AI & Digital Transformation Seminar to Help Manufacturers Turn AI Strategy into Practical Action

SABETHA, Kan. — Manufacturers looking to move beyond the AI hype and implement practical digital transformation strategies will have the opportunity to do just that at the AI & Digital Transformation Seminar, taking place September 16–18, 2026, at Prairie Band Casino & Resort and NorthWind Technical Services Headquarters in Sabetha, Kansas.

Designed for manufacturing professionals across the food, beverage, animal feed, pet food, grain, plastics, and related process industries, the seminar focuses on actionable education rather than product demonstrations. Attendees will hear directly from industry experts, technology partners, and manufacturers who are applying artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve operations, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.

This year's event features a distinguished lineup of speakers and organizations at the forefront of industrial innovation, including Rockwell Automation, Palantir, and the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), alongside real-world case studies from manufacturers actively executing digital transformation initiatives.

Featured Session Highlights Include:

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• Unified Namespace — John Dyck, CESMII
  A deep dive into connected plant architectures and the role of the Unified Namespace in enabling smart manufacturing at scale.
   
• Digital Transformation Starts Small — In this panel, three manufacturers share their account of the single step that started their digital transformation journey, what it delivered for their business, and what they're tackling next. 
   
• Digital Transformation Journey Case Study — Stephen Dubatowka, Saint-Gobain Life Sciences & Robert Lee, NorthWind Technical Services
  A real-world implementation story from Saint-Gobain Life Sciences, sharing lessons learned and measurable outcomes from their digital transformation journey.
   
• Machine Learning for Preventative Maintenance — Udaya Kumar, Rockwell Automation An exploration of how machine learning is being applied today to predict equipment failures, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend asset life.
   
• AI Guided Troubleshooting — Ben Bosworth, NorthWind Technical Services
   practical session on how AI-assisted tools are transforming how maintenance and operations teams diagnose and resolve issues on the plant floor.
   
• Building Robust AI for the Future — Will Rees, Palantir
  Insights from Palantir on building scalable, enterprise-grade AI systems that deliver lasting value in manufacturing environments.
   

The AI & Digital Transformation Seminar is designed to provide attendees with practical knowledge they can apply within their own facilities.

"Manufacturers are no longer asking if AI belongs in their operations, they're asking where to start and how to achieve measurable results," said Matt Lueger, Executive Vice President of NorthWind Technical Services. "This seminar was created to provide practical guidance, real-world examples, and meaningful conversations that help manufacturing leaders make informed decisions about their digital transformation journey."

In addition to classroom-style educational sessions, attendees will participate in networking events, technology demonstrations, and an open house at NorthWind's headquarters, offering an inside look at modern automation, controls engineering, and digital manufacturing solutions.

The seminar is intended for plant managers, operations leaders, engineering managers, maintenance professionals, IT and OT leaders, executives, and others responsible for improving manufacturing performance through technology.

For additional event information and registration, visit events.northwindts.com.

Source: Northwind Technical Services

About the company
NorthWind Technical Services is a system integrator specializing in industrial automation, process controls, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and AI-enabled manufacturing solutions. The company partners with manufacturers worldwide to improve operational performance through innovative technology and engineering expertise.