CONTACT: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, barbara@eafocus.com, 248.260.8466; Nicole Kampe, Automation Alley, kampen@automationalley.com, 248.457.3301

TROY, Mich.—July 23, 2018— Helena Leurent, Head of Future of Production with the World Economic Forum, is headed to Detroit, Nov. 14, to take part in Automation Alley’s global Industry 4.0 conference, Integr8. Leurent, a member of the Forum’s executive committee and head of shaping the future of manufacturing and production, will provide the lunchtime keynote address, adding a global perspective to the conference’s focus on smart manufacturing technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

For almost 50 years, the World Economic Forum has been the catalyst for global initiatives, historic shifts, industry breakthroughs, economic ideas and tens of thousands of projects and collaborations. The Forum’s strategy is simple and effective: bring together the most relevant leaders from all sectors of global society and identify the best ways to address the world’s most significant challenges.

As Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center and the state’s leading technology and manufacturing business association, Automation Alley created the Integr8 conference in 2017 to draw global attention to the rapid technological changes taking place in the manufacturing industry, and to help companies large and small form action plans to assist in their digital transformations.

The day-long conference is expected to draw 750 technology and manufacturing professionals from across the globe to Detroit’s Renaissance Center this fall. The event will center around the eight core components of Industry 4.0, including robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and advanced materials, cloud computing, cybersecurity and modeling, simulation, visualization and immersion.

In addition to Leurent, speakers will include world-renowned manufacturing experts and Industry 4.0 thought leaders from industry, academia and government. The conference will include a smart technology expo, breakout sessions, panel discussions and hands-on technology demonstrations centered around manufacturing, design, workforce development, aerospace, health care, women in manufacturing and more.

“Right now, in factories across the globe, manufacturers are trying to make sense of the unprecedented technological transformation associated with Industry 4.0, from 3D printing to artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things and next-generation robotics,” said Tom Kelly, Automation Alley’s executive director and CEO. “We are honored to bring the World Economic Forum to Detroit and look forward to Helena Leurent’s keynote address at Integr8, one that I’m sure will inspire us to build more innovative, sustainable and inclusive production systems that benefit all.”

The World Economic Forum’s initiative focused on the future of manufacturing and production provides a unique global platform for leaders to understand how new technologies will impact the production ecosystem, and the implications for business models, jobs, sustainability and the innovation capacity of nations.

Previously, Leurent held several executive positions including managing director and head of business engagement where she managed existing relationships with World Economic Forum members and generated new value propositions for partnerships with companies in emerging markets. As head of the Forum’s food and beverage industry, she developed the Industry Partnership program for Agriculture, Food & Beverage companies.

Prior to joining the World Economic Forum, Leurent worked for McKinsey & Company, primarily serving companies in media and consumer goods. Her career started in management consulting at The LEK Partnership and subsequently with Tesco Stores Plc in marketing and hypermarket development.

Leurent holds a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and an MA in Modern History and Modern Languages from Oxford University.

Integr8 early bird ticket pricing ends Aug. 16. The evening before the conference, Nov. 13, Automation Alley is inviting the public to mingle with Integr8 presenters and VIP guests at Integr8 Luminate, a strolling dinner and cocktail kick-off reception at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. For complete registration and sponsorship information for both events, visit integr8conference.com.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association and Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. We connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation. We offer programs and services in business growth, entrepreneurship, talent development, defense and international business, providing resources and knowledge to help our members grow and prosper in the digital age.

The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and think strategically during a time of rapid technological change.

About The World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.

Activities are shaped by a unique institutional culture founded on the stakeholder theory, which asserts that an organization is accountable to all parts of society. The institution carefully blends and balances the best of many kinds of organizations, from both the public and private sectors, international organizations and academic institutions.

The World Economic Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

###