ROSEMONT, IL – As artificial intelligence (AI) progresses rapidly from conceptual experimentation to pivotal real-world applications across the global manufacturing landscape, The ASSEMBLY Show is poised to serve as a critical nexus for industry leaders, technology experts, and manufacturing professionals. Scheduled from October 27 to 29, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the event will feature an extensive education program meticulously crafted to explore the technologies, strategic imperatives, and workforce challenges defining the future of industrial production. This year’s iteration of the premier trade event, organized by BNP Media and sponsored by ASSEMBLY magazine, promises an immersive experience designed to equip attendees with actionable insights into the burgeoning era of intelligent manufacturing.
Executive Keynote to Dispel AI Hype and Reveal Practical Applications
A cornerstone of the 2026 education program will be the much-anticipated "AI in Manufacturing" executive keynote panel, slated for Wednesday, October 28, at 9:00 AM. This high-level discussion is designed to transcend the pervasive hype surrounding artificial intelligence, offering a grounded examination of how leading companies are strategically deploying AI within their manufacturing environments to achieve tangible results. The panel brings together a distinguished group of manufacturing executives and technology pioneers from diverse sectors, providing a multifaceted perspective on AI’s current and future role.
The esteemed panel will feature:
- Roy Devadas, Head of Global IT Strategy and Frameworks at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a diversified global manufacturer with a deep commitment to innovation. Devadas’s insights will illuminate the strategic frameworks necessary for integrating AI into vast, complex operational structures.
- John Platais, Senior Manager for Data Science, Machine Learning Operations, and Data Governance at Milwaukee Tool, a global leader in professional heavy-duty power tools. Platais will delve into the practicalities of managing data and deploying machine learning models at scale, emphasizing operational efficiency and data integrity.
- Girish Gopalakrishnan, Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement at CNH, a global agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer. Gopalakrishnan’s expertise will highlight how AI can be leveraged to drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize production processes, and enhance overall operational excellence.
- Jung Yoon, Ph.D., Distinguished Engineer and Chief Technology Officer at IBM Supply Chain. Dr. Yoon will offer a broad, strategic view of AI’s transformative potential across the entire supply chain, from predictive analytics to autonomous logistics, drawing from IBM’s extensive research and implementation experience.
Moderating this crucial dialogue will be John Sprovieri, Editor-in-Chief of ASSEMBLY magazine and Editorial Director of BNP Media’s Manufacturing Division. Sprovieri’s deep industry knowledge will guide the discussion, ensuring a focus on practical takeaways for attendees. Panelists are expected to provide a nuanced understanding of "what AI is—and what it is not—" while exploring critical themes such as common manufacturing use cases, methodologies for determining return on investment (ROI), best practices for data collection and protection, strategies for successful implementation, and essential preparations for the workforce to adapt to AI-enabled operations.
Bill DeYoe, Executive Director of Manufacturing Technologies at BNP Media, underscored the immediate relevance of the keynote: "AI is quickly becoming an important tool across manufacturing, but manufacturers want to understand where it can deliver real value and how to implement it successfully. Our keynote brings together executives who are working with AI in real manufacturing environments and can share practical lessons with attendees. Combined with our Tuesday conference program and dozens of Learning Theater and HUB sessions, The ASSEMBLY Show gives manufacturing professionals access to actionable information they can take back to their operations."
Pre-Conference Immersion and Comprehensive AI-Focused Sessions
The focus on AI extends throughout the event, commencing with a series of intensive pre-conference education sessions on Tuesday, October 27, prior to the exhibit floor opening at 4:00 PM. This dedicated programming is designed to offer manufacturing professionals an invaluable opportunity to explore critical industry issues in greater depth. The AI-centric sessions include:
- "How AI-Driven Sensor Intelligence is Redefining Process Integration": This session will explore the synergy between advanced sensors and AI, showcasing how real-time data analysis is revolutionizing process control and optimization.
- "How AI Is Transforming Compliance in Manufacturing": Attendees will learn how AI tools are enhancing regulatory adherence, reducing risks, and streamlining compliance processes in increasingly complex manufacturing environments.
- "Is Your Plant Ready for AI?": A practical guide for manufacturers to assess their current infrastructure, data readiness, and organizational culture to successfully integrate AI technologies.
- "The Future of Lean: AI, Governance and Innovation": This session will examine how AI can augment lean manufacturing principles, emphasizing the critical role of data governance and fostering innovation.
- "Unlocking Quality and Uptime with AI You Can Actually Deploy": Focused on tangible applications, this session will provide strategies for leveraging AI to improve product quality, predict equipment failures, and maximize operational uptime.
Collectively, these sessions will provide a comprehensive roadmap for manufacturers, guiding them from the conceptualization of AI initiatives to their successful implementation. Topics covered will span plant readiness, seamless process integration, ensuring compliance, enhancing product quality, maximizing uptime, and establishing robust governance frameworks.
Ongoing Education and Targeted Learning Opportunities
Beyond the keynote and pre-conference sessions, education will continue throughout Wednesday and Thursday within the exhibit hall. Learning Theaters will host a continuous schedule of expert-led sessions addressing pivotal trends and challenges impacting assembly and manufacturing. The diverse range of topics will include advanced automation, collaborative robotics, principles of smart manufacturing, strategies for workforce development, operational improvement methodologies, emerging technologies, and the evolving role of AI and data analytics in industrial settings.
For attendees seeking concise, highly targeted learning experiences, HUB Talks will offer a dynamic format of 15-minute presentations. These brief, impactful sessions are meticulously designed to deliver practical information on specific technologies, applications, solutions, and industry challenges, enabling participants to gain valuable insights efficiently while maximizing their time exploring the vast exhibit floor.
RTLS Alliance Pavilion: A Glimpse into Real-Time Operational Visibility
A significant addition to the 2026 show floor is the new RTLS Alliance Pavilion, offering attendees a hands-on exploration of how Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are being deployed in modern manufacturing. This dedicated pavilion will showcase real-world applications, providing tangible examples of how location technologies enhance operational visibility and connectivity. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from leading RTLS practitioners from industry giants such as BMW, Philips, and DENSO, who will share their experiences and insights on leveraging RTLS to improve efficiency, track assets, and optimize workflows.
The Quality Show: A Co-Located Experience Focused on Excellence
Further enriching the attendee experience, The ASSEMBLY Show 2026 will be co-located with The Quality Show, offering a curated experience dedicated to advancing quality practices in manufacturing. This parallel event will feature expert-led education from the prestigious American Society for Quality (ASQ), complementing the extensive programming of The ASSEMBLY Show, including the keynote, Tuesday conference sessions, Learning Theaters, and HUB Talks.
A central feature of this curated quality experience will be The ASQ Center in Booth #1605, which will serve as a dynamic hub for quality education and community engagement throughout the event. On Wednesday and Thursday, the center will host a continuous schedule of 15-minute, expert-led sessions covering timely topics such as quality benchmarking, strategies for workforce development in quality, the integration of Quality 4.0 technologies, the profound impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on quality processes, best practices in regulated manufacturing, and leadership and organizational performance excellence.
For manufacturing professionals seeking even more in-depth education, the co-located ASQ Measurement Quality Division (MQD) Conference offers advanced learning opportunities. This specialized conference will feature tutorials on October 26–27, followed by technical sessions on October 28 within the ASQ-MQD Quality Theater on the exhibit floor. Programming will address critical areas including precision measurement and calibration, advanced metrology techniques, the application of Quality Core Tools, compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, robust risk management strategies, ongoing workforce development initiatives, and the increasingly vital application of AI in quality assurance and control. It is important to note that registration for the ASQ-MQD Conference is separate from general show registration, and interested parties can find details on the show website.
The Broader Impact: AI as a Catalyst for Manufacturing Evolution
The pervasive integration of AI into manufacturing represents a paradigm shift, often referred to as Industry 4.0 or the dawn of Industry 5.0. Industry analysts project the global AI in manufacturing market to surpass $16 billion by 2027, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 45%. This explosive growth underscores the urgent need for manufacturers to understand, evaluate, and strategically implement AI solutions. The ASSEMBLY Show 2026 directly addresses this imperative by providing a platform for education, networking, and technology discovery.
The implications of AI for manufacturing are far-reaching. From enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities, thereby reducing costly downtime, to optimizing supply chain logistics and improving product design through generative AI, the technology promises unprecedented efficiencies and innovations. However, the adoption of AI also presents challenges, including the need for substantial data infrastructure, cybersecurity considerations, ethical AI deployment, and perhaps most critically, the transformation of the workforce. The ASSEMBLY Show’s comprehensive program, with its dedicated focus on AI’s practical applications and workforce readiness, directly tackles these complex issues. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation, offering manufacturers a clear pathway to leverage AI effectively and responsibly.
The event’s emphasis on actionable insights is particularly vital in an industry grappling with talent shortages and the rapid pace of technological change. By showcasing real-world examples and facilitating direct engagement with experts, The ASSEMBLY Show empowers attendees to make informed decisions about their AI strategies, ensuring that investments yield tangible improvements in productivity, quality, and competitiveness.
Registration and Expanded Industry Reach
Manufacturing professionals planning to attend The ASSEMBLY Show are strongly encouraged to register by Friday, September 11, to take advantage of current registration pricing before rates increase. The ASSEMBLY Show consistently attracts a diverse audience, bringing together engineers, executives, plant managers, operations professionals, and manufacturing decision-makers. It serves as an unparalleled forum to discover new technologies, glean insights from industry experts, and foster invaluable connections with peers.
The event will once again be strategically co-located with SMTA International, creating an expanded destination that caters to professionals across assembly, electronics manufacturing, and quality assurance. This synergy further amplifies the value proposition for attendees, offering a broader spectrum of technologies and solutions under one roof. For additional information about The ASSEMBLY Show, including the complete education program and registration details, interested parties are directed to visit www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show.
The ASSEMBLY Show stands as the leading trade event and conference dedicated to showcasing assembly technology, equipment, and products essential for the modern manufacturing industry. Produced by BNP Media, a leading B2B media company, the event successfully unites suppliers, buyers, and industry professionals, facilitating the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, practical applications, and innovative solutions for manufacturing assembly. Its continued relevance is underscored by the sponsorship of ASSEMBLY, the authoritative brand providing comprehensive coverage of the processes, technologies, and strategies vital for assembling discrete parts into high-quality finished products. The 2026 show promises to be a pivotal event in the ongoing evolution of intelligent manufacturing.
