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MDS MT ATG (1)

Coming to London on 5 October 2026

 

Unlock the Full Power of Your Data to Future-Proof Your Operations

The future of manufacturing is data-led, don’t get left behind: discover the digital roadmap to future-proofing your operations.

FREE TO ATTEND FOR MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONALS

 Exclusively Manufacturing Professionals | Expert Speakers & Panels | 1 Day – Endless Value

08:15am
Registration and networking with Sponsors
09:00am
Opening & welcome
Andrew Delaney, Programme Director, Finelight Media Group
09:10am
Opening Keynote: Manufacturing at an inflection point: AI, risk and competitiveness 
- What separates manufacturers generating measurable value from those still experimenting with AI?
- Why has cyber and data risk become a board-level concern rather than an IT problem?
- How must leadership rethink digital investment to improve national productivity? 
09:40am
Panel: from AI hype to business value - making AI work in real manufacturing environments 
- Where should manufacturers start if they want AI to deliver measurable operational impact?
- What foundations (data quality, governance, ownership, skills) must be in place before scaling AI?
- How do you move from pilot projects to sustainable, enterprise-wide deployment? 
10:20am
Keynote
10:40am
 Morning break and networking with sponsors 
11:10am
Panel: IT–OT convergence and edge architecture: where manufacturing data really lives
- What architectural decisions (cloud, edge, hybrid) best support resilient smart factories?
- How can manufacturers balance connectivity with cyber risk and regulatory compliance?
- What does IT–OT convergence look like in practice — and who should own it? 
11:50am
Keynote
12:10pm
 Data governance, quality and literacy: From frameworks to real business outcomes
- What does “good” data governance actually look like in a manufacturing environment?
- How can data quality be measured in a way that drives operational improvement?
- How do organisations embed data literacy beyond dashboards and catalogues? 
12:50pm
 Lunch & networking with sponsors 
1:50pm 
Fireside Chat: workforce, skills and organisational readiness: Aligning people, process & digital ambition 
- Who should own AI and digital transformation — IT, operations, digital, or a dedicated function?
- What skills gaps most commonly prevent manufacturers from scaling digital initiatives?
- How can organisations avoid “solution overload” and maintain focus?  
2:10pm 
Panel: Cybersecurity, data security and regulatory readiness: From technical risk to business accountability  
- How is the Cyber Resilience Act (2027) reshaping manufacturing product and infrastructure design?
- What practical steps reduce third-party and supply chain cyber risk?
- How can manufacturers digitally map and monitor multi-tier supply chain risk
- How should boards measure and govern cyber resilience as an enterprise risk? 
2:50pm  
Case Study: Digital twins and predictive operations - from concept to practical advantage   
- When does a digital twin create measurable value — and when does it become an expensive experiment?
- How can predictive maintenance and simulation reduce downtime and improve flow?
- What is the minimum viable digital twin manufacturers should start with? 
3:10pm  
Panel: Lean, productivity and operational excellence in a digital world: Applying lean principles to data-driven operations  
- How can AI and automation accelerate lean rather than distract from it?
- Where does data eliminate waste — and where does it create complexity?
- What are the most effective ways to link digital initiatives directly to productivity metrics? 
3:50pm 
Afternoon break and sponsor networking 
4:20pm   
Champagne Roundtables - under Chatham House Rules   

Join a roundtable discussion for a deep-dive, interactive discussion with your peers on some of the day’s most important themes. Address common problems, benchmark your progress and come away with practical solutions and takeaways!

  1. How to keep data secure- public examples of cyber breaches and the root causes
  2. AI & data strategy-where to start and how to scale
  3. How do you ensure digital investment drives long-term enterprise value?
  4. How to avoid data overload and unleash data value?
  5. Turning data strategy into manufacturing value
 5:00pm  
Closing remarks and Networking drinks reception 

Sponsorship opportunities

Align your brand with the future of manufacturing innovation. Sponsorship packages include thought leadership opportunities, exhibit space, and networking benefits.

Interested in speaking?

Share your expertise and insights with industry leaders at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. Speaking opportunities include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions.

Contact:
Olga Horner
oh@finelightmediagroup.com

Bring your team or ask any questions

Gather your team for collaboration or feel free to reach out with any questions. We’re here to help and ensure your success every step of the way!

Contact:
Nicole Rollings
eventsuk@finelightmediagroup.com