Sponsored by Infinite Uptime Inc.
Prescriptive AI—the next wave of artificial intelligence that transforms data into prioritized, actionable recommendations—promises to reshape factories by cutting downtime, optimizing workflows, and even redesigning processes on the fly. But is this transformative power accessible to small and mid-sized manufacturers, or will it remain an enterprise-only advantage? With 98% of U.S. manufacturing firms classified as small businesses (SBA, 2025), yet most citing cost and integration hurdles as top barriers to AI adoption, this discussion goes beyond the hype. Panelists will examine practical requirements, affordability, and risk factors, weighing whether Prescriptive AI can be democratized—or if smaller players risk being left behind.
Sponsored by Cybus
In today’s connected industrial world, data sovereignty is becoming a key differentiator for manufacturers seeking trust, flexibility, and compliance. While the Sovereign Cloud sets the stage for digital independence, the real challenge lies in ensuring sovereignty over industrial data itself.
Join our expert panel as we explore what it truly means not to have data sovereignty — from loss of control and vendor lock-in to limited interoperability — and how these challenges can put innovation and competitiveness at risk.
We’ll discuss how manufacturers can establish true data sovereignty through open technology stacks, interoperable data architectures, and compliance with the European Data Act. Learn how reference architectures in the EU help create trusted, secure, and scalable data ecosystems across the industrial value chain.
Sponsored by Atelic
AI can’t fix bad data — it amplifies it. On the plant floor, one flawed data stream can cascade into failed AI rollouts, faulty predictions, or million-dollar supply chain disruptions. The real competitive edge isn’t just having AI models — it’s ensuring the data feeding them is accurate, contextual, and trusted.This session brings together leaders tackling the toughest step in industrial AI adoption: how to validate, clean, and structure data before it ever reaches an algorithm. Panelists will dive into:
• Why “data readiness” is now the biggest predictor of AI success.
• How frontline context (not just clean tables) builds trust in outputs.
• Governance frameworks and architectures that make industrial data decision-ready.
If you’re investing in AI for manufacturing, this is the session that shows how to avoid the costliest mistake: feeding your AI the wrong data.
Digital Technology enthusiast with more than 15 years of experience & education in industrial software and building technologies. Extensive experience gained at both lead corporations and startup teams in development of IoT platforms, disruptive digitalization / software, AI solutions and ecosystems
Sponsored by InfluxData
As manufacturers race to implement AI, predictive maintenance, and digital twins, many discover their biggest obstacle isn't algorithms—it's data infrastructure. This panel explores how to build robust time series data architectures that capture, store, and deliver high-velocity industrial data at scale.
Our panelists will discuss bridging OT/IT systems, maintaining data quality across legacy and modern infrastructure, and designing platforms that enable real-time intelligence.
Senior executive with extensive business development/management experience in manufacturing operations enterprise software, including services, sales, marketing, software implementation, professional services and design and development of complex software solutions. An executive with the ability to apply people management skills, strong writing skills, software development expertise and business acumen to work collaboratively with customers in solving complex business process problems.
Sponsored by Adlib Software
Most manufacturers are trying to “do AI” before they’re RAG-ready. This session explains what it means to have RAG-ready content — normalized, version-controlled, and auditable.
Key talking points:
• What “RAG-ready” means in the context of Digital Supply Chain.
• Why unstructured documents are the biggest blocker to AI adoption.
• Framework: Clean → Contextualize → Govern → Retrieve → Generate.
Sabrina Joos leads a forward-thinking technology group, specialized in next level factory automation. With her interdisciplinary background in advanced and sustainable manufacturing coupled with expertise in cutting-edge AI technologies, she elevates operations to new heights. Sabrina’s visionary leadership is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, one innovative solution at a time – from customer discovery to go-to-market strategy development and technology adoption at scale.
Hamish Mackenzie operates as a Fractional Chief of Staff to space and deep-tech startup/scaleup CEOs, providing the focus, clarity, and execution leverage they need to turn complex technology into reliable growth — without adding full-time headcount.
With 20+ years in B2B technology and GTM strategy, he helps founders align their teams, sharpen their message, and build predictable momentum — by combining strategic GTM support with AI-enhanced operating systems that unlock leadership capacity across the business.
Sponsored by Arch Systems
By 2030, 2.1 million manufacturing jobs may go unfilled (Deloitte). How can AI copilots, AR/VR training, and digital twins transfer knowledge from retiring experts to a new generation — before the skills gap cripples frontline operations?
High performing product executive with 20+ years of experience in handling multifaceted, high-risk projects from envisioning to value realization to successful completion, on time and within budget. Dynamic leader with a proven history of building and guiding diverse global teams toward actionable goals. Effective communicator with unique ability to interface with broad base of business users and stakeholders to influence at all levels to solve and deliver business value and solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Global supply chain disruptions cost companies an average of 45% of one year’s profits over a decade (McKinsey). Can predictive AI, digital twins, and real-time visibility tools finally give manufacturers the resilience they need — before the next crisis hits?
Sponsored by Hannover Messe North America
HANNOVER MESSE 2026 is where AI meets industry innovation. This presentation features experts with deep experience and firsthand knowledge of the show—from creating buzz on the floor to driving post-event results. This session will share firsthand insights on how U.S. companies can strategically engage with global industry platforms, stand out among competitors, and leverage emerging AI solutions to boost visibility, accelerate customer engagement, and drive real results.
Key Takeaways:
• Leverage AI Innovation to Your Advantage: Position your solutions within the AI-driven industrial narrative to attract the right buyers and partners.
• Convert Conversations into Contracts: Proven methods to move beyond booth traffic and spark high-value discussions that translate into real deals.
• Prioritize Impact: Where U.S. manufacturing leaders should focus their time and resources to amplify visibility and deliver measurable ROI.
The goal is simple: understand how you can maximize your expertise in AI at HANNOVER MESSE for qualified lead generation and new opportunities for your business.
Katrin Geisler is a seasoned transatlantic business connector with extensive experience in international trade, market entry strategies, and government projects. She currently serves as Manager of Government Projects & Trade Missions at the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. and as the Official Sales Representative of Deutsche Messe AG in the United States, supporting U.S. companies in accessing global markets through leading trade fairs like HANNOVER MESSE.
With a background spanning role in business development, project management, and communications across Germany, South Africa, and the United States, Katrin brings a unique global perspective to fostering partnerships and driving innovation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Professional Communication from Hochschule Flensburg and has completed international studies in South Africa.
Passionate about building meaningful connections and advancing transatlantic collaboration, Katrin enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling the world to discover new cultures and opportunities.
George Gabriel represents Deutsche Messe AG, one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, in the U.S. market. In this role, he drives strategic partnerships and supports American companies in expanding their global footprint through participation in flagship events such as HANNOVER MESSE, the premier international trade fair for industrial technology.
George works closely with U.S. manufacturers, technology providers, and innovators to showcase cutting-edge solutions in Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT, and AI-driven manufacturing on a global stage. His mission is to foster transatlantic collaboration, enabling U.S. businesses to access European markets and connect with international decision-makers.
With a background in international business development and multilingual communication, George brings a unique perspective to global trade and industrial innovation. His efforts help position American companies at the forefront of digital transformation and sustainable industrial practices.
