These "glue" technologies, as one IT industry analyst recently put it, include systems, software and middleware that integrate production processes, remove steps in the work flow, animate or articulate processes, and identify waste. Not coincidently, these and similar themes of efficiency and cost savings are evident throughout the conference tracks, pavilions, keynotes, and products being presented at the 14th annual National Manufacturing Week (NMW) which returns to Chicago and the McCormick Place Complex February 23-26, 2004.
Heralded as the only U.S. trade show dedicated to the entire manufacturing process, an estimated 30,000 attendees can look forward to precisely defining a show experience to fit their needs, able to pick and choose conference sessions and view vendor offerings from among six discreet shows in one location: the National Design Engineering, Plant Engineering and Facilities Management, Industrial Automation, Enterprise IT, Technology Transfer, and CleanTech, shows and conferences.
According to the show's management, NMW 2004 will encompass roughly 1,000 exhibitors and offer nearly 200 conference sessions across the six shows. Exhibit hall hours for all the shows are slightly shorter this year, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Thursday. Conference session hours are 10 a.m.-3:50 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and ending at 2:50 p.m. Thursday.
As usual, there will be a wide variety of pavilions dominating the six show's exhibit halls. This year, attendees can stroll among 21 product-focused pavilions to review highlighted technologies and products in categories relevant to each show. Pavilions likely to attract the readers of Industrial Networking include Blue Tooth wireless technologies, Microsoft Partners Pavilion, featuring manufacturing-oriented Microsoft ,compatible applications, Wireless, featuring a broader range of wireless technologies, and Reliability, featuring asset management technologies and strategies. Other pavilions that may interest readers include Sensors, Motion Technology, Fluid Power and Control, and Maintenance Software.
For the first time, attendees and exhibitors will also have direct access to capital providers that specialize in providing financing for the middle market. In addition, the show will feature panel discussions on capital raising for small and medium manufacturers.
Keynote Presentations for All
Keynoters for NMW 2004 will offer diverse commentary on the state of the manufacturing industry to attendees throughout the week with presentations starting each morning at 9 a.m. with one lunch-time address at 12 p.m. Tuesday, February 24. Launching the week Monday morning with his keynote presentation "Manufacturing" is Congressman Don Manzullo, (R-Ill.). Congressman Manzullo chairs both the Small Business Committee as well as the House Manufacturing Caucus. In his address, Munzillo plans to discuss the problems facing U.S. manufacturers and offer solutions to help restore manufacturing jobs in America.