Wednesday, June 3
7:00am – 10:00am
Breakfast on your own
8:30am – 3:00pm
Registration Open
10:00am – 11:30pm
Boss vs. Leader
Speaker: Jeremiah Sinks
Many organizations promote from within, which can lead to the creation of “bosses” who are the primary point of contact for new hires once they hit the floor. Many times, poor leadership (bosses) chase these new hires right out the door, never to return. This session explores:
- Why and how a boss is developed instead of a leader
- How to shift out of being a boss and start becoming a leader
- How a boss mentality directly relates to your organizational reputation in the community and affects how attractive you are to potential employees
- The top four things all new and tenured employees want from leadership
11:30pm – 12:00pm
Meet the Sponsors
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Convergence of Advanced Manufacturing and Data Provenance
Speaker: Joel Neidig
Advanced manufacturing is rapidly converging with data provenance, enabling physical parts to securely carry and communicate their own digital history. This talk explores how embedding trusted data directly into manufactured components unlocks traceability, compliance, and long-term value across the lifecycle.
- Demonstration of embedding encrypted data within an additive manufactured part
- Role of MTConnect in standardizing and capturing manufacturing data streams
- Integration with LOTAR International for secure long-term archiving and retrieval
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Networking Break
2:30pm – 2:55pm
Fireside Chat with Indiana Governor Mike Braun
What does it take to power a state’s economy? In this fireside chat, the Governor of Indiana shares insights on the critical role manufacturing plays in driving growth across communities, from job creation and workforce development to innovation and global competitiveness. With a spotlight on the gear and bearing industry as essential infrastructure behind nearly every sector, this conversation will explore the real-world impact of manufacturing today and what lies ahead for the future.
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Leverage the Latest Developments in Robotics
Speaker: Kristian Hulgard
4:00pm – 5:00pm
What Robot Start-Ups Need from Gear and Bearing Manufacturers
Speaker: Stephen Sikorski
Stephen Sikorski led manufacturing at Standard Bots, where he transformed early, inconsistent builds into a repeatable 8-figure production operation. In this talk, he breaks down gearboxes as part of a three-part system, what one robotics CEO says he’s actually looking for from component suppliers, and why validation, data, and early relationships matter more than most suppliers realize. He’ll also share a curated list of 100+ universities, makerspaces, and incubators where new robotics companies are actively forming—and how to connect with them early.
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Networking Reception & Dinner
The Hangar
Get ready for a night of networking, fun, and great vibes at the #1 Hub for Indy fun! Come mingle with your peers, sip on your favorite beer or wine, and try out the golf simulator after dinner. This is a great opportunity to strengthen industry bonds while relaxing and enjoying delicious drinks and food after a day of learning.
