The Main Stage for the Southeast’s Most Critical Manufacturing Conversations
At MD&M South, our Keynotes are where the future of advanced manufacturing in the Southeast takes shape. These pivotal sessions bring together visionary leaders, engineers, and innovators to share actionable insights shaping the industry’s next decade.
Be part of the conversations shaping manufacturing’s next chapters. Gain insights from leaders who are actively building tomorrow's solutions—and leave with strategies you can put into action immediately.
2026 Keynotes
Day 1: The Initiative Graveyard: Why Big Rollouts Die — and How to Keep Yours Alive
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Advanced Manufacturing Theater
Join Logan McKnight and discover why even well-funded, executive backed tech programs stall - and how med tech and manufacturing teams can break the cycle by fixing the processes around the technology.
Key Takeaways
Why 70-80% of Big Tech Rollouts Fail
Understand the research-backed reasons most large-scale implementations never deliver on their promise, and why the breakdown almost never happens in the technology itself.
It's the Process, Not the Platform
Identify the surrounding systems and processes where implementations actually fall apart, so you can target the real failure points before they kill your next rollout.
Survive the "Wow the Room" Trap
Learn why executive sponsorship and an impressive vendor demo aren't enough to sustain adoption, and what to put in place after the honeymoon period ends.
A Fix-It Framework You Can Use Monday
Walk away with a practical, repeatable approach to diagnosing and repairing the optional gaps that turn promising initiatives into expensive tools that are shelved.
Speaker
Day 2: Leveraging VR, AI & Robotics to Solve Automation Challenges
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. | Advanced Manufacturing Theater
Join Steven King, CEO at Blue Sky Robotics as he unlocks the future of automation by discovering how to spot high impact opportunities, avoid costly pitfalls, and strategically apply VR, AI, and robotics to transform your business processes with confidence.
Key Takeaways
The Convergence Advantage
See how VR, AI, and robotics work together to solve complex manufacturing challenges that no single technology can address alone.
Optimize Production Workflows
Learn how leading organizations are deploying these technologies to streamline operations and drive measurable operational excellence.
Transform Workforce Training
Discover how VR and AI are enhancing workforce training programs, compressing onboarding timelines, and reducing costly errors on the manufacturing line.
Predictive Maintenance, Real Results
Explore how AI-powered predictive maintenance is reducing unplanned downtime and extending equipment lifespans.
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