Spring is a time for growth and to fertilize your ideas. A time to attend the industry conferences and events where you can learn, network, inspire, and gain the direction and technologies to innovate and create growth for your business.
I attended Advanced Design & Manufacturing Cleveland, which showcased solutions in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, new materials, and much more across the advanced design and manufacturing space.
The highlight for me was the keynote presenter JB Straubel, CTO and co-founder of Tesla Inc.
JB shared his insight and experience in the automotive, battery, manufacturing, and energy industries. I enjoyed his passion and innovation that started with his now lifelong interest in electric vehicles, including rebuilding an electric golf cart at the age of 14 and building a hybrid trailer system that he designed while in college at Stanford. He shared a vision and idea that remains his passion for sustainable US manufacturing, that has extended beyond electric vehicles to batteries and solar. What started out in a garage at 14, has developed into a company leading the way in energy and US manufacturing, including Tesla’s massive gigafactory that’s about ten stories tall, multiple floors of manufacturing and a supply chain focused on backward integration and sustainability.
JB had a good open session of Q&A. I participated in the meet and greet, including individual time. I asked JB about his focus on solar and lithium batteries vs other options for sustainable energy. This was a great start to a season of learning and networking. The story board from the presentation:
Where are the next opportunities for learning and networking?
In the specialty materials industry, you have many options and one must decide how best to spend your time. I have attended many industry events and conference in my years. Now as a recruiter, I focus on those events where I can network and learn about the new initiatives and products that are creating the growth and special needs for capabilities and people.
In the foodservice industry, I am still learning and will attend the National Restaurant Association Show. This is the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry that takes place every May in Chicago.
I look forward to the industry events and networking with my clients, candidates and friends in the industry.
Upcoming material conferences I will be attending:
Ceramics Expo – This event has become the annual focal point for the North American ceramic community and all the user industries that rely on ceramic technologies. The massively expanded event stands as a unique showcase for all the latest start materials, industrial equipment, technical ceramic components, processing expertise, analysis and testing devices, thermal technologies and precision finishing systems that keep this sector at the forefront of manufacturing advances. http://www.ceramicsexpousa.com/
RAPID + TCT – An additive manufacturing event that showcases product innovations and offers collaborative learning opportunities to ultimately accelerate the adoption and advancement of the technology. The two industry leaders in 3D technology events, SME and Rapid News Publications Ltd., are combining their nearly 30 years of insights and experience to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event starting in 2017. http://www.rapid3devent.com/
NRA Show 2017 – The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry that takes place every May in Chicago. This event showcases products like bakery items, kitchen tools, table ware, flatware, crockery, food service technology, catering paraphernalia, sustainable products, snacks and munchins etc. in the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering industry. https://show.restaurant.org/Home
SAMPE 2017 Seattle – The only technical conference and exhibition exclusively dedicated to advanced materials and processes. Over 250 exhibiting companies showcase their products and solutions during this event. Furthermore, the technical conference features the latest technologies and research advancements in the industry. http://www.sampeamerica.org/
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