Michigan Business Beat | Tom Kelly, Automation Alley, Integr8 2026, Manufacturing Strategy Sessions

Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. This time around is their Integr8 2026 discussion: Welcome back Tom, briefly remind the Michigan business community what Integr8 is and how it has evolved? From a business leader’s perspective, what makes the 2026 Integr8 Series different from other manufacturing or tech events? How should manufacturers think about balancing technology investments with workforce readiness as AI and automation accelerate? Which of the 2026 roundtable topics do you think will have the most immediate impact on Michigan manufacturers’ bottom lines? What practical takeaways can small and midsize manufacturers expect from the Integr8 playbooks and discussions? For companies considering sponsorship or participation, what’s the real business value of being part of these roundtable conversations? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Automation Alley announces 2026 Integr8 Roundtable Series focused on the technologies redefining manufacturing Six curated roundtables will explore AI, data, automation and global manufacturing trends – with workforce transformation integrated across all topics TROY, Mich., 2025 – Automation Alley, Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center, today announced its 2026 Integr8 Series featuring six thought-provoking roundtables focused on the technologies, strategies and global forces shaping the future of digital transformation. 2026 Integr8 Roundtable Series Each roundtable will generate a companion playbook summarizing key insights and strategies from the discussion. The 2026 series includes: February – Vibe Manufacturing: Where AI Meets Additive Exploring the convergence of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing and how “Vibe Manufacturing” is shaping the next generation of production. March – Industrial Intelligence: Making Data Work on the Factory Floor Examining how manufacturers can move from data overload to actionable insight through smarter, connected systems. April – The Next Industrial Workforce: What Jobs Will the Future Demand? Addressing how AI and automation are transforming the nature of work and what it means for future talent pipelines. May – Trade, Tariffs & Tension: Manufacturing in a Fractured Global Economy Discussing how manufacturers can remain agile and competitive amid shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical uncertainty. August – Automation in the Real World: Aligning Supply Chain & Strategy Highlighting how companies are successfully integrating automation across complex multi-tiered supply chains. September – Digital Defense: Cybersecurity Strategies for Small and Midsize Manufacturers Focusing on practical, scalable approaches to protect connected factories from evolving cyber threats. Roundtable participation will be limited so that attendees are better able to participate in meaningful discussions. Manufacturers of all sizes as well as companies within the technology, government, academia and professional services industries are encouraged to request an invitation to be considered. Companies can find the full agenda with full descriptions of each roundtable and request an invitation at https://integr8series.com/. Sponsorship Opportunities Available The 2026 Integr8 Series offers a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their thought leadership and elevate their brand visibility among manufacturing and technology leaders. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available for each roundtable, providing sponsors with direct engagement with key decision-makers and positioning their organizations as leaders in digital transformation. Visit https://integr8series.com/sponsorship/ or contact Automation Alley at [email protected].