The Main Stage for Manufacturing’s
Most Critical Conversations
At MD&M West, the Keynote Series is where the future of manufacturing takes shape. These pivotal sessions bring together visionary leaders, engineers, and innovators to share actionable insights shaping the industry’s next decade.
Day 1: Join Lauren Dunford, CEO of Guidewheel as she unlocks the potential of AI and how it can optimize production, improve compliance, and transform your supply chain.
Day 2: Hear from current and former CEOs Omar Khateeb, Raymond Cohen, and Tom West as they discuss whether the industry is building the future of healthcare—or simply recycling the past.
Join these premier conversations driving global manufacturing transformation. Learn from those who aren’t just predicting the future but building it, and walk away with the perspective and playbook to take your operations to the next level.
Day 1 Keynote
AI Without the Hype: Real Results in Manufacturing
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 9 – 10 a.m. | Level 3 Ballroom
Everyone’s talking about AI. Few are actually producing more units because of it.
In this practical, no-fluff keynote, Guidewheel CEO Lauren Dunford reveals how leading manufacturers are using real-time data and AI to slash downtime, boost first-pass yield, and improve productivity. Learn what’s working, what’s hype, and how to turn buzzwords into bottom-line results with actionable FactoryOps strategies you can start right away.
Key Takeaways
AI That Actually Works
Learn how top teams drive adoption of AI by focusing on real manufacturing needs and continuous improvement.
Boosting Productivity
Discover how AI can streamline operations, optimize supply chains, and enhance efficiency while meeting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals.
Case Study:
Johnson & Johnson
Get an inside look at how one of the world’s most recognized manufacturers leverages AI to deliver measurable gains in uptime and throughput.
Your Playbook for Success
Walk away with a clear, step-by-step plan for making AI pay off across your factory operations.
Speaker
Day 2 Keynote
Disrupting the Status Quo: Are We Innovating or Just Iterating?
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 9 – 10 a.m. | Level 3 Ballroom
This panel discussion challenges the medical device manufacturing industry to confront uncomfortable truths about its trajectory. Are we truly innovating, or merely repackaging old ideas under the guise of progress?
With bold claims and controversial perspectives, this session is designed to spark debate, inspire transformative thinking, and leave attendees questioning whether the industry is building the future of healthcare—or simply recycling the past.
Key Takeaways
Ethical Dilemmas
Explore whether the industry’s focus on profitability is compromising patient care and the ethical dilemmas of pricing and accessibility.
Regulations & Innovation
Learn the role of regulations in stifling or safeguarding innovation.
Impacts of AI
Tackle the growing influence of AI, questioning whether it’s a savior or a saboteur.
Industry Competition
Predict whether we’ll see a future where tech giants and startups may outpace traditional manufacturers.
Speakers
Keynote Networking Breakfast
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 3 & 4, 2026 | 8 – 9 a.m. |
Level 3 Ballroom
Jumpstart your day and your network at our Keynote Networking Breakfast—Tuesday & Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. Meet engineers, executives, and solution providers over coffee and pastries before the show floor opens, so you can make new connections and line up must-see booths and meetings for the day.
This is your chance to trade perspectives, explore common obstacles, and align your MD&M West priorities with the professionals you'll see again and again throughout the week.
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