SME, Leader In Manufacturing Workforce Solutions, Announces Speakers For Upcoming SME FUSION Event

(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) SME FUSION: The Manufacturing Industry's Workforce Event

DETROIT, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating widespread adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and building North America's talent and capabilities, announced the confirmed speakers and panelists today for its workforce development event, SME FUSION. The event, which serves as a platform for industry, academia and community-based organizations to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of the manufacturing workforce, will take place April 8-10 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, MI.

SME FUSION keynotes, panels and roundtable sessions will cover manufacturing's biggest workforce challenges and opportunities, including:

Training to close the skills gap Leveraging AI in Workforce Development Sustainable onboarding Partnering with state government and manufacturing associations	Diversifying the talent pipeline Expanding access to manufacturing careers Comprehensive talent development and more

“We are entering an exciting phase in the evolution of manufacturing, where collaboration and innovation will shape the workforce of today and tomorrow," said Jeannine Kunz, SME executive director & CEO.“SME FUSION offers a powerful platform to bring together voices from across the manufacturing sector. This event will provide actionable insights, foster meaningful partnerships, and equip attendees with the tools they need to tackle the industry's most pressing workforce challenges. Together, we will inspire and drive the transformation of the manufacturing workforce, empowering employers and communities to take their next steps towards success in this rapidly changing landscape.”

Over two dozen manufacturing and workforce development leaders will participate as speakers, including:

Industry & Consultants Derek Anti, Global Director, Manufacturing Engineering Machining Category, Cummins Bill Berrian, CEO, Pindel Matt Carr, President & CEO, Storch Magnetics Nat Frampton, CEO, LECS Energy LLC Matt Hladki, Chief Administrative Officer, Grede Mardy Leathers, Ph.D., Principal, Hashtag Strategies Geoff Lipnevicius, Senior Manager, Organizational Effectiveness, Lincoln Electric Tara May, CEO, Aspiritech Christine McLear, Workforce Development Lead, GlobalFoundries Becca O'Toole, Partnership Development Director, Cengage Ready to Hire Daniel Rodriguez, Sales Director, Didactic NAM, Festo Didactic, Inc. Sara Ross, Chief Vitality Officer, BrainAmped – Keynote Speaker Daniel Sellhausen, Manager, Power Tool Accessory Prototyping, Milwaukee Tool Hugh Shadeed, Director, Learning & Development, Rivian Brian Stavola, Training and Development Specialist, Constellium	Higher Education Joann Blumenfeld, Catalyst Founder & Director, North Carolina State University Kelvin Byrd, Academic Dean, Greenville Technical College Adam Campbell, Dean, Career and Technical Education, Heartland Community College Barry Kinsey, Director of Workforce Development, Monroe County Community College Juan E. Meija, Ph.D., President & CEO, Tyler Junior College Annette Parker, Ph.D., President, South Central College Chris White, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development & Upward Mobility, State University of New York Terri Sandu, Director, Talent and Business Innovation, Lorain Community College
Associations, Non-Profits & Government Michael Eaton, Executive Director, Missouri Association of Manufacturing Mike Frame, Executive Vice President, The Manufacturers Association & The Manufacturers Alliance of NY State Tara Havlicek, Program Manager, MEAF, Grants Management, Disability, Inclusion & Volunteer Engagement, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Jeannine Kunz, CEO, SME – Keynote Speaker	Nick Moore, Director, Alabama Governor's Office of Education and Workforce Transformation Amy Stage, Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Development, The Manufacturers Association C. Dennis Triggs II, Director of Employment and Workforce Development, Urban League of West Michigan

In addition to dynamic keynote addresses and panel discussions, SME FUSION will feature interactive workshops and powerful networking opportunities. These sessions are always a highlight as attendees connect with others tackling and uniquely solving the same challenges. The time is designed to provide actionable strategies and ensuring the seamless transfer of institutional knowledge.

Additional speakers and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks, and the full event agenda can be accessed here .

SME FUSION is open to all individuals passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing and those who are committed to building a robust, future-ready workforce. Registration is now open, and those interested in attending can find more information about the event and secure their spot by visiting SME FUSION 's website.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America's talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org .

Media Contact:
Marirose Sartoretto
Communications Specialist, SME
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

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