Titled the "Discover Series," the conference will feature speakers from a number of companies, including Pfizer Inc. (New York), Nissan North America (Gardena, CA) and Toyota Motor North America Inc. (New York), as well as representatives from GE's global research and energy units.

Taking place at New Orleans' Fairmont Hotel, the event will cover techniques for optimizing existing equipment, achieving regulatory compliance and designing for manufacturing. There will also be hands-on workshops covering topics like data management, motion control, plantwide production management and controller strategies.

For more information on the event, visit www.gefanuc.com/discover2005.