Operations & Innovation Track

OPERATIONS & INNOVATION TRACK

Conference Track Sponsor

cmmc

Day 1, Tuesday, February 25th

10:30 – 11:20AM

CMMC is Here! 2025 Implementation & Compliance Essentials for Midwest Manufacturers

Join MAM Partner and Defense Contractor SSE for a critical briefing on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Title 32 Final Rule, which became effective December 16, 2024.

Key Focus Areas:

Final Rule Requirements
Implementation Timeline & Milestones
Compliance Strategies for Midwest Manufacturers
Risk Mitigation

Understand and prepare for the CMMC Final Rule – even as a subcontractor, organizations supporting DoD contracts MUST comply! These requirements flow down to ALL subcontractors and will impact contract awards starting in 2025.

Let’s keep DoD contract dollars in the Midwest and with our manufacturers. Proactive preparation is OUR competitive advantage for 2025 and beyond.

Elizabeth Niedringhaus | President and CEO, SSE, Inc.

Elizabeth Niedringhaus is the President and CEO of Systems Service Enterprises, Inc. (SSE), a WOSB that was founded by her mother, Susan S. Elliott in 1966. Since the advent of the PC in 1983, SSE has been recognized as a leader in IT and Training solutions; most recently in the top 100 of all IT managed service providers worldwide by MSPMentor. Serving the defense industrial base and financial services sector since 2009, SSE has a robust network and cybersecurity services practice that is focused on compliance. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, has not only the technical expertise, but the disciplined processes and business maturity to deliver world-class solutions. With 300 employees, SSE is headquartered in St. Louis with a sister office in Jacksonville, FL and is able to serve clients throughout all 50 states.

Robert Duffy | Vice President of Network and Cybersecurity Services

Bob joined SSE as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in July 2020. He currently oversees SSE’s Client Engagement/Account Management team and is responsible for the strategic growth of the Network Services business unit as well as SSE’s marketing initiatives. Prior to SSE, Bob was Director of National Sales for Gannett where he was responsible for new business development and sales initiatives across a national network of more than 100 local media properties and USA TODAY. Bob is a graduate of Truman State University and has almost 20 years of sales leadership and experience in developing client relationships and revenue growth across multiple industries.

ai traction plan

1:30 – 2:20PM

Creating an AI Traction Plan for Your Organization

In this session, AI experts from Classy Llama will share how you can get AI Traction within your own organization and continue to build upon it. They will demystify this new world of complex offerings and provide attendees with tangible first steps for AI implementation. Their experts have years of manufacturing experience and will share specific examples and use cases for AI in manufacturing.

Jonathan Hodges | Vice President of Technology, Classy Llama

Jonathan Hodges is the Vice President of Technology at Classy Llama, bringing over 15 years of experience in web development, software engineering, and leadership within the ecommerce and technology sectors. With a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science from Evangel University, Jonathan has a proven track record of forming and leading teams, implementing Agile methodologies, and optimizing business operations to deliver impactful results. Jonathan has held several key roles at Classy Llama, including Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer, where he demonstrated expertise in technical services, key performance indicators, and collaborative problem-solving. His skill set spans web applications, PHP, JavaScript, and product strategy, bolstered by certifications like the Magento Developer Certification Plus and Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals. A dedicated leader and innovative thinker, Jonathan is passionate about leveraging emerging technology to create value-driven solutions, improve operational efficiency, and foster community engagement in the tech industry.

Chandler Holt | Solutions Architect, Classy Llama

Chandler Holt is a vision-driven solutions architect and project management professional with extensive experience in operations, strategic planning, and leadership. Currently at Classy Llama, he leverages his expertise in artificial intelligence, ERP software, and technology integration to drive efficiency and innovation. With a career spanning roles in sales management, program leadership, and operations within SRC Automotive and related industries, Chandler has a proven track record of delivering measurable business improvements. Chandler holds a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Missouri State University and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, showcasing his problem-solving prowess and systematic approach to challenges. Known for his ability to analyze complex scenarios, lead diverse teams, and implement strategic initiatives, Chandler is committed to creating positive impacts in fast-paced, evolving environments.

healthy work environments

3:30 – 4:20PM

Building Healthy Work Environments

In today’s manufacturing landscape, maintaining a healthy and productive work environment is more important than ever. This session will explore how environmental factors, particularly temperature, influence the workplace. Attendees will gain insights into current manufacturing trends and how these impact workforce dynamics. Learn how temperature affects employee attraction and retention, productivity, and product quality, while also uncovering its critical role in ensuring health and safety. Join us to discover actionable strategies for creating an environment where employees and operations thrive.

Keith DeBold | Business Development, Cambridge Air Solutions

Keith DeBold is a Business Development professional at Cambridge Air Solutions, a 60 year old, family owned company dedicated to building the most energy efficient equipment with the longest life cycle and available with the shortest lead times in the commercial HVAC industry. Keith has over 30 years of experience in Industrial Process and Commercial HVAC Equipment sales , 13 of which are with Cambridge Air Solutions. He works extensively with mechanical contractors, engineers, manufacturers, and business owners to solve complex facilities issues around heating, cooling and ventilation. Keith is a graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia.

easing into automation

Day 2, Wednesday, February 26th

9:00 – 9:50AM

Easing into Automation – Identifying the Right Projects and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Are you ready to introduce automation into your manufacturing workflow but not sure where to start? This session will guide you through the crucial first steps of embracing automation, from identifying the right projects to ensuring success. We’ll explore how to assess your manufacturing processes to determine which ones are ripe for automation and which should be avoided. You’ll learn about the common pitfalls many organizations face when adopting automation, such as overcomplicating projects or underestimating the importance of change management. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to approach automation thoughtfully, maximize impact, and navigate the challenges that come with this transition. Whether you're just beginning or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide the practical insights you need to take the next step confidently.

Manufacturing Automated Solutions

Speaker bio coming soon.

data collection

10:30 – 11:20AM

Modernizing Data Collection from the Plant Floor to Front Office

Transform the way your manufacturing company captures and manages essential operational data. This session will focus on how to modernize key plant floor operations and processes using digital forms to replace inefficient paper-based and email-based workflows. By embracing digital tools, manufacturers can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across their entire organization.

Key topics include:

Streamlining production orders, quality control checklists, and maintenance requests with digital forms.
Capturing real-time data for inventory counts, downtime tracking, and safety incident reports directly from the plant floor.
Automating workflows for processes like shift handovers, material requisitions, and inspection reports.
Leveraging data analytics for making a better business decision
Ensuring compliance and audit readiness with centralized, easily accessible digital records.

Learn how transitioning to digital forms for essential manufacturing processes can help you reduce errors, improve operational transparency, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

NvisionKC

Speaker Bio coming soon.