Keynote: Detroit
About the Speaker
Jeff Abell
Director, Materials & Manufacturing Systems Research, Global R&D, General Motors (retired) | Clinical Professor of Practice, University of Michigan
Jeff recently retired from General Motors, where he was responsible for global manufacturing research strategy and implementation at GM, focused on vehicle electrification, lightweight systems manufacturing, automation, and smart manufacturing. Jeff led a research team that played a key role in bringing the Chevy Volt's advanced battery to production and has held other leadership positions in product development and manufacturing at GM, Delphi, and DaimlerChrysler, including two international assignments. Abell has written numerous technical publications, been granted several patents, and has a strong track record of successful manufacturing technology implementation. He was twice presented with the Boss Kettering Award, GM's highest recognition for technical innovation. Jeff is now joining the engineering faculty at the University of Michigan, where he will focus his efforts on manufacturing research and the intersection of early-stage and late-stage research with the rapidly evolving needs of industry.
Keynote/Fireside Chat: Cleveland
About the Speaker
Brian Perlstein
Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader, Owens Corning
Brian Perlstein is the Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader at Owens Corning, a world leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. He is a member of Owens Corning’s Manufacturing Digital Transformation organization focused on identifying and deploying solutions that help drive operational transformation in the manufacturing environment.
Perlstein was appointed to his current role in 2022. With Owens Corning since 2018, Perlstein has worked to advance its digital transformation, leading programs such as the Early Warning Diagnostics process health program, and a strategic initiative to safely empower its workforce with information, knowledge, and expertise by making digital information more accessible through a variety of technologies and approaches.
Keynote: Chicago
About the Speaker
Josh Dotson
Industry 4.0 Capability Leader, Koch Inc
I believe too much potential is left untapped in how most businesses operate. I've built my career challenging assumptions, envisioning better futures, and helping organizations chart practical paths forward.
Today, I’m focused on helping large enterprises rethink how people, technology, and operations come together to drive meaningful change. Real transformation starts with human action — with the tension between what is and what could be — and I’m passionate about helping organizations shape what comes next.
