Here’s a sampling of the sessions on automation and manufacturing featured at the Advanced Design & Manufacturing Expo in Montreal on November 13 and 14. Some of the sessions will be delivered in French. You can register for the event here.

Here are the programs in chronological order:

Keynote: Empowering Quebec’s Manufacturing Future: Innovations and Resilience in Supply Chain Management 

Wednesday, Nov 13, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Paul Bird, EVP of commercial development at the Port of Montreal
This keynote presentation will explore the transformative strategies and cutting-edge technologies that are redefining supply chain management in the region. It will delve into how Quebec's manufacturing industry is harnessing digital tools, such as AI and blockchain, to enhance transparency, efficiency, and adaptability within supply chains. Paul Bird, EVP of commercial development at the Port of Montreal, will examine case studies that showcase successful implementations of these technologies, highlighting the region's role as a leader in supply chain innovation.

Trends in Factory Automation

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 12:40 PM - 1:20 PM

The session will offer a discussion on new developments in manufacturing technology. Panelists include:

Martin Noel, a district manager for FANUC Canada

With more than two decades supporting innovative FANUC robotics solutions, Noel has a proven track record of developing strong business relationships, analyzing customer needs, and delivering technically challenging and unique robotics solutions to manufacturers.

Luc Vanden-Abeele, marketing manager at NuMove Robotics & Vision

He joined Kinova in 2018 as an intellectual property manager. Finally, since 2019, he has been the Director of Marketing for NūMove, where he sits on the executive committee, supports the sales team throughout the process, participates in strategic planning, and writes technical reports.

Carl Fugère, président directeur général at REAI

For the last 5 years, Fugère has been chairman and CEO of REAI. He has established and launched the Blue Factory initiative to support manufacturing SMEs in their workforce challenges, with a coaching program to accelerate the transformation of SMEs, supported by a network of blue resources.

Ted Sarazin, regional sales manager for Beckhoff Automation

Sarazin is the regional sales manager for Beckhoff Automation, a German based company specialized in PC based control and inventor of the industrial ethernet fieldbus, EtherCAT.  He is responsible for the province of Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces.  With more than 20 years of experience in the automation industry, Sarazin has developed a solid expertise, which makes him a strong ally for companies seeking to surpass their technological limits.

Transforming Manufacturing: The Impact of AI on Quebec's Industrial Landscape 

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1:25 PM - 2:05 PM

Expert panelists from leading AI research institutions, innovative startups, and established manufacturing firms will share insights into the latest advancements in AI technologies, such as predictive maintenance, smart automation, and real-time data analytics. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to Quebec's manufacturing sector, including workforce implications, ethical considerations, and the role of government policies in supporting this digital transformation.

Engineering and Automation: Issues and Challenges of an International Industrial Relocation Project

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: Frédéric Pitre-Joyal, ing., PMP, partner and project director at LAPORTE

Pitre-Joyal will present an innovative engineering project for the manufacturing of nitrile gloves, essential for the healthcare sector. Part of France's strategic supply security policy, this ambitious project aims to build the first nitrile glove production facility in France in 30 years. He will address the challenges and solutions related to facility design, manufacturing process automation, and the strict quality and safety requirements. Discover what has made this international project a success that LAPORTE is now replicating in Canada.

Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Practices in Quebec's Manufacturing Industry

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:40 PM - 4:20 PM
The push towards sustainability is transforming industries worldwide, and Quebec's manufacturing sector is at the forefront of this critical shift. The panel discussion, "Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Practices in Quebec's Manufacturing Industry," will explore the innovative strategies and practices being adopted to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. Industry leaders, policy makers, and sustainability experts will share insights on integrating renewable energy, reducing waste, and optimizing resource use.

Speakers will include:

Richard Bolton, president at Centricity360

Bolton is the president and senior consultant at Centricity360. He has been a long-standing member of the Milton Chamber of Commerce and was the Chair of the Board in 2013 and currently serves as a member of the Halton Peel Supply Chain Council. Centricity360 is registered digital advisor with CDAP (Canada Digital Adoption Program) and will deliver advisory services to eligible Canadian SMEs including Digital Adoption Plans.

Martha Breithaupt, ICD.D, partner, Tax - Sustainability, Growth & Innovation at BDO Canada LLP

Breithaupt is founder and director of the educational video series, State of Science, Martha has championed innovative research and industrial capacity in Canada for nearly 25 years. As an advisory services firm Partner, she has worked with hundreds of clients to directly secure millions of dollars in funding across food and beverage, construction, advanced manufacturing and IT industries.

On Demand Programs

The Advanced Design & Manufacturing Expo also includes a number of on-demand sessions that are already live, Here’s an example of the sessions that pertain to automation and design:

AGV, AMRs and Automated Autonomous Robots in your Facility

Presenter: Jim Beretta, brand and marketing consultant

Automation, robotics, AMRs and logistics have come of age and they are working in factories around the world. Automated material handling is now accessible for every size of operation, streamlining processes, optimizing material flow, and keeping workers safe while saving companies people and money.

You can register for on-demand sessions and the live expo here.