Beyond the Bot – AI’s Next Leap in Manufacturing.

NextGen Manufacturing Summit

JULY 22ND | NIU NAPERVILLE | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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AI and Human Connection image of a robot hand and human hand touching

 

 

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. 

Register Today!

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

(Full Agenda Coming Soon)

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.

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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.

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.

Thank you to our Sponsors: 

NextGen Summit Sponsor Logos