SME's EASTEC 2017 Goes to Mars with Opening Day Keynote

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Manufacturing on the east coast has been a driving force of economic growth for the region, and has supported America's endeavors into space – from the Apollo missions to today's latest Mars missions. At EASTEC, an east coast manufacturing tradeshow and conference, the opening keynote presentation will focus on the robotic exploration of Mars and the many challenges it presents that require clever design, significant autonomy, and a willingness to fail along the way.

EASTEC will take place May 16-18 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. and center on the region's manufacturing leadership and history. Produced by SME and AMT, the biennial event – in its 35^th installment – showcases the latest manufacturing technologies and provides access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity and improve profits.   

A key industry leader, Jordan Evans, rocket scientist at NASA, will open EASTEC with his keynote on the exploration of Mars, using self-driving robots. Evans will discuss the Curiosity-based rover that will head to Mars in 2020, along with the many challenges associated with sending a robotic scientist to another planet.

"It's been 40 years since the Viking landings and nearly 20 years since we landed Sojourner, the first rover, on Mars. Since that time, pursuing our nation's scientific goals has driven us to create increasingly capable robotic vehicles and push boundaries," said Evans. "I'm excited to share the path forward with our next rover to the Red Planet, including many additional advances in landing technologies, scientific instruments, and autonomy."

The politics of manufacturing

Back on earth, and timely to current conversations, this year's attendees will also have access to the Wednesday keynote, which will delve into the latest political trends in manufacturing. The election of a new U.S. president comes with the expectation of a shift in policies. According to Patricia Buckley, managing director for Economic Policy and Analysis at Deloitte, these possible policy shifts will shape the U.S. economic outlook and the manufacturing sector going forward.

"Since the specific form and timing that these policy objectives will take have yet to be determined, there remains substantial uncertainty to the outlook in the near to mid-term," said Buckley. "However, I will give a framework that attendees can use to evaluate probable impact of any enacted policy changes on their businesses once the details are decided."

EASTEC features a tradeshow floor with over 720 companies represented in 550 exhibiting spaces, as well as in-depth workshops on key manufacturing topics. Complimentary technical presentations and keynotes are led by the knowledge leaders from across the industry. To learn more about EASTEC, view full conference and exhibit details or register, visit Easteconline.com.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
AMT represents U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, VA, near the nation's capital, AMT acts as the industry's voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness and develop manufacturing's advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America.

SOURCE SME

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