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Noise: The Silent Killer in Sales

WEST Session: We don’t lose deals because we’re not working hard enough. We lose them because we’re working on the wrong things. In manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution, sales teams are moving faster than ever—yet growth feels stuck. Why? Noise. Endless updates. Unreliable forecasts. Chasing the wrong deals. We’ve accepted it as the cost of doing business. But what if it’s actually killing your momentum?This 20-minute talk is a call to rethink how sales teams operate—with more clarity. You’ll learn: Why noise—disguised as intuition—is wrecking your forecast How bad data and busywork eats into your selling time What top sales teams are doing to cut through the noise and stay laser-focused And you’ll see real-world proof: 44% growth at Creative Foam.This isn’t a product pitch. It’s a shift in perspective. If your team’s putting in the effort but still falling short, this is the rethink you’ve been waiting for.

Empowering the Workforce in the Age of Industry 4.0

WEST Session: Smart manufacturing is redefining the relationship between people and technology. As automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to evolve, they are not replacing human intelligence - they are enhancing it. These technologies reduce the burden of repetitive, manual tasks and empower employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work such as problem-solving, innovation and continuous improvement. To unlock the full benefits of Industry 4.0, manufacturers must do more than adopt new tools - they must cultivate a resilient, future-ready workforce. This session will explore strategies for upskilling, nurturing adaptability and creating collaborative, digitally fluent work environments that help employees and organizations thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Uncover Hidden Cash with the R&D Tax Credit

WEST Session: In this session, Randy Eickhoff, CPA, Founder and Head Coach at Acena Consulting, will walk attendees through how innovative manufacturers and product developers can leverage the R&D tax credit to uncover hidden value. Whether you’re developing new processes, improving products, or experimenting with automation, this credit could be a powerful cash generator. Randy will demystify the IRS criteria, share real-world examples, and show you how to avoid common pitfalls in documentation and qualification. You’ll leave with practical insights to help you assess eligibility and maximize savings.

How Lean Teams Cut Downtime and Boost Output with Smart Maintenance

WEST Session: Unexpected breakdowns, rising costs, and limited asset visibility continue to be a challenge for manufacturers, especially as teams face mounting pressure to do more with less – fewer technicians, tighter budgets, and limited time. But with the right technology and a practical approach to reliability, lean teams can shift from fighting fires to building long-term, operational resilience into every layer of production. In this session, we’ll showcase how manufacturers are using modern CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) tools to drive higher uptime, extend asset life, and reduce reactive work – all without needing additional headcount or new equipment. We’ll demonstrate how top performing teams have digitized preventive maintenance schedules, deployed QR code-enabled work orders, and built mobile-first maintenance workflows that keep machines running and teams aligned. Whether you’re still using spreadsheets or looking to get more out of your current system, this session will provide a clear blueprint for building a smart, scalable maintenance program.

Will Healy III

Speaker at WEST: Will Healy III, Global Industry Manager - Fabricated Metals, Teradyne Robots / UR

Patrick Hundley

Speaker at WEST: Patrick Hundley, President, West Coast Manufacturing

Fireside Chat - How a Small Fabrication Shop Started their Automation Journey

WEST Session: In this engaging discussion, an automation and robotics expert sits down with two executives from a small Southern California commercial & industrial appliance company, to explore the real-world journey of a small fabrication shop embracing automation. From initial skepticism to now multiple successful robot deployments, Bryan Montez & Pat Hundley share how their small team identified the right automation solutions, justified the investment, and overcame common barriers faced by small and medium-sized manufacturers. Attendees will walk away with practical insights into the automation decision-making process, some common lessons learned, and the cultural shifts enabling smooth transitions. Whether you're just beginning to explore automation or looking to scale your efforts, this session offers valuable takeaways for manufacturers and fabricators of all sizes & experience levels.

Olivier Thenoz

Speaker at WEST: Olivier Thenoz, Principal Product Manager, Production Machining Software, Hexagon