Thank you to our Sponsors:
Transforming the Factory Floor with Smarter AI.
Discover how AI is transforming the future of manufacturing at the NextGen Manufacturing Summit.
This exciting event will feature a dynamic keynote from Microsoft, expert panel discussion, and an exhibitor showcase, the summit brings together manufacturers, tech leaders, and innovators to share insights and spark new ideas.
Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or looking to scale your capabilities, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead the next leap in industrial innovation.
*This event is intended for manufacturers. Non-manufacturers may participate by becoming sponsors.
What to Expect:
Keynote Presentation and Panels
Gain perspective and spark ideas through a dynamic mix of keynote insights and panel conversations.
Exhibitors and Demos
Explore hands-on demos and connect with exhibitors showcasing tools, technologies, and services shaping the future.
Connect, Learn, and Lead
Build new connections and strengthen existing ones throughout the day. Whether during sessions or informal conversations, this event offers plenty of chances to engage with peers and share ideas.
AI at the Intersection of Industry 4.0…
Keynote Speaker: Mark R. Beckmann
Sr. Director, Manufacturing Industry Solutions, Microsoft Worldwide Manufacturing
Mark Beckmann serves as Sr. Director of Manufacturing Industry Solutions at Microsoft, where he leads global initiatives to help manufacturers innovate, enhance performance, and drive growth. His work spans discrete and process industries, focusing on engineering, operations intelligence, workforce development, supply chain optimization, and sales systems—emphasizing the transformative role of AI across each.
Mark regularly shares Microsoft’s insights on technologies reshaping the industry, including AI, IoT, digital twins, augmented reality, and data strategy. He also addresses topics like digital agriculture and sustainability in global food systems.
He serves on the advisory board of Case Western Reserve’s xLab and has been Microsoft’s liaison to MxD. With 40 years in the IT industry—17 of those at Microsoft—Mark is a frequent speaker on Industry 4.0, intelligent supply chains, workforce transformation, and the future of AI in manufacturing.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Agenda
- Mark R. Beckmann, Sr. Director, Manufacturing Industry Solutions, Microsoft Worldwide Manufacturing
- While Industry 4.0 laid the foundation, AI is now the engine driving real, measurable change and value on the factory floor and overall operations. Manufacturers are finding that democratized AI is that evolution, enhancing productivity, quality, and resilience across the value chain. This session will share real-world use cases from manufacturers applying AI across the frontline, engineering, production, and supply chain—offering practical insights, measurable value, and lessons learned driving towards the ultimate value of this industrial revolution.
Panelists:
- Chris Misztur, Founder of MR.IIoT
- Jon Claxton, Finance Manager, Trim-Tex
- Robert Herrmann, CEO President of Rheo Engineering
- This panel features real examples of how organizations are putting AI into practice. Panelists will share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout their AI journeys.
- Colton Rentsch, Lead of Automation Controls Division at FPE Automation
- Complex bin picking applications are now within reach thanks to cutting-edge vision from Apera AI and the ease of deployment from Universal Robots. This session will cover system capabilities, real use cases, and how customers can quickly bring powerful automation to life to increase their ROI and maximize unattended runtime on the factory floor.
Panelists:
- Michael Atkisson, Ph.D, Director of Product Management, Epicor
- Drew Markley, VP of Sales, Core Business Solution
- Tony Papke, Sr. Director of Business Development at MxD
- Patrick Harrigan, VP of Partnerships, CADDI
- Artificial Intelligence is transforming how manufacturers operate—but what’s real progress, and what’s just noise? This dynamic panel brings together industry experts to explore the current state of AI and where it’s headed next. Through a “truth or myth” format, panelists will debunk common misconceptions, highlight successful implementations, and share practical insights for manufacturers looking to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
Why Sponsor NextGen?
Position your brand at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in manufacturing.
• Targeted Visibility
Audience of manufacturing leaders, tech decision-makers, and innovation champions
• Hands-On Exposure
Live demos and exhibitor showcases give attendees tactile,
real-time experiences with your technology and services
• Brand Recognition
Enjoy pre- and post-event promotion, on-site signage, and
inclusion in event marketing materials.
Sponsorship Levels
*The sponsorship deadline to be included in printed materials is June 30, 2025* Reach out to Camryn Tunney at ctunney@imec.org with questions or interest.
As a premier sponsor, your organization will receive top billing on all printed signage and digital materials, along with a speaking opportunity—your choice of providing opening or closing remarks. You'll also receive premier exhibition space, a full-page ad in both the printed program and digital slide presentation, one dedicated event email featuring short remarks from your organization, a social media post sent by IMEC, and two complimentary registrations.
As a platinum sponsor, your organization will be recognized during IMEC’s opening and closing remarks and featured prominently with logo placement on all event materials—both print and digital. You'll receive premier exhibition space, a half-page ad in the printed program and digital slide presentation, one dedicated social media post, and two complimentary registrations.
As a gold sponsor, your organization’s logo will be included on all event materials, both print and digital. You will also receive exhibition space and a quarter-page ad in the printed program and digital slide presentation.
As a meal sponsor, Your organization will receive recognition during welcome remarks or during a meal, along with logo placement on all event materials—both print and digital. You may also provide branded materials for display on tables during the event and and two complimentary registrations to attend the event.
As a silver sponsor, your organization’s logo will be featured on all event materials, both print and digital. You will also receive exhibition space and two complimentary registrations to attend the event.
As a supporting sponsor your logo will be present on event materials (print and digital).
Showcase your product live at the event. *This add-on is only available to sponsors with a package that includes an exhibitor table.