Keynotes
Join us to hear insights from manufacturing pioneers and influencers as they reveal next-generation concepts and strategies. Accessible to ALL attendees, regardless of pass type.
2025 Keynotes – Open to All
#MDMMidwest
Alex Hill
Alex Hill Sr. Engineering Director, Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic
Advancing Electrophysiology: The Science and Evolution of Pulsed Field Ablation
Tuesday, October 21 | 10:15 – 11 a.m. | Engineering Theater
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is emerging as a transformative modality in the field of electrophysiology, offering potential for increased safety and efficacy in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. This keynote presentation will explore the multifaceted journey of Medtronic’s Pulsed Field Ablation systems, beginning with the foundational research that shaped its development. Key advancements in engineering and clinical studies will be highlighted, demonstrating the potential improvements of PFA compared to traditional ablation techniques. In addition, the session will provide a glimpse into the pipeline of future products that aim to expand the scope and impact of PFA in electrophysiology.
Margaret Gulick
Margaret Gulick Principal, intelliShift LLC
Empowering Manufacturing Through Automation & Robotics: Seizing Disruption
Tuesday, October 21 | 1:15 – 2 p.m. | Engineering Theater
Disruption in manufacturing is an opportunity to transform fear into empowerment through robotics and digitalization. Peggy Gulick, a visionary leader in lean digital transformation, will reveal how to cut waste, build momentum with quick automation wins, and address workforce concerns to position automation as an enabler, not a replacer. Learn how to scale pilot successes, leverage data for continuous improvement, and unlock competitive advantages by marrying lean principles with cutting-edge technology. Don’t just survive disruption — seize it and lead with vision, discipline, and empowerment.
Rosemary Coates
Rosemary Coates Founder & Executive DirectorReshoring Institute
Beyond Reshoring and Tariffs — What Companies Are Doing Now
Wednesday, October 22 | 1:15 - 2 p.m. | Engineering Theater
Journey through the history of offshoring, reshoring, and tariffs, while peeking into the future of manufacturing. This talk will consider the current and future strategies of global manufacturing companies, including where in the world to source and manufacture based on your product profile and the ever-changing geopolitical landscape. Learn what factors are most important to consider in making strategic location decisions and why reshoring may not be the best approach for your products.
Drew Davis
Drew Davis Additive ManufacturingEngineer, RECOVER(Rehabilitation & EngineeringCenter for Optimizing VeteranEngagement & Reintegration),Minneapolis VA HealthCare System
Let’s Break a Leg: Improving 3D-Printed Prosthetics
Wednesday, October 22 | 1:15 - 2 p.m. | Engineering Theater
The rise of 3D printing and scanning technologies has revolutionized healthcare. Medical devices that match patient-specific anatomy, often printed at the point-of-care, are on the rise. Ensuring safety of these devices may require a reimagining of traditional engineering verification and validation testing. This talk will look at how 3D printing technology has intersected with the prosthetics field to create a need for new approaches to testing medical devices with patient-matched geometry, through the example of prosthetic sockets.
Eric Nickel
Eric Nickel, Research Biomedical Engineer, RECOVER (Rehabilitation &Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement &Reintegration), Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Additional Expo Floor Education
Along with the keynote series, MD&M Midwest offers free sessions at three premier education stages stationed across the expo floor. Speakers from across the industry are set to bring you dozens of interactive sessions. All expo floor education is included with an expo pass. Learn from experts in the industry, giving you real-world applications and a comprehensive understanding of the fields you specialize in. Click here for the full schedule.