Smarter by Design – Manufacturing Forward 2026
Date: March 18
Time: 8:00 am CDT - 1:30 pm CDT
Location: Germantown, WI
Venue: GSC Technology Center | W189N11161, Kleinmann Dr, Germantown, WI 53022
Real-World Strategies for Smarter Manufacturing
Explore the dynamic landscape where design meets fabrication, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in manufacturing. Through insightful presentations, interactive showcases, and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain invaluable knowledge to stay ahead of the competition.
Event Agenda
- 8:00 AM: Arrivals & Networking
- 8:30 AM: Kick-off & Welcome
- 8:40 AM: From Punch Cards to 3D Printing: Engineering at the Speed of Change
- 9:10 AM: Using AI Effectively in the Modern Workplace
- 9:40 AM: Break / Networking
- 10:40 AM: Using AI with SOLIDWORKS: Assistants, Automation, and What’s Coming
- 11:10 AM: Robotics & Physical Automation in Machining
- 11:40 AM – 01:30 PM: Closing / Networking / Showcases / Lunch
From Punch Cards to 3D Printing: Engineering at the Speed of Change
Speaker: Paul Terpstra, Klover Products
A longtime SOLIDWORKS and Markforged customer, Paul Terpstra has turned precision engineering into world-stage impact; designing and handcrafting parabolic microphones used by broadcasters at every Olympic Games since 2016 and on the sidelines of the National Football League. From his Wisconsin workshop to the biggest moments in sports, his work quite literally captures the sound of history.
Using AI Effectively in the Modern Workplace
Speaker: Ben Gumness, GSC 3D
While more than 15% of the world is actively using artificial intelligence, only a small fraction are leveraging it proficiently—especially within the workplace. Many organizations have begun experimenting with AI, but few have developed the strategies, workflows, and skills needed to unlock its full potential. This session will explore practical ways to move beyond basic usage and toward meaningful AI enablement across your team. Join us to learn how to build capability, drive adoption, and confidently integrate the latest technology into your everyday business processes.
Using AI with SOLIDWORKS: Assistants, Automation, and What’s Coming
Speaker: Cody Pendzich, GSC 3D
This session looks at how AI can support SOLIDWORKS design work today and in the near future. We will briefly set a baseline with a few built-in automation features, then focus on newer assistant-style capabilities and upcoming companions like Leo and Marie. We will also share practical ways to use external tools like ChatGPT alongside SOLIDWORKS for documentation, ideation, and troubleshooting, with examples you can apply to your day-to-day CAD process.
Robotics & Physical Automation in Machining
Speaker: John McCarthy, Sales Engineer | Wisconsin Automation
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, robotic automation is a game-changer for efficiency, quality, and profitability. This session will explore key aspects of successful automation, including what/when to automate, guiding principles for implementation, and critical considerations when getting started. We’ll also highlight winning applications where robotics deliver significant impact, including machine tending, material handling to precision assembly. Whether you’re new to automation or looking to expand your capabilities, this presentation will provide actionable insights to help you drive measurable business results with robotic solutions.