Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Adrienne Zepeda, VP, Growth Portfolio Lead at Informa Markets about "Manufacturing, a community built on connections".

The conversation highlights the success and impact of the MD&M West event, organized by Informa. Adrienne Zepeda, Vice President at Informa, discusses the event's significance, noting over 12,000 attendees and the extensive planning involved, starting two to four weeks post-event. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, leveraging feedback from exhibitors and attendees, and planning events up to two years in advance. Despite challenges, such as COVID-19, the event maintained its schedule, showcasing innovative technologies and fostering human connections. Adrienne's role involves overseeing six events, including MD&M West, and ensuring the success of each event through meticulous planning and collaboration.

Outline

MD&M West Event Overview and Introduction

Industrial Talk, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting the event's focus on medtech automation, packaging, plastics, and design.
Scott emphasizes the importance of attending MD&M West, describing it as a significant event for manufacturers solving market challenges.
Scott mentions the involvement of Informa in organizing MD&M West and introduces Adrienne Zepeda, a professional from Informa, to discuss the event's details.

Adrienne Zepeda's Role and Event Planning

Scott and Adrienne discuss the scale of MD&M West, with over 12,000 attendees and still one more day to go.
Adrienne explains the extensive planning involved in organizing the event, starting as early as two to four weeks after the current event.
Adrienne shares his background, mentioning his role as Vice President at Informa, overseeing six events, including MD&M West.
Adrienne describes the cross-collaborative nature of his team, involving sales, operations, digital marketing, and event technology teams, totaling around 50 to 60 people.

Measuring Success and Event Impact

Adrienne measures success through feedback from exhibitors and attendees, such as increased booth activity and lead generation.
Adrienne highlights the importance of creating experiences that resonate with attendees and provide value throughout the year.
Scott and Adrienne discuss the challenges and rewards of organizing such a large-scale event, including the need for continuous planning and improvement.
Adrienne shares his personal motivation for organizing the event, focusing on the impact on the industry and the lives of people.

Impact of COVID-19 and Event Adaptation

Scott inquires about the impact of COVID-19 on MD&M West and the industry's resilience.
Adrienne explains that the need for manufacturing products remained constant during the pandemic, allowing the event to continue with some adjustments.
The event schedule was adjusted to accommodate the changing circumstances, with shows held in February 2020, August 2021, and April 2022.
Adrienne emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connections and the unique value of in-person events.

Innovation and Technology at MD&M West

Scott and Adrienne discuss the rapid pace of innovation and technology in the manufacturing industry.
Adrienne shares his fascination with the industry's continuous advancements and the impact of new technologies on manufacturing processes.
Scott highlights specific examples of innovative products and technologies showcased at MD&M West, such as the magnetic maintenance device.
The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining a forward-thinking approach to stay ahead of industry trends.

Future Plans and Industry Trends

Scott asks about Adrienne's plans for the next year and the future of MD&M West.
Adrienne expresses excitement about bringing the industry together again and incorporating feedback from surveys and advisory boards into future planning.
The discussion includes the importance of adapting to changing industry needs and maintaining a focus on creating valuable experiences for attendees and exhibitors.
Scott and Adrienne reflect on the significance of the event in fostering connections and driving innovation in the manufacturing industry.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Scott and Adrienne wrap up the conversation, expressing mutual appreciation for the work done at MD&M West.
Adrienne provides contact information for those interested in participating in future events, including the MD&M West website and social media links.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Adrienne and explore the various events organized by Informa.
The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of attending industry events to build meaningful connections and drive success.

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ADRIENNE ZEPEDA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennezepeda/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informamarketsmanufacturing/ Company Website: https://www.imeeventscalendar.com/

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Adrienne Zepeda with MD&M West and Informa Markets