The focus of this year’s Conference draws on the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 to explore four themes – Investment, Innovation, Infrastructure and International Trade.
The free event comprises a range of keynote speakers, workshops and panel discussions alongside an Expo of more than 30 organisations – including regional businesses, national funding bodies as well as Government departments.
As part of its duties as host, the University is delighted to have been invited to contribute several speakers and facilitators to the event programme.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, will provide the Conference’s welcome to delegates, highlighting the need to preserve the region’s industrial heritage while looking to the future, and positively drive growth and competitiveness.
Shahin Rahimifard – Professor of Sustainable Engineering and Director of the Centre for SMART – is among the headline speakers. He will discuss the necessity of resilient supply chains and the circular economy in relation to medical devices.
Of the six scheduled workshops, two will be led by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academics. Dr Manuela Pacella, Senior Lecturer in High Value Manufacturing, will guide delegates through the use of laser surface engineering (LSE) for sustainable manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Dr Andy Gleadall, Senior Lecturer in Additive Manufacturing, will manage the discussion around toolpath design for maximising additive manufacturing performance.
The event will close with a panel discussion and Q&A chaired by Jan Godsell, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Strategy and Dean of the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Business School.
Delegates are invited to remain on campus, following the Conference, to join tours of key University facilities.
These include the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC) which provides a range of services, including consultancy, to partner organisations. The tour offers an opportunity for businesses to discover how to access the Centre’s facilities and expertise.
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There is also the opportunity to visit the Centre for SMART to learn how it is developing strategies and supporting technologies for product design, manufacture, consumption and end-of-life management. Find out how to access the Centre’s consultancy service and engage in research partnerships.
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The InterAct Network will also host a workshop, Collaborating to adopt and upskill in manufacturing digital technologies. The Network runs events throughout the year that facilitate knowledge sharing, partnership building and discussions around funding streams.
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Professor Dan Parsons – the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation – says of the upcoming event: “We look forward to welcoming delegates to the University campus.
“The Conference programme promises an interesting and valuable day – a chance to explore the opportunities and challenges for the manufacturing sector both across the region and nationally.
“We believe that innovation plays a key role in addressing these challenges – providing solutions while positively driving productivity, growth and global competitiveness.”
To find out more about the Conference and to book your free place, please visit the East Midlands Chamber’s website.