Kevin O’Leary, John McElroy to deliver keynote addresses at Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show

He may be best known for bringing budding entrepreneurs to tears as the ruthless “show me the money” judge on CBC Television’s Dragon’s Den, but when Kevin O’Leary speaks, the business world listens. At the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2011 (CMTS 2011), all ears will be on O’Leary as he kicks off the conference portion of the show with his pull-no-punches look at the good, the bad and the ugly of modern manufacturing.

Speaking at 9 a.m. on October 17, the opening day of the show, O’Leary will draw on his personal knowledge and experiences to answer tough questions facing today’s manufacturers, including “How will the global recession affect your industry?” and “What can you do to protect your company and come out stronger?” His opinionated nature, razor-sharp business advice and compelling anecdotes will both impress and inspire, says Nick Samain, event manager with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, organizers of CMTS 2011, which will take place October 17-20 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

Also speaking at CMTS 2011 is well-known automotive insight journalist and TV host John McElroy, who is expected to make automakers sit up and take notice as he moderates Automotive Summit, a roundtable panel sponsored by the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association (APMA) at 9 a.m. on October 18.

“From explaining a key union issue or warning about China’s dream of dominating the car lot, to talking about whether car companies should limit customer choices or raising a provocative question about whether electric cars are really all that green, McElroy is a rich resource of information that even non-automotive manufacturers will appreciate,” points out Samain. “We’re thrilled to be bringing high-profile speakers like O’Leary and McElroy to our audience, and we’re looking forward to the dynamic interaction that will ensue.”

Rounding out the three-day conference portion of CMTS 2011 are 90-minute sessions on topics of current interest, including:

· How to control costs like skyrocketing energy costs, and how to introduce more efficient processes into a manufacturing business;

· How to improve workforce productivity;

· A look at medical manufacturing, including design challenges facing device manufacturers, recent innovations and the application of additive manufacturing;

· Machining technology and trends, as well as laser cutting trends; and

· Manufacturing innovations in the transportation industry.

The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2011 is a showcase for the latest technology, equipment, lean practices, management strategies and green solutions that are crucial for today’s manufacturers. From traditional automation, metal forming, packaging, prototyping, measurement and tooling solutions, to cutting-edge visualization, nanotechnology, robotics, green and smart grid technologies, the event provides an in-depth look at the innovation and resources required by businesses today.

Additional highlights of CMTS 2011 include a comprehensive trade show featuring live demonstrations and displays from more than 600 suppliers and distributors, along with an industry-wide networking reception. For more information or to register for the show, visit www.cmts.ca.