CASL24 LOGO

Where manufacturing leaders
chart their path to success!

June 4, 2024, London, ON

Presented by

In Partnership with

Sponsors

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Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Where:

Four Points by Sheraton London
1150 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M3

Connect at CALS24 and join the automation leadership conversation!

Join us for a day of networking, education, information sharing and great automation takeaways.

Register today to be part of an event that will bring together leaders, visionaries, and experts to
discuss the latest automation solutions shaping Canadian manufacturing today and tomorrow!

Don’t miss this important networking opportunity!

WHY ATTEND

Gain Insights from industry leaders

Discover the latest trends, strategies, and best practices from industry experts who are at the forefront of leveraging automation technologies. Learn how to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and stay competitive in today's dynamic market.

Networking opportunities

Connect with like-minded professionals, subject-matter experts and solution providers in an immersive environment. Forge meaningful connections, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations that can drive innovation and growth in your organization.

Real-world examples

Dive deep into real-world case studies that showcase successful implementations of automation solutions. Gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved by leading manufacturing organizations.

Actionable strategies

Walk away with actionable strategies and practical insights that you can implement within your organization. Whether you're looking to optimize existing processes or embark on a digital transformation journey, CALS 24 will facilitate conversations on the right tools you need to succeed.

2024 Schedule

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Registration and Breakfast

Networking and visit sponsor tables

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

Automate Canada Annual General Meeting

Members: Please confirm during registration (all welcome)

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM

Opening remarks

A message from the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario

9:50 AM – 10:20 AM

Keynote – Change management in the digital transformation era

The keynote will focus on the transformative role of manufacturing leaders and effective change management strategies in the era of Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation. The speaker will share their insights on creating a culture of innovation to remain competive and stay ahead of the curve.

10:20 AM – 10:40 AM

Adaptive manufacturing: The next generation of product transport

Discover how adaptive manufacturing provides the ability for manufacturers to rapidly change production operations to meet evolving customer demands and preferences. Although many adaptive manufacturing technologies focus on the machines that are building parts, dynamic material handling in the process is equally as important. Using real-world examples, see how innovative adaptive solutions can help achieve greater flexibility, accuracy and throughput.
Speaker:
Calvin Wallace
President at Beckhoff Canada

Calvin Wallace is the President at Beckhoff Canada with over 17 years of dedicated service where his expertise and leadership have been instrumental in the company’s sustained success. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, making him a driving force in the field of automation and control systems. Under Calvin’s leadership, Beckhoff continues to thrive in the automation industry, setting new standards for innovation and excellence.

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM

Coffee break

– visit sponsor tables

11:00 AM – 11:10 AM

Applications in action

11:10 AM – 11:30 AM

State of advanced manufacturing

Brendan Sweeney from the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing will share details of existing gaps and available opportunities in the technology space that manufacturers can tap into for sustained growth.
Speaker:
Brendan Sweeney
Managing director, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing

Brendan Sweeney, managing director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, previously served as project manager and research director at McMaster University’s Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC). He taught at the DeGroote School of Business and the School of Labour Studies. Brendan holds a PhD in Geography from Queen’s University and a B.A. in Labour Studies from McMaster. He had appointments at the School of Policy Studies (Queen’s University) and the Department of Economics (University of Manitoba). Additionally, he spent a year at the University of Washington as a Visiting Fulbright Scholar.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Panel discussion: Exploring automation journeys

In this panel discussion, leaders from manufacturing businesses, will share their automation stories. Panellists will discuss their journeys, from planning to implementation, touching on aspects such as navigating key challenges, getting worker buy-in, gathering the required skilled workforce, financing and more.
Moderator:
Jim Beretta
President, Customer Attraction

Jim Beretta is the president of Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing. He is a marketing consultant, blogger and content creator for automation, integration and robot manufacturers. He is also head podcaster for The Robot Industry Podcast and invites you to listen. He can be reached at info@customerattraction.com.

Panellists:
Brent Lekx-Toniolo
Engineering Software Developer, Sodecia Global Tech. & Automation Centre (GTAC)

Brent is the Engineering Software Developer at Sodecia Global Tech. & Automation Centre (GTAC), London, Ontario, Canada. He graduated with honours from Canadore College as a Process Control Technologist. Brent has over 25 years of experience in the Industrial Automation field and is one of the three original members who started the robotics integration group that became the Sodecia GTAC division. He has been involved in a number of automation system projects in various manufacturing sectors including Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy.

Robert Huc
Group Manager, I.S. and Purchasing, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

Robert Huc, Group Manager, I.S. and Purchasing, is responsible for all areas of Information Systems Engineering including systems development, infrastructure management, cybersecurity and governance; the TMMC Patent & Innovation program; as well as purchasing which focuses on indirect procurement. In this position, Huc plays a leadership role in TMMC’s manufacturing digital transformation, advancing Smart Factory / Industry 4.0. Prior to assuming this position, Huc was Senior Manager, Systems Development where his responsibilities included local, regional, and global IT projects. Huc joined TMMC in 2006 as Information Systems Engineering Team Leader, before taking on management roles. He brought with him experience gained through a career in logistics, manufacturing, and IT.

Alexander Tsoulis
Senior Advisor - Business Development & Advanced Technologies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Canada Aerospace (MHICA)

Alexander Tsoulis is the Senior Advisor of Business Development & Advanced Technologies at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Canada Aerospace (MHICA). He has over 37 years of experience with McDonnell Douglas, Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Canada Aerospace (MHICA). He also has extensive experience in the design and development of commercial aircraft (regional jet through wide body), military aircraft (transport, helicopter, fighter) and business jet (light to heavy) platforms. Tsoulis is involved in initial concepts, product implementation and product / fleet support and also in covering life cycle technical, quality, schedule and cost activities in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment. Throughout his career, he has been involved in advanced design, advanced manufacturing technology, global collaboration and business development. Tsoulis has had considerable long-term interaction with government, university, research and industry organizations.

Event Venue

  • 8:30 am – 9:15 am
    Registration/networking
  • 9:15 am – 9:20 am
    Opening remarks
  • 9:20 am – 10:05 am
    Tools and tech session 1
  • 10:05 am – 10:15 am
    Break
  • 10:15 am – 11:00 am
    Tools and tech session 2
  • 11:00 am – 11:15 am
    Break
  • 11:15 am – 12:00 pm
    Tools and tech session 3
  • 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
    Lunch and networking
  • 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
    Future of drainage session 1
  • 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
    Break
  • 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
    Future of drainage session 2
  • 3:00 pm – 3:10 pm
    Break
  • 3:10 pm – 3:55 pm
    Future of drainage session 3
  • 3:55 pm – 4:00 pm
    Closing remarks

12:15 PM – 1:10 PM

Lunch and networking

– visit sponsor tables

1:10 PM – 1:20 PM

Applications in action

1:20 PM – 1:50 PM

Automate Canada mandate

Learn all about Automate Canada and its mandate from association chair Dave Fortin. Fortin will also discuss the role the association and its members play in advancing the industry.
Speaker:
Dave Fortin
Chairman of Automate Canada and Founder and President of DataRealm Inc.

Dave Fortin is the chairman of Automate Canada. He is also the founder and president of DataRealm Inc.. DataRealm is a local Control System Integrator and has been around for over 22 years. Dave has spent 33 years in the automotive/manufacturing and engineering sector. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from U of Windsor. He has previously worked at various positions at Ford Motor Company, then as product manager at Flow Software Technologies, before starting DataRealm. In addition to running DataRealm, Dave also has interests in numerous other businesses. He is on the board of directors for WETECH, CAMM and Automate Canada and regularly consults and mentors other business start-ups. He is also part of WECAN as well as a few other private equity investment groups. He has been a Professional Engineer for about 30 years.

1:50 PM – 2:00 PM

Applications in action

2:00 PM – 2:40 PM

Roaming roundtables

These short breakout sessions will focus on key industry topics, exploring challenges and solutions that manufacturing leaders need to be cognizant of. Facilitated by technology experts, attendees will have the opportunity to select 2 sessions that they would like to participate in. Topics include: Workforce reskilling; cybersecurity; scalability of automation solutions; data-driven decision making; supply chain optimization; and maximizing asset performance with automation.

2:40 PM – 2:50 PM

Applications in action

2:50 PM – 3:05 PM

Coffee break

– visit sponsor tables

3:05 PM – 3:35 PM

Fireside chat: Financing automation projects – Risks versus rewards

Financing and funding experts will discuss practical strategies on how to source funding for major automation projects, understanding the financial impact of automation; and effective cost-benefit analysis. They will share examples of successful automation projects with high returns.
Moderator:
Jason Bates
Manufacturing Consortium Manager, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)

 Jason Bates is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, living in London, Ontario. He has worked in the manufacturing sector for 25 plus years, on plant floors, in supply chains and currently supporting the sector through his roles with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium and the London Region Manufacturing Council. Jason’s focus is on the manufacturing sector in Southern Ontario, Canada’s manufacturing heartland. He facilitates best practice sharing, bench marking, business development and continuous improvement between over 600 manufacturing companies in the region. Jason is proud of the fact that the Southern Ontario region has the largest group of manufacturers in North America working together to help each other continuously improve, fostering the growth and prosperity of manufacturing in Canada.

Speakers:
Jayson Myers
CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Jayson Myers is the CEO of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, an initiative funded by the Government of Canada that will leverage more than $500 million over the next three years in collaborative, industry-led projects aimed at building world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada. Jayson is an award-winning business economist who specializes in industrial and technological change.  Between 2007 and 2016, he served as president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He has been widely recognized as one of the most influential economic policy advocates in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders, and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers, as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Manufacturing Forum and a leading advocate on the world stage on behalf  of advanced manufacturing in Canada.

Mary Ann Wenzler
Vice-president, GTA West, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Mary Ann looks after the GTA West Area of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs.  In this role, she leads a team of professionals dedicated to serving Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services and venture capital. Mary Ann is also the executive sponsor for Ontario region’s manufacturing strategy, which supports the complex and dynamic needs of entrepreneurs in advanced manufacturing. With almost three decades of experience in Ontario’s manufacturing corridor, her support is unwavering to fostering growth and innovation for the unique needs of this sector. Her background includes working closely in the automotive and aerospace sectors. A former director of number of hospital foundations, Mary Ann currently chairs the Community Engagement Committee for the Oakville Hospital Foundation and sits on their board of directors.

3:35 PM – 3:45 PM

Applications in action

3:45 PM – 3:50 PM

Closing remarks

3:50 PM – 4:00 PM

Break

– visit sponsor tables

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Hannover Messe Roadshow 2024

Join Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) for cocktails, canapes and detailed information on expanding your business and representing Canada in Germany with NGen at the premiere advanced manufacturing tradeshow, Hannover Messe in 2025! In April 2025 Canada is taking centre stage as the partner country, and you’re invited to participate! NGen is offering information on how to reserve your spot for Hannover Messes 2025.

Venue & Accommodations

Four Points by Sheraton London

1150 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6E 1M3

To book your room please call Natalia directly at (519) 681-0600 Ext. 8201.

To receive a special rate please mention Canadian Automation Leadership Summit.

The event will be hosted in the Ballroom

Brendan Sweeney

managing director, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing

Brendan Sweeney, managing director of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, previously served as project manager and research director at McMaster University’s Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC). He taught at the DeGroote School of Business and the School of Labour Studies. Brendan holds a PhD in Geography from Queen’s University and a B.A. in Labour Studies from McMaster. He had appointments at the School of Policy Studies (Queen’s University) and the Department of Economics (University of Manitoba). Additionally, he spent a year at the University of Washington as a Visiting Fulbright Scholar.

Jayson Myers

CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Jayson Myers is the CEO of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, an initiative funded by the Government of Canada that will leverage more than $500 million over the next three years in collaborative, industry-led projects aimed at building world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada. Jayson is an award-winning business economist who specializes in industrial and technological change.  Between 2007 and 2016, he served as president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He has been widely recognized as one of the most influential economic policy advocates in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders, and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers, as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Manufacturing Forum and a leading advocate on the world stage on behalf  of advanced manufacturing in Canada.

Mary Ann Wenzler

vice-president, GTA West, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Mary Ann looks after the GTA West Area of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs.  In this role, she leads a team of professionals dedicated to serving Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services and venture capital. Mary Ann is also the executive sponsor for Ontario region’s manufacturing strategy, which supports the complex and dynamic needs of entrepreneurs in advanced manufacturing. With almost three decades of experience in Ontario’s manufacturing corridor, her support is unwavering to fostering growth and innovation for the unique needs of this sector. Her background includes working closely in the automotive and aerospace sectors. A former director of number of hospital foundations, Mary Ann currently chairs the Community Engagement Committee for the Oakville Hospital Foundation and sits on their board of directors.

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