The Southern Manitoba
Technology Conference
February 24, 2026 |
Navigating the Future of Technology In Manufacturing
Advance Registration Incentive
Register by February 11 to be entered into a draw for one of two Lean Diagnostics, each valued at $4,500.
The draw will take place at the conference. Winners must be present at the time of the draw.
The winners of the Advance Registration Incentive:
Jay Patel (Anthony Morrison ticket holder) – Arrowquip
Dennis Koverzin – Resilient Ag
Congratulations!
Technology adoption is a competitive requirement. The Southern Manitoba Technology Conference is a one-day, in‑person event designed specifically for manufacturers and business leaders who are seeking practical, actionable guidance by industry experts and experienced manufacturing leaders on how to apply Robotics and Automation, ERP, and AI in real operating environments.
You won’t hear abstract theory. You’ll see what’s working, what’s failing, and how Manitoba manufacturers are moving forward.
Questions? Try our AI info text line: (431) 340-4734
ABOUT
The Conference Designed for Turning Ideas Into Actions
The Southern Manitoba Technology Conference brings together manufacturers, operations leaders, engineers, and technology providers to address the real world challenges of advance business transformation. This one-day, hands-on event is focused on technology adoption that drives increased productivity, efficiency, customer service, profit and growth, not theory.
Hear from industry experts, see practical demonstrations, and engage with peers who are navigating the same transformation journey. This isn’t another talk-at-you event, it is the place where problems get solved and next steps become clear.
Date
February 24, 2026
Location
Access Event Centre
Morden, MB
Duration
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PRICE
$175
Registration Deadline
February 18, 2026
For alternative payment methods, please contact us at:
info@p-productivity.ca
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote
A direct, no-nonsense look at why technology adoption is no longer optional for manufacturers and what inaction is really costing organizations today.
Live Hackathon
A behind-the-scenes look at how modern software solutions are built to solve real business problems demonstrated live throughout the day.
Practical Sessions
See how robotics & automation, ERP Systems, and AI drive efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver real business value
Expert-Led PANEL
Service providers & industry leaders get together to discuss how technology adoption has evolved, what’s working, and what manufacturers should do next.
WHO IS ATTENDING
Join Your Peers and Industry Leaders
This conference is for decision-makers who are responsible for moving their organizations forward, including:
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CEOs, Owners, and Business Leaders
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Operations, IT, and Engineering Managers
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Continuous Improvement & Digital Transformation Leads
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HR and Finance Leaders navigating change
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Technology providers seeking partnership conversations
You’ll walk away with actionable guidance and connections that matter.
FULL SCHEDULE
7:30 – 8:00: Doors open - Networking breakfast
8:00 – 8:10: Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:10 – 8:25: Live Hackathon Kickoff
Demonstrating how quickly we can create modern software solutions for real business problems
Presented by Andrea Aiello & Ben Myers
8:30 – 9:10: Keynote: Why Technology Is a Must—Right Now
Presenter: Chad Brick – President of Eastside group of Companies and business entrepreneur.
Overview: Chad will share Eastside’s Journey as a Manufacturer and how technology and automation have been implemented with clear intent to improve safety, quality, throughput, and overall competitiveness. He will highlight how these tools enabled growth while reinforcing that people remain the most critical part of any manufacturing operation.
What to Expect: The session will explore the role of technology beyond the shop floor, including administrative systems and AI, and how these tools can simplify decision-making and reduce friction across the business. Chad will conclude with practical lessons on how technology can also create waste and complexity when adopted without clear purpose, discipline, and leadership.
9:10 – 9:35: Purpose-Driven Networking Break
9:40 – 10:40: Tech, robotics and automation: Overview and workshop
Presenter: James Fedirchuk – Director of Automation at Innovair Automation
Overview: .James is a alumni from the University of Manitoba, graduated from Mechanical engineering, specialized in Robotics for welding and material. His experience is focus on helping manufacturers use robotics in high-mix, low volume applications
A family-owned Manitoba business for over 75 years, Innovair group is Canada’s largest independent supplier of welding gas and equipment for commercial use. Innovair automation has been implementing robotic systems for over 11 years across Western Canada and is the largest welding integrator with the most installations in Western Canada.
What to Expect: In this presentation you will be able to see how to use robotics in high mix, low volume applications for welding and material handling. We will also be looking at the latest methods and technologies for operations to adopt the technology on the plant floor.
10:40 - 11:00: Break/Transition
11:00 – 12:00: ERP in Practice: How Epicor ERP can help your Manufacturing Operations Grow and Thrive
Presenter: John Preiditsch – CEO at Six S Partners and FreePoint Technologies Inc.
Overview: With over 35 years of experience, John has been helping manufacturers improve their operations and gain control of their profitability with ERP, 19 years of this experience has been dedicated as Epicor Kinetic Partner.
Six S Partners has help over 400 manufacturing companies evaluate, implement and improve their business with Epicor ERP. With over 65 staff, Six S Partners is a Canadian company with a local presence. We hire from industry to help you achieve your goals faster.
What to Expect: In this presentation you will learn how any manufacturing company that wants to grow profitably needs a business system of record. Epicor has been solving this problem for over 50 years. You will learn a number of key things that you can do today to help your business thrive in challenging times, including how to accomplish costing your production, track orders more effectively, and scheduling your resources for greater efficiency and customer service.
12:00 – 12:45: Networking Lunch
12:45 – 12:50: Hackathon Progress Update
What’s being built and what we’re learning
12:55 – 1:55: AI in the Workplace Practical applications, real use cases, and where to get support
Presenter: Cameron Bergen – CEO at Mode 40
Overview: Practical, hands-on presentation on Industrial AI and how it is already transforming factory planning, scheduling, optimization, and daily operations. Most manufacturers see the promise of AI, but struggle with unreliable, incomplete, or disconnected production data. Without trusted data, AI doesn’t work.
Delivered by mode40, a North American leader in Industrial AI and manufacturing data integration, this session shows how real factories make AI work — starting with the data. You will see, live in a working production environment, how machine, operator, maintenance, and quality data are transformed into real-time intelligence that improves output, reduces downtime, and helps teams catch issues earlier.
What You Will Learn:
- How Industrial AI works inside real factories
- How production data becomes one trusted, real-time view
- How downtime, constraints, and risk are surfaced earlier
- What data you actually need to get started
- How to launch a practical industrial AI pilot and scale it across your plant
1:55 – 2:10: Purpose-Driven Networking Break
2:10 – 3:15: Panel Discussion: ERP, Automation & the Path Forward
Service providers and industry leaders discuss what’s changed—and what works. Presented by Mode40, Innovair, Six S Partner, and industry representatives, Triple E RV, Eastside and Decor.
Speakers:
– Cameron Bergen – Mode40
– James Fedirchuk – Innovair
– John Preiditsch – Six S Partners
– Kevin Peters – Operations/Product Design Manager – Triple E RV
– Manny Machado – Director of Information Technology – Decor Cabinet company
– Chad Brick – President of EastSide Group of Companies and business entrepreneur
3:15 – 3:30: Closing Session: Dare to Grow - Turning New Capacity into Growth
Presenter: Jeff Vilar – Founder & President, Naida Communications
Overview: Jeff Vilar brings over 30 years of experience helping companies clarify their value proposition, improve how they go to market, and grow with intention. Through his work at NAIDA Communications, Jeff helps organizations simplify their approach to growth and put clear, practical processes in place that support scale.
As companies invest in technology and improve productivity, Jeff focuses on the often-overlooked question: how do you turn increased capacity into growth—without adding unnecessary complexity?
What to Expect: This closing session will focus on how businesses can turn increased capacity into real growth by simplifying and strengthening the fundamentals of how they create and capture opportunity. Jeff will cover:
- Why increased capacity is the right time to revisit and simplify growth strategy
- The importance of a clear value proposition and simple, effective communication
- How to choose distribution channels that support growth, not complexity
- Why following a consistent process helps create and capture new opportunities
This session will wrap up the day by connecting productivity gains to the market side of the business — ensuring new capacity leads to growth, not added complexity.
3:30 – 3:45: Hackathon Demonstration & Awards
Solution overview, winning team presentation, and prize announcement
3:45 – 4:00: Prize Draws and Closing Remarks
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$500
EXHIBITOR TABLE
Perfect for: Direct networking and on-the-floor engagement. Establish your presence and meet attendees face-to-face.
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Includes:
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Dedicated Exhibitor Table.
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2 Full Registrations.
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$750
SILVER SPONSOR
Perfect for: High visibility and brand recognition. Upgrade your presence with custom branding directly on the tables to catch every eye.
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Includes:
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Dedicated Exhibitor Table.
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3 Full Registrations.
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Special Recognition: Custom table tent card featuring your Logo, Statement, and QR Code.
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$1,200
Gold Sponsor
Perfect for: Thought leadership and maximum impact. The ultimate package. Go beyond the booth and take the stage to address our audience directly.
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Includes:
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Everything in the Silver Package.
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5 Full Registrations (Includes 1 bonus registration).
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Exclusive Podium Time: 2–3 minutes to present your brand or message to the entire room.
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Sponsored By:
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