MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene the industrial base to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD.

Their next annual summit will be 16 and 17 September 2025 at their Chicago factory of the future.

About the Event

Join us for our biggest event of the year focused on the forefront of continuous improvement in manufacturing. This event will gather industry leaders, technical experts, government partners and practitioners to explore critical themes in digital manufacturing, including practical applications, cybersecurity, workforce development, and emerging technologies.

Both days of the summit are open to members and non-members. Through a blend of interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, factory floor tours, and keynote presentations, attendees will gain actionable insights to drive digital advancements in their organizations and across the manufacturing sector.

Focus Areas and Specifics:

1. Practical Applications: Dive into real-world use cases of digital technologies applied to manufacturing — examining what drives efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Emerging Technologies: Explore advancements in the technologies that are reshaping production lines and supply chains.
3. Cybersecurity: Examine cybersecurity best practices, threat mitigation strategies, and compliance essentials specific to manufacturing.
4. Workforce Development: Learn about training initiatives, upskilling pathways, and strategies for building a skilled workforce to prepare for a tech-enabled future.

Value to Attendees:

1. Deeper understanding of digital manufacturing tools and strategies, along with practical guidance for implementing these advancements.
2. Networking with peers, partners, clients, and colleagues.
3. Gain insights from thought leaders and actionable strategies for your organization’s digital journey.

Agenda:

Monday, September 15 (Attendance Optional)

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 16

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.    Registration/ Networking/ Tech Showcase

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.   Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Keynote presentation: “The Future of Manufacturing and Digital Transformation”
Dr. Eng. Masahiko Mori, Founder and President, DMG MORI

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  Break/ Networking/ Tech Showcase

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  “Why the U.S. Industrial Base is Critical to National Security”

11:30 a.m. – 12: 15 a.m. “AI in Manufacturing”
Kevin Wood, Chief Global IIoT Architect, Cisco

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  Lunch/ Networking/ Tech Showcase

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  “Trust Is a Two-Way Contract: Resetting the OEM–Supplier Relationship”
Greg Davidson, Global Commodity Executive, Rolls-Royce
Jamie Goettler, Chief Revenue Officer, BTX Precision
Colleen Sall, IL Program Specialist, APEX Accelerator
Moderator: Rodrigo Cambiaghi, Consulting Managing Partner, EY

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Break/ Networking

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  Topical Breakout Tracks

Digital Adoption Track
Session 1: “Taking the First Digital Step with Legacy Equipment”
Adam Henckler, Superintendent of Facilities & Equipment, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Session 2: “Access to Capital for SMMs”
Kristi Dula, Deputy Director at Illinois DCEO
TBD speaker, Wintrust

Cybersecurity Track
Session 1: “Demystifying CMMC”
Tara Lemieux, Sr. Cybersecurity Expert, Phoenix TS
Session 2: “Cyber Threat Intelligence”
Dr. Sam Liles, Writer, Sailor & Veteran Cybersecurity Leader
Joshua Ray, Founder & CEO, Black Wire Labs
Silas Cutler, Principal Security Researcher, Censys
Moderator: Michael Tanji, Director Cybersecurity, MxD

Workforce Track
Session 1: “Readying Workers for the Future Factory”
Aneesa Muthana, CEO, M&M Quality Grinding
Huy Vo, Sales Lead Technician, M&M Quality Grinding
Session 2: “AI-enabled Worker Safety”
Jim Kennedy, PPC Flex
Nilay Parikh, Founder and CEO, Arvist

3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Wrap-Up

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Networking Reception/ Tech Showcase/ Factory Floor Tours

Wednesday, September 17

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.    Registration/ Networking/ Tech Showcase

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.  Welcome/ Day 2 Overview

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.  “Value & Impact of the Institutes, and Vision for the Future”
Keith DeVries, Director of Manufacturing Technology (ManTech), DoD OUSD R&E

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. “Selling Digital Transformation Within Your Organization”
Lauren Seaver, Ph.D., Sr. Director, Division Engineering, Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. “Building Supply Chain Intelligence with AI”
Ron Norris, CEO, Advanced Innovation Management (AIM)

11:15 a.m. – Noon  “The Impact of Gray Zone Conflict on Manufacturing”
Bob Gourley, CTO, OODA, LLC
Gentry Lane, CEO & Founder, Nemesis Global
Neal Pollard, Partner, Control Risks
Moderator: Michael Tanji, Cybersecurity Director, MxD

Noon – 1:00 p.m.  Lunch/ Networking/ Tech Showcase

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  “Achieving Production Precision with Digital Twin”
Cody Johnson, Industry 4.0 Lead, Energetics and Warheads Directorate, U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  Exec Roundtable: Arsenal Democracy: Can the Industrial Base Respond Like WWII?
Speakers TBD

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Main Stage Wrap-Up

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. OSTP Advanced Manufacturing RFI / Factory Floor Tour

For more and to register see: https://www.mxdusa.org/events/archive/2025-manufacturing-x-digital-annual-summit/