Smart Manufacturing for Food and Beverage US 2025 Sessions
Seminars
7:00AM - 7:55AM
Registration & Networking
7:55AM - 8:00AM
AMG World Opening Remarks
Dion Gordon, Conference Director, AMG World
8:00AM - 8:10AM
Welcoming Address from the Conference Chairperson
8:10AM - 8:40AM
Developing a Digital Ecosystem: Harmonizing Smart Manufacturing Technologies for Scalable Gains and Compounding Benefits
• Interconnecting technology, systems and workflows to reduce downtime, enhance consistency and improve output quality • Real-time data-driven insights: Leveraging data analytics to analyze, monitor and optimize processes to drive continuous improvements • Collaboration and cross-functional digitalization: Enabling seamless communication, data-sharing and interdepartmental decision-making support • Scaling incremental improvements into compounding gains: Identifying small, repeatable... Read more »
Speaker
- Dr Heitor Cauneto Global Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Transformation (Operations 4.0) Sr. Director - Bunge
8:40AM - 9:10AM
A Design-Thinking Approach to Digital Transformation: Adopting an Agile, Outcome-Driven Approach to Smart Manufacturing
• Establishing the fundamentals: Aligning goals, assessing technological maturity and evaluating cultural readiness for change • Understanding existing challenges and frustrations: Identifying and targeting the real problems you are trying to solve with technology implementation • Creating design-thinking, outcome driven frameworks for agile delivery of enterprise transformation • Establishing technology as the enabler for change... Read more »
Speaker
- Raj Iyer Enterprise Transformation Coach - Kraft Heinz
9:10AM - 9:40AM
The Benefits of IoT Connected Manufacturing Systems: Harnessing Digital Technologies to Improve Efficiency, Safety and Operational Transparency
• Enabling seamless monitoring and intervention: Utilizing IoT devices to enable accurate and timely monitoring of manufacturing processes and equipment • Leveraging advanced analytics and AI to drive down costs, increase efficiency and maximize resources • Developing interwoven technology systems to increase cross-functional collaboration and operational visibility, reducing bottlenecks and streamlining workflows • Optimizing operational... Read more »
9:40AM - 10:30AM
Quickfire Technology and Product Demonstrations
This session provides an additional opportunity to meet with our AI/ML, IoT, Automation, Process Control, OT, and Data Analytics product and solution providers in the exhibition hall to learn more about the products, technology, and services that have been developed to solve your unique challenges. The technology demonstrations will last approximately 8 minutes on five... Read more »
10:30AM - 11:00AM
Networking Break & Exhibition
Seminars
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Applying Agile Methodologies and Design-Thinking Principles for Cohesive, Aligned and Measurable Outcomes from Smart Manufacturing Initiatives
Speaker
- Raj Iyer Enterprise Transformation Coach - Kraft Heinz
Seminars
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Bridging the IT/OT Divide & Securing the Future of Smart Manufacturing
Speaker
- Niels Helkov VP Smart Industries and Digital Solutions - Orange Business Americas
Seminars
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Combining IoT, Automation and Analytics for Predictive Maintenance and Optimized Resource Allocation
Speaker
- Orija Olasunkanmi Manufacturing Systems Manager - AB InBev
Seminars
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Connected Worker Tools, AR/VR and Emerging Technologies: Exploring the Future of F&B Workforces
Seminars
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Evaluating How Advanced Robotics and Cobots Can Revolutionize the Future of F&B Manufacturing
Speaker
- Roger Brecht Vice President Of Digital Manufacturing - Nestlé Purina North America
Seminars
12:00PM - 12:30PM
Empowering Future Workforces: Upskilling Talent and Developing In-House Resources
• Establishing baseline competencies in automation and technology: Implementing structured foundational training to ensure minimum proficiency levels • Standardizing skills development: Utilizing iterative training cycles and continuous workforce improvement models to build and refine skills • Building confidence with hands-on learning in real-world applications • Tracking progress and results: Developing metrics to monitor upskilling, recognize... Read more »
Speaker
- Chris Christie Process Control Capability Lead Engineering & Data Sciences - Cargill Inc.
Seminars
12:30PM - 1:00PM
Digital Twins, AI and Data Analytics: Improving Reliability, Process Optimization and Manufacturing Excellence
• Combining AI and digital twins to enable advanced data simulation and predictive modeling • Demonstrating value to overcome adoption resistance and streamline the wider deployment of digital twins • Utilizing digital twins to predict machine health, increase efficiency, minimize downtime and improve reliability with optimal engineering and maintenance scheduling • Analyzing real-time insights to... Read more »
Seminars
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Networking Lunch & Exhibition
Seminars
2:00PM - 2:30PM
The Power to Optimize: Boosting Efficiency and Decision-Making with Technology
• Uncovering tech-driven efficiencies and streamlining processes to cut waste
• Achieving workforce transformation by equipping teams for digital success
• Unlocking data-driven decisions to make smarter and faster choices
• Fostering a culture of optimization and continuous improvement
Speaker
- Cameron Bergen CEO - Mode 40
Seminars
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Best-Practice Strategies for Developing and Nurturing Dedicated Digital Innovation Teams
Speaker
- Andy Hunt Manager, Applied Digital Innovation - The Hershey Company
Seminars
2:30PM - 3:30PM
MES and AI: Uncovering the Value Gaps in Manufacturing and Defining an Actionable Path Towards ROI
Speaker
- Cameron Bergen CEO - Mode 40
Seminars
2:30PM - 3:30PM
How Can Technology Enhance Agility, Transparency and Collaboration Across F&B Manufacturing Partners
Speaker
- Chris Nimietz Director of Supply Chain - MSI Express
Seminars
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Exploring the Potential of Computer Vision and AI for Mitigating Risks, Improving Quality and Reducing Waste
Seminars
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Ensuring Successful Technology Implementation: Putting the Right Tools in the Hands of the Right People
Speaker
- David Mendoza Staff Data Scientist - Kraft Heinz
Seminars
3:30PM - 4:00PM
Networking Break & Exhibition
Seminars
4:00PM - 4:30PM
From Data to Decisions: Unlocking the Potential of Data-Driven Connectivity to Optimize Food & Beverage Manufacturing
• Building modern data infrastructure: Devising robust strategies for data governance, compliance, and quality assurance
• Ensuring data integrity: Maintaining data accuracy, integrity and quality throughout automated food & beverage production
• A cohesive approach to smart connectivity: Integrating IoT and sensors for unified data insights and greater operational control
• Leveraging centralized data management with real-time data lakes and cloud integration to improve traceability, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration
Speaker
- Stephen Gnidovec Senior Data Analyst, Global Quality - Ingredion
Seminars
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Balancing Progress and Practicality with Digitalization Initiatives to Drive Continued Innovation Amid Resource Constraints
Speaker
- Fernando Garcia Vidal Vice President of Engineering - Monogram Foods
Seminars
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Examining Opportunities to Utilize Digital Twins, AI and ML to Model, Test, and Refine Processes Prior to Real-World Implementation
Seminars
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Crafting a Unified Smart Manufacturing Strategy: Harmonizing Stakeholders, Progress, Capabilities and Skills to Simultaneously Deliver Future-Ready
Speaker
- Dimitri Tavernakis Global Hygienic Design Excellence Lead - Mondelez International
Seminars
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Integrating Intelligent Automation and Robotics for Manufacturing Precision, Scalability, Flexibility and Operational Agility
Seminars
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Uncovering Real-World Applications to Optimize Legacy Systems and Processes with Next-Gen Technologies to Transform F&B Operations and Workforces
Speaker
- Scott Burkey Technology Fellow, XR - Smurfit WestRock
Seminars
5:30PM - 6:15PM
Driving Intelligent Process and Workforce Digitalization for Continuous Innovation and Transformational Change
Our panelists will explore how cutting-edge technologies and digital workflows are reshaping F&B manufacturing by creating lasting value, driving sustainable ROI, and
addressing critical industry challenges of diminishing margins, escalating costs, resource limitations and industry-wide labor shortages.
• Preparing for the digital shift: Assessing industry’s appetite for change, evaluating organizational readiness and setting foundations to embrace a data-driven,
technology-supported future
• Seizing opportunities: Where can smart technologies create the most value for food & beverage manufacturers
• Defining the approach and retaining focus: Balancing resources and digital initiatives to identify high-impact use case applications that deliver real business value
• Navigating disruptive technology and the AI revolution: Delivering real-world value and unlocking improvements across workforces, supply-chains and production
• Envisioning the future for smart manufacturing: How do we measure progress and ensure we remain on track to drive continuous innovation and realize our goals?
Speakers
- Roger Brecht Vice President Of Digital Manufacturing - Nestlé Purina North America
- Dr Heitor Cauneto Global Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Transformation (Operations 4.0) Sr. Director - Bunge
- Angela Reamer Vice President Of Manufacturing - Monin Americas
- Chris Nimietz Director of Supply Chain - MSI Express
- Socrates Krishnamurthy Principal Data Scientist - Kraft-Heinz
Seminars
6:15PM - 6:20PM
Closing Remarks from the Conference Chairperson
Seminars
6:20PM - 6:30PM