ManufacturingNEXT (virtual)

Artificial Intelligence - What it is and why it is important to Michigan manufacturers?

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing can provide answers to some difficult problems, but jumping into this technology can create as many questions as it does answers. Join us to gain insight into what AI is, how businesses can drive value through its application, and the challenges you may face along the way. We will hear from panelists who are applying this technology in their business, those evaluating it's value, and how organizations could be preparing their workforce to take on this next evolution of technology in Manufacturing.

Speakers

Katie Rey
Data scientist, Steelcase

Katie's work at Steelcase focuses on the smart and connected business and performing analyses in space analytics. In addition to implementing and spreading awareness of AI & Deep Learning techniques at Steelcase, she has also taught a session on this topic at Big Data Ignite in Grand Rapids, MI. Katie completed her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her master’s degree and PhD in Statistics from Iowa State University. In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, drawing, and reading.

Sarah Rose
Owner of Rise: Career Navigation Coaching LLC and Program director - Grand Rapids Community College
Sarah currently serves as the Program Director in one of Grand Rapids Community College’s specialized academic advising programs specifically designed to increase graduates in career and technical education programs.  More recently, Sarah has trained as a coach at Co-Active Training Institute and has her own coaching business, Rise: Career Navigation Coaching LLC.  Sarah’s business helps organizations navigate the pivots that will be necessary in Industry 4.0 by coaching and training employees to tap into their inner leader, creativity, passion, and values to stay relevant for the future.

Kelly Springer
CEO and president, Metal Flow
Kelly oversees all operations at both their Holland and Wuxi, China facilities. Kelly joined Metal Flow in February of 2013 as Chief Financial Officer after spending 22 years in public accounting. Kelly has made significant contributions to the community through her involvement in a variety of organizations including her current roles as a member of the Michigan West Coast Chamber Board of Directors, as a member of the Michigan Women’s Foundation Advisory Council, and as the Executive Champion for Inforum’s Manufacturing NEXT group. She was recognized in the fall of 2017 as the recipient of the Lakeshore Athena Leadership Award.

Moderator

Kim Burmeister
Vice President of Customer Experience and Delivery, SpinDance
Kim leads delivery teams to help companies turn their IoT vision into a reality. She believes that all aspects of life and business can be improved by listening to feedback, even the stuff that is hard to hear. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in Logistics from Central Michigan University and spent much of her early career working for a Transportation Management Software company where she quickly became intrigued by software and its impact on the world. As a certified Scrum Product Owner, she dove headfirst into technology and making life easier through its application. Her passion is finding ways to drive improvements that are felt by her team members and customers. 

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