Content Driven by Industry Priorities
The strategic themes at the Digital Manufacturing Strategies Summit USA aren’t picked at random. They’re defined by our Advisory Committee of manufacturing leaders, based on what matters most right now.
You shape the next level of detail. When you register, we ask about your priorities and challenges. That insight feeds directly into the agenda, from the topics covered in panels and workshops to the Think Tank Challenge sessions you’ll take part in.
The result? Every conversation is built around real-world issues and investment priorities that matter to you and your peers.
2026 Headline Theme: Digitalising for future-ready factories
In an era where manufacturing is rapidly evolving, staying ahead requires more than just awareness. It demands action. Digital transformation is no longer optional. Factories must become smarter, greener and more connected.
The headline challenge is unpacked through four core themes reflecting the key challenges manufacturers face today:
Empowering the Digital Workforce
Close skills gaps, drive cultural transformation, and enable human–machine collaboration to build a resilient, digitally capable workforce.
Key Topics & Technologies:
Future-ready learning and AI-powered training platforms
Mixed reality (AR/VR) for immersive skills development
Digital leadership and a culture of innovation
Human–machine teaming and collaborative robots
Building trust in AI and autonomous systems
You’ll leave with: Practical strategies to upskill teams and strengthen AI-human collaboration and workforce readiness.
Built for Disruption
Secure and integrate connected environments by addressing cyber risk, continuity threats, modernising legacy systems and ensuring compliance.
Key Topics & Technologies:
Advanced cybersecurity threat detection and monitoring
IT/OT convergence to modernise legacy systems
Regulatory compliance and governance frameworks
Data quality, privacy, and control measures
Secure network architectures for resilient operations
You’ll leave with: A roadmap for resilient, cyber-secure, and compliant factories.
Smart Factory Innovations
Harness the latest innovations and integrate them into your ecosystem to increase efficiency, intelligence and agility in factory operations.
Key Topics & Technologies:
Adopt additive manufacturing and 3D printing
Optimise performance using digital twins and IoT platforms
Predict and solve issues faster with AI and machine learning
Improve precision through robotics and automation
Connect systems with integrated smart automation concepts
You’ll leave with: Real examples of technology delivering efficiency and agility at scale.
Scaling Digital Operations
Move beyond pilots to deliver enterprise-wide transformation that creates higher measurable ROI, efficiency and sustainability goals for long-term value.
Key Topics & Technologies:
Scaling successful pilots into full-plant rollouts
Building resilient supply chains with advanced digital tools
Green and energy-efficient tech for sustainable impact
Quantifying ROI and justifying digital investment
Enterprise-wide strategies for transformation at scale
You’ll leave with: A framework for scaling digital investments that deliver measurable value across enterpirse goals.
Why attend?
Personalized Agenda
Experience the summit like never before with a personalized agenda crafted just for you. Based on the information you provide during registration, we tailor your schedule to ensure you engage in workshops, meetings, and circle challenges that align perfectly with your current needs and interests. This bespoke approach guarantees that every session you attend is directly relevant, maximizing your learning and networking opportunities. Dive into interactive discussions, connect with industry leaders, and explore cutting-edge solutions that will drive your digital transformation journey forward. Your personalized agenda ensures you get the most out of every moment at the summit, making it an unmissable event for senior leaders in manufacturing.
Collaborative Event Format
Think Tank Challenges
Engage in three small group discussions on pre-set challenges. Select your topics before the event and collaborate over three 25-minute sessions to find solutions and assess impacts.
Workshop Presentations
Experience interactive sessions that prioritize engagement over traditional PowerPoint-heavy formats, fostering dynamic participation.
Hosted Roundtables
Join 45-minute roundtables with up to 10 guests, encouraging open dialogue and debate on pre-selected topics, moderated for engaging discussions.
Headline Panels
Participate in interactive main-stage panels where attendees can share experiences, ask questions, and challenge panelists for a dynamic session.
1-2-1 Meetings
Pre-arranged meetings during workshops offer a quiet space for meaningful discussions with relevant suppliers and experts.