conference focuses on what's next O n Oct. 22, the Manufacturing First Expo & Conference at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay drew about 800 visitors, as well as about 150 students from area schools. The event focused on the next generation of manufacturing, launching with a keynote from millennial generation expert Seth Mattison, founder & CEO of Futuresight Labs. Autodesk strategist Diego Tamburini followed with a look at how consumer demand is evolving and impacting the way products are being manufactured. Afternoon keynote Greg Morris of GE Aviation spoke on the future of 3D printing, and CMD Corporation President Steve Sakai discussed developing innovative company culture. The day included booth talks and networking. Visitors to the 4th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference were able to stop by more than 150 vendor booths, including those hosted by WOW Logistics (above) and cineviz (below) to learn about their manufacturing-related products, service or educational programs. The expo and conference concluded with a cocktail networking reception, allowing the 800 registered attendees a chance to catch up and make connections. Cora Schroeder of Fowler (above) and Steve Toll of Fox Valley Metrology visit during the reception at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Keynote speaker Seth Mattison (bottom right), founder and CEO of FutureSight Labs, discusses the differences in generational working styles and offers ideas for how to integrate the two styles. Samantha Payne of Machine Plus, LLC, and Andrew Heyrman attend the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards dinner on Oct. 21. Payne is one of the alliance's 2015 All Stars, along with nine other young workers and two mentors. M I C H E L L E P U L L A R A / F I R S T B U S I N E S S B A N K P H O T O G R A P H S B Y M I C H E L L E P U L L A R A / F I R S T B U S I N E S S B A N K M A R G A R E T L E B R U N M A R G A R E T L E B R U N