Skip to content

Conference

Smart Fabrication

AI Solutions for Real World Shop Floor Problems

  • Date

  • Time

  • Experience Level

    Intermediate

  • Location

    N223-224

Overview

Presentations

Beyond the Hype: AI Solutions for Today’s Real-World Manufacturing Pain Points

Intermediate 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

This interactive session moves beyond the theoretical hype of Artificial Intelligence to provide small and mid-sized manufacturing leaders with a practical roadmap for integrating AI into existing shop-floor processes. Through real-world case studies and live surveys, we will examine high-impact deployments ranging from intelligent scheduling and downtime reduction to predictive demand forecasting and automated RFP responses. Participants will explore how to transition from basic experimentation to measurable results by prioritizing specific business pain points over fleeting technology trends. Beyond the tech, the discussion covers critical frameworks for data governance, workforce training, and building a culture that sustains AI-augmented productivity. Attendees will leave with a clear strategy and a step-by-step plan to implement safe, scalable AI that drives profitability and a healthy workplace environment.

Building AI Agents from Scratch: A Manufacturer's Guide

Intermediate 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

Manufacturers have the power to turn everyday challenges into smart, automated solutions with AI. In this interactive session, participants will watch a live demonstration of building an AI agent from scratch, demystifying the process and highlighting the critical attributes of agent design. We'll break down the essential components—goals, data, tools, and more—so attendees can envision how these concepts apply to their own unique situation. The session wraps up with a self-assessment of AI readiness across five key pillars: people, process, data, applications, and security. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for agent design, along with actionable direction for resolving readiness gaps that could stall future AI investment.

About the Speakers

  • Vince Sassano

    Strategic Performance Company, Inc.

    Biography

    Vince Sassano is the President of Strategic Performance Company, Inc. (SPC), a technology provider specializing in cost-effective, low-risk digital transformation. SPC meets manufacturers where they're at to improve productivity and drive frontline worker engagement, leading to data-driven decisions, greater profitability, and sustainable cultural change. Vince has 30+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including numerous certifications in data integration technologies.

    More Details about Vince

  • Jake Rohrer

    Wipfli

    Biography

    Jake Rohrer is a digital strategist at Wipfli who helps manufacturers evaluate, implement, and optimize enterprise technology. He architects digital strategies and roadmaps grounded in process improvement, data, and integration, drawing on Lean Six Sigma training and a background in IT and supply chain. His work spans ERP selection, operational technology, IIoT, and business intelligence for mid‑market companies.

    More Details about Jake

Pricing & Registration

Sessions Member Price Non-Member Price
Individual Sessions $195 $220
Workshops $499 $599
Best ValueFull Conference
(5-10 Sessions)
$795 $900

Sessions Member Price Non-Member Price
1 Session $112.50 $125
2 Sessions $202.50 $225
3 Sessions $270 $300
4-8 Sessions $405 $450

Sessions Members Non-members*
Half-Day Workshops (W4, W11) FREE FREE
One-Hour Sessions (W12, W13, W14, W18) FREE FREE
Two-Hour Sessions (W16, W17) $50 $75
Weld-Ed Conference (W5) $50 $75
Half-Day Sessions (W2, W3, W7, W10) $345 $430
Half-Day SPARKS AND STEEL (W8) $250 $250
Full-Day Sessions (W6, W9)* $565 $665
Two-Day Session (W1) $795 $895
Professional Program (W15) $395 $495

* Non-member price for AWS Welding Full-Day Sessions includes a one-year AWS Individual Membership.

Popular Searches

Search results for ''

Page