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Patrick Harrigan

Speaker at EAST: Patrick Harrigan, VP of Partnership, CADDi

Ditch the Guesswork: Use AI to Truly Understand Your Customers

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 Too often, sales teams rely on gut instinct, outdated reports, or incomplete CRM entries, leading to missed opportunities and inefficient processes.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.

Maximizing Manufacturing Productivity and Efficiency with Industrial AI

EAST Session: Industrial AI is more accessible than ever. This technology, long viewed as “too complex” to implement, is now a practical productivity accelerator for manufacturers. The complexity misconception stems, in part, from the thinking that integration requires tearing out current systems. However, the reality is that it’s easily compatible with most legacy systems. By layering Industrial AI, ML, and other complementary tools on top of this existing data infrastructure, manufacturers reveal new improvement areas and free key resources to focus on the work that dictates long-term success. In this session, you’ll see how Industrial AI turns today’s operational challenges into an opportunity, a springboard for growth, and a means to provide your people with essential solutions. With capabilities like real‑time data contextualization and prescriptive recommendations, Industrial AI helps: - Make smarter decisions faster - Deliver continuous, measurable value - Scale subject matter expertise enterprise-wide Join us to learn how Industrial AI amplifies your workforce, maximizes the potential of your operations, and moves it forward faster than ever.

Empowering Regional Manufacturing Hubs – Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness

EAST Session: Moderated by: Mark Michalski Join us for "Empowering Regional Manufacturing Hubs: Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness," a dynamic panel discussion focused on the Northeast’s evolving manufacturing landscape. This session brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and tech innovators to explore how collaboration, workforce development, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices are shaping the future of regional manufacturing. Whether you're a startup, established manufacturer, or economic development advocate, walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your organization and help drive a more competitive, connected, and resilient regional ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation—and the solution.