These sessions will give you a broader knowledge of critical industry issues, increase your understanding of advanced technologies, and let you engage in dialog with industry colleagues. And they are FREE with your complimentary exhibit hall registration.
FREE Keynote Presentation
“Lean Transformation Process… Leveraging the Power of Many”
H. Richard Schuler, Director of Lean Implementation,
Integrated Defense Systems of Raytheon
Wednesday, May 10: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Lean successes in local areas are somewhat easy to realize. The difficult task is to elevate an entire business center’s performance throughout the breadth of its operations. At the 2005 Shingo Prize winner Raytheon Company’s Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover Massachusetts, localized areas of success were achieved through applications of a generic transformational change process that had been tailored for Lean Implementation. Through leadership expectations, commitment, focus, training, and effectively connecting every employee to the expectations, Raytheon was successful in elevating the performance of the business center.
In this keynote presentation, Richard Schuler will share the results of this lean transformation and the impressive productivity gains that were achieved, including reduced floor space requirements which allowed the facility to change into a Multi-Disciplined Resource Center. Mr. Schuler will also share how, through employee driven improvements, product flow times dramatically improved, and a “no doubt” customer-focused culture has been facilitated to transform Raytheon’s customer relations.
FREE Panel Discussion
“Where Does Design Fit in Today's Electronics Manufacturing?”
Moderated by Mike Buetow, Editor in Chief, Circuits Assembly
Wednesday, May 10: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Panelists: Darnell Kemp, Sr. Engineer, Cytonome Inc.
Jeff Seeger, Applied CAD Knowledge
Celestica representative
There has long been a debate about how Design and Manufacturing should interact in developing a new product for a Customer. Today, everything happens at “web-speed”. Problems in a product design can generate multiple manufacturing issues faster than ever before, making the Design/Manufacturing relationship more vital.
Where in the design process are decisions made about materials and components, layout, processing and test? And how is that changing? Are OEMs, EMS companies, or Customers and End Users driving the changes? How are new design and manufacturing collaboration tools affecting the relationships? This enlightening panel discussion will take a look at the design decision tree of today and tomorrow.
FREE Panel Discussion 
Assembling Military Electronics
Moderated by Adam Cort, Associate Editor, Assembly Magazine
Wednesday, May 10: 1:00 am - 2:00 pm
Panelists: Rebecca Parks, HUBZone Specialist, Defense Supply Center, Columbus, OH
Gary Cox, General Manager, NavCom Defense Electronics, Inc. Warner Robbins, GA
Steve Kaylor, Vice President of Operations, Sechan Electronics, Lititz, PA
Traditionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) and its military services and contracting agencies have been viewed as a kind of ivory tower in terms of manufacturing opportunities. The government seems to require small and mid-size contractors to jump through endless hoops, with no guarantee of success, even after months of work. The reality is that there can be many opportunities for growth in this segment for the innovative small and mid-size manufacturing business, but success is dependent on many technical and business factors.
This panel discussion will explore these possibilities for growth, it will provide insight on the changing nature of contracting rules and requirements, and it will reveal some of the factors for success. Attendees will hear and will have an opportunity to question representatives from government agencies and from successful manufacturers of systems and components for military electronics.
Note: Adam Cort is the author of the article “Assembling Military Electronics”, Assembly Magazine, April 2005.
FREE Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, May 10: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
All attendees and exhibitors are invited to take an afternoon break for a complimentary ice cream sundae right on the show floor. Just visit the Sundae Carts in the back of both halls.
FREE Panel Discussion 
Implementing Lean: Successes and Failures
Moderated by Bruce Hamilton, President of Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, Shingo Prize Recipient, Vice Chair - Business Board of Examiners for the Shingo Prize
Panelists: Dave Cooper, North Atlantic Corporation, Research and Development
Matt Mercer, IDS Operations, Raytheon
Mike Vogel, Director of Operations, Z Corporation
Robert Yenkner, Director Americas Lean Operations, Celestica
Leading Lean practitioners will share candid observations of not only successes, but also “learning experiences” that lean implementers face during the transition from traditional manufacturing to Lean Manufacturing. “Nobody gets it right the first time,” says panel moderator Bruce Hamilton. “But those companies that persist in the face of setbacks are the ones who capture the true spirit of Lean and record the year-on-year, bottom-line improvements that we read about.” Learn from the experience of others on topics that include; getting the process started, keeping it on track, and long-term sustaining processes such as organization structure, policy and measurement that can act as obstacles. This panel will provide valuable take-aways for change agents at any point in the Lean transformation.
Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership Lean Theater
Stop by the GBMP LEAN THEATER for a free screening of the popular videos Toast Kaizen and Moments of Truth during your Lean Transformation. Take a rest from the show floor, have some popcorn and enjoy the show.
* Sponsored by the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership *