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EAST Session:

EAST Session: Abstract : Manufacturers have more customer data than ever before, yet many still struggle to turn that data into real insights. Too often, sales teams rely on gut instinct, outdated reports, or incomplete CRM entries, leading to missed opportunities and inefficient processes. AI changes the game by analyzing patterns humans can’t see, uncovering hidden sales opportunities, and predicting customer needs before they arise. In this session, we’ll explore how AI can transform the way manufacturers understand and engage with customers—without requiring a complete digital overhaul. We’ll discuss real-world applications of AI in sales and customer relationships, including proactive recommendations, automated data capture, and predictive insights. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how AI can help you move beyond guesswork, make data-driven decisions, and build stronger, more profitable customer relationships. Significance/Importance : Manufacturers have long relied on relationships and gut instinct to drive sales, but today’s competitive landscape demands more. Traditional CRMs were meant to help but became data-entry burdens, leading to poor adoption and missed opportunities. AI is changing the game by turning raw data into actionable insights—automating manual processes, predicting customer needs, and uncovering hidden sales opportunities. Companies that embrace AI gain a competitive edge, while those that don’t risk falling behind. This session will show how AI helps manufacturers move beyond guesswork, make smarter decisions, and build stronger customer relationships with less effort.

EAST Session: Moderated by Colin Gilchrist For many small and medium-sized manufacturers, the overwhelming volume of information on security best practices can make organizational adoption seem daunting. From establishing basic network hygiene to tackling complex frameworks like CMMC and NIST 800-82, the journey requires careful navigation through a maze of advice, regulations, and consulting services. This panel discussion will demystify the process of implementing security at various scales, exploring practical approaches, key technologies, and industry best practices. Executives from machine monitoring, advanced security, digital numeric control (DNC) solutions and regulatory compliance, resilience and data protection — moderated by a strategic integrator serving both additive and subtractive manufacturing for the federal government—will share their insights. Designed for decision-makers, this interactive conversation will provide a clear roadmap to help organizations begin or advance their security journey. Attendees will gain a conversational understanding of the critical choices, trade-offs, and strategies needed to safeguard their operations in today’s evolving threat landscape.

EAST Session: Moderated by: Mark Michalski Adopting smart technologies like IoT, AI, and automation isn’t just about innovation—it’s about alignment, impact, and readiness. In this practical, strategy-focused panel, hear directly from manufacturers and technology experts who’ve successfully navigated the journey from pilot projects to scalable solutions. Join us to explore how small and mid-sized manufacturers can: - Align tech investments with business goals - Learn from real-world success stories in aerospace, medtech, and machining - Upskill their workforce to support digital transformation - Access regional resources for implementation support - Whether you're just exploring smart tech or already scaling, you’ll leave with actionable insights and connections to help future-proof your operations.

Speaker at EAST: Nat Frampton, Co-Founder, LECS Energy, LLC

Speaker at EAST: Ellen Ellsworth, Director of Growth and Innovative Services, Mass MEP

Speaker at EAST: John Carpenter, Founder, Owner, President, Excellerant

Speaker at EAST: William Harvey, EVP Software Programs, AURA Technologies

Speaker at EAST: Rob Sims, Founder & CTO, Alchemi Data Management, Inc.

EAST Session: Abstract : Enterprise-scale manufacturers continue to expand the use of precise 3D data and connected annotations, called Model-Based Definition (MBD), in place of traditional engineering drawings. The extent to which downstream suppliers are able to respond effectively to this ongoing, cross-industry change will be a significant determining factor on the structure of the manufacturing supply change in future decades. Guidelines from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) are major agents for change in this process. The DoD recognizes that MBD's capacity to support interoperable reuse of data across multiple production systems can accelerate engineering and manufacturing, improve quality, and reduce costs. When major private sector institutions like Deloitte produce findings showing how larger enterprises can gain efficiencies through these practices, expectations grow for the downstream suppliers to align themselves to these changes. For example: Lockheed has already made public that it expects its suppliers to be able to provide inspection data generated in downstream processes to be returned to them, a level of data exchange — the Digital Thread — only possible through integrated MBD processes. Understanding the factors that are currently limiting the expansion of MBD practices, and how technologies are being deployed to overcome those limits, gives perspective to today's manufacturing supplier on how they can prepare for the most imminent developments likely to arise. Significance/Importance : Industry advancement towards model-based definition (MBD) grows with each passing day in many key industries; leading the way are aerospace and defense. Major OEM manufacturers are deeply invested in this process evolution, and there are few if any market pressures influencing factors towards any other direction. Only inertia and cost of entry are acting to constrain this fundamental change.