Innovate Expo 2019 will feature Siemens CEO Jeff Connolly as a guest speaker, the Geelong Manufacturing Council has announced. The event, a showcase for Industry 4.0 technology and innovation for Geelong and regional Victoria, is to be held held on March 7 at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
Jeff Connolly is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Siemens group in the Australia Pacific region – an organisation that has been in the region for over 146 years and employs over 2,200 people. Prior to his roles in Australia, Jeff lived and worked for Siemens in Beijing for seven years.
Jeff has been instrumental in driving the Industry 4.0 agenda and closer collaboration between Australia and Germany. He set-up and led the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce as its Chairman. The Taskforce is now called the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Forum. Through the Taskforce and also in his current role as the Chairman of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Jeff continues to play a leading role in promoting close collaboration between Australia and Germany. Last year, he lead the largest Australian business delegation to Hannover Messe, the world’s largest trade fair showcasing digitalization technologies.
Under his leadership, over the last 18 months, Siemens has been involved in presenting over $1.5 billion of advanced software grants to partner universities across Australia to progress Industry 4.0 education. In collaboration with Ai Group and Swinburne, Jeff also helped establish Australia’s first Industry 4.0 apprenticeship that last year won multiple awards, including the National Australian Training Award.
Jeff is also the president of Ai Group Victoria Council and the Vice President of Ai Group National Executive. He is the Director of the European Australian Business Council and a Member Victorian Government Future Industries Ministerial Advisory Council.
What is Industry 4.0?
Globally recognised as “The Next Industrial Revolution”, Industry 4.0 is the largest technology shift-change since the introduction of computerisation in the 1950s. The internet and digital technology available now for factory automation is providing manufacturers with an increasing number of systems, solutions and sensors that can access, manage and share more data and intelligence than ever before. These smart, internet connected sensors and applications significantly improve production times and allow manufacturers to respond faster to customer demands with highly customisable solutions. Industry 4.0 provides the technology for Australian manufacturers to be globally competitive.
Why visit?
Innovate Expo 2019 is a one stop shop to gain knowledge about the latest Industry 4.0 technologies that innovate and add value. Network with and learn from peers and exchange ideas, form business relationships and work together on key industry challenges. Gain connections with regional specialists and other manufacturers and better understand the changes currently happening in the global manufacturing sector. See how highly-integrated, skills-based solutions add value through a highly digitally enabled collaborative advanced operational environment. Innovate Expo 2019 allows visitors to see products and services from quality suppliers that will keep you at the forefront of the manufacturing industry. Seats are limited, and can be booked at www.Innovateexpo.com.au.