The MAX eXperience educational program goes beyond traditional conference learning, offering attendees interactive, hands-on education, focused on real-world applications. Through a blend of workshops, education sessions, and peer-to-peer discussions, attendees will gain insights into automation, manufacturing safety, engineering and standards, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, workforce development, and operational excellence. All sessions are led by industry experts who are actively implementing these technologies on the plant floor.

The program will kick off on Tuesday, March 24, with six in-depth workshops, each providing focused, actionable learning opportunities led by subject-matter experts from industry, government and technology providers. Workshop topics include safety and ergonomics in manufacturing; strengthening quality and competitiveness through improved measurement systems; using AI to optimize production; advancing sustainability through next-generation adhesive, coating, and packaging technologies; designing mixed-model production lines using digital twins; and robotics and automation.

Education continues on Wednesday and Thursday, with a robust schedule of education sessions on the Main Stage examining emerging trends and breakthrough technologies influencing manufacturing and automation. Topics include the impact of producer responsibility laws on manufacturing; laying the groundwork for successful AI adoption; leveraging 5G to create smart, connected factories; lessons learned from reshoring; trends in industrial coatings; and building a future-ready workforce. 

Lunch roundtable discussions will be held each day in the exhibit hall for MAX eXperience participants, providing additional opportunities for peer exchange and industry dialogue.

The keynote presentation, “The Future of Manufacturing,” will take place on the Main Stage and will explore how smart factories can help manufacturers remain competitive. The keynote will be delivered by Jaemin Kim, marketing director of the Smart Factory Solutions Center and Production Engineering Research Institute at LG Electronics. 

Modern manufacturing is no longer just fastening tools and conveyers; it is a mix of artificial intelligence, automation, and the engineers and assemblers who work alongside technology. Nowhere is this more evident than at LG Electronics’ appliance assembly plant in Clarksville, TN, which produces washers and dryers. The state-of-the-art factory produces one new appliance every 13 seconds. More than 900 people work alongside 200 autonomous mobile robots and 130 fixed robots. The keynote presentation take you behind the scenes.

Want to see the latest technology in action? The MAX is offering tours of Nissan’s assembly plant in Smyrna, TN, and LG’s appliance assembly plant in Clarksville, TN. The tours are offered Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon from 12 to 4 p.m.

“The MAX eXperience program is built to deliver meaningful, applicable learning,” said Bill DeYoe, executive director of BNP Media’s manufacturing technologies division. “By combining in-depth workshops with high-level education sessions and a keynote presentation, MAX creates a unique environment where attendees can explore new ideas, learn from peers, and take home strategies they can immediately apply within their organizations.”

Manufacturing professionals from numerous Fortune 500 manufacturing companies have already registered for attend the event, including Cummins, Deere, Delta Faucet, Denso Manufacturing, Duracell, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kubota, Mazda, Stanley Black & Decker, Toyota, Trane, Ultium Cells, Whirlpool and Yamaha.

In addition to the education program, MAX will feature a dynamic exhibit floor showcasing the latest products and services supporting automation, smart manufacturing, robotics, safety, and workforce development. Four Learning HUBs on the show floor will provide continuous live presentations during the two days of the show. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) will also host 15-minute expert-led talks featuring practical quality insights in Booth 605 throughout both show days.

The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange is designed for manufacturing executives, plant managers, engineers, operations leaders, and technology professionals seeking to stay ahead of industry change and accelerate innovation across their organizations. Professionals from automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, appliances, new energy, consumer products, and general manufacturing will want to attend the event.

BNP Media produces MAX through its industry-leading brands: ASSEMBLY, Quality, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), Packaging Strategies, and Paint & Coatings Industry.

Registration is now open at theMAXevent.com. Through March 7, expo-only admission is $20 for buyers or users of manufacturing technology, or $75 for representatives of non-exhibiting technology suppliers or vendors. For $200, manufacturing professionals can purchase a MAX eXperience Pass, which provides VIP access to all workshops on March 24, exclusive Main Stage sessions and roundtable luncheons with industry leaders on March 25-26, express badge pickup, special badge recognition, and an exclusive attendee giveaway.