2025 CME BC MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE

SMART MANUFACTURING: OVERVIEW OF INNOVATION

Gain insights into the latest advancements in smart manufacturing, including an overview of innovative technologies revolutionizing the industry.

AI IN MANUFACTURING PANEL

Explore how artificial intelligence is driving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and transforming processes on the factory floor.

INTEGRATING ERP WITH SMART MANUFACTURING PANEL

Learn how seamless ERP integration empowers businesses to connect systems, streamline operations, and achieve smarter manufacturing outcomes.

SMART MANUFACTURING: OVERVIEW OF INNOVATION

Eileen Santos, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Lean Facilitator

Eileen has been a Lean facilitator at CME for 3 years and has been on her own Lean Journey since 2018.

Over the course of a 15-year career in the service and manufacturing sectors, Eileen Santos has assumed roles in Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement. Her experience working with employees from the frontline to senior management, and passion for employee engagement and customer satisfaction, has given her valuable perspective from which to provide guidance, coaching, facilitation, and training services.

In addition to her Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Manitoba and Diploma in Chemical and Biosciences Technology through Red River College, Eileen has received internal auditing certifications for AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO14001, and is experienced in ISO17025 auditing.

Eileen brings her Lean experience home with her and encourages everyone to practice Lean personally and professionally to make their lives safer, easier, and more efficient.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SMART MANUFACTURING

Spiros Lenis, WorkSafeBC, Industrial Risk Specialist

Spiros Lenis, CRSP, is an Industrial Risk Specialist at Prevention Risk Management Services at WorkSafeBC. He applies his expertise in complex systems and human factors to profile risks to workers across the province. Spiros has led risk-based projects related to industrial robots and nanoparticles in manufacturing. He is an advocate for the thoughtful synthesis of humans and technology in the modern workplace. Spiros holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he specialized in aviation safety.

AUTOMATION SHOWCASE FYidoctors

Matthew Morrison, FYidoctors, Senior Director, Manufacturing and Fulfillment

With over 18 years of experience in supply chain management across manufacturing and distribution sectors, Matthew Morrison has held leadership roles including Warehouse Manager, Director of Customer Experience and Fulfillment, and currently Senior Director of Manufacturing. Throughout their career, Matthew has played a pivotal role in leading and supporting major initiatives such as ERP system implementations, facility relocations, and the development of a strong coaching and mentoring culture that drives performance. A contributor to the growth of Fyi Health Group from 30 to 400 locations across Canada.  FYidoctors is Canada’s leading diversified healthcare organization with over 650 optometrists’ servicing locations ​coast to coast.​ Fyi was named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2022 and 2023 by Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for four consecutive years and a Certified Great Place to Work.

Matthew has a proven track record of driving business scalability and operational excellence. He is deeply committed to staying on the leading edge of technology, leveraging advanced tools and analytics to capture critical data that informs strategic decisions, whether related to people management or optimizing business processes.

In June, welcomed the addition of their first child to the family, and in their personal time, they enjoy travelling and exploring new cultures.

AI IN MANUFACTURING PANELISTS

Ted Lau, Ballistic Arts, CEO

Ted Lau is the Owner and CEO of Ballistic Arts, an award-winning Lead Generation Digital Marketing Agency specializing in helping B2B Professional Service Firms and B2B Distributors drive online leads and build brand awareness. Founded in 2002, the agency provides services in lead generation, graphic design, video production, and web development, boasting clients like Vancity, Concord Pacific, ICBC, and KPMG.

By combining creative content with data-driven strategies, Ballistic Arts has achieved impressive results, increasing client leads by up to 500% and outperforming industry ad standards by 30-80%. The agency has earned accolades such as Best Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency in BC and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Digital Agencies.

Ted also hosts the YouTube channel You Know Ted and co-hosts Canada’s top marketing podcast, Marketing News Canada, where he interviews industry leaders like Col. Chris Hadfield and former Bumble CMO Chelsea Cain-McClain.

A Coquitlam, BC native, Ted lives there with his wife Marisa and daughter Charlotte, while sharing his 20+ years of expertise in business and marketing.

Farshid Najafi, SFU, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

Farshid Najafi received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba in 2005, and 2009 in Robotics, respectively. He joined the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, at Simon Fraser University in 2022. He has played a key role in establishing a new Professional MEng Program on Smart Manufacturing and Systems where he led the development of core courses and cutting-edge research/training laboratories.  He established a state-of-the-art Smart Manufacturing Hub, offering a comprehensive curriculum covering advanced manufacturing concepts and Industry 4.0 technologies. This facility serves both as a training ground for students and as a research facility for innovative projects. He developed a unique Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT) Lab that enables students and researchers to experiment with data and connectivity-driven manufacturing processes. He also developed a new Digital Twin Lab in partnership with Siemens enabling research and development of Digital Twins for both products and manufacturing processes.

Sean Graham, Acera Insurance, Director Sales BC Lower Mainland

As the Director of Sales BC Lower Mainland at Acera Insurance, I serve as a trusted Risk Advisor to a diverse group of for and non-profit organizations. In this role, I work with each client to create an insurance solution tailored to address their specific risk exposures and support their operations and objectives. Leveraging my 25 years of consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, I have a long track record of creating lasting relationships through innovative, collaborative solutions and enterprising client care. Dedicated to delivering the best expert advice, my goal is to simplify the complex, providing effective and economical solutions.

Bill Syrros, BDO Digital, National AI Leader

Bill Syrros is the National AI Leader at BDO Canada. With 25 years of experience in technology services and business sector development across Canada, the United States, and internationally, Bill brings a wealth of innovation, vision, creativity, and executive direction. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a Partner at BDO Digital, Bill contributes to a nationally recognized brand in AI and Data services, delivering practical and actionable results. Bill co-founded Lixar IT (now BDO Digital), where he led the development of numerous connected technologies for many companies in various industries, including manufacturing. Under Bill’s leadership, his work at BDO Digital has been instrumental in advancing smart manufacturing solutions, leveraging AI and IoT to optimize production processes, enhance supply chain efficiency, drive innovation in the manufacturing sector and foster sustainable growth. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill is a passionate supporter of Canadian music and enjoys cross-country skiing and playing hockey.

INTEGRATING ERP WITH SMART MANUFACTURING PANELISTS

Rafael Marcao, VMAC, Director of Enterprise Excellence

Rafael Marcao, graduated in Industrial Automation, Pos-Graduated in Lean Manufacturing and Master of Business Administration, recently completed his professional training on AI and Machine Learning from MIT. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt by Caterpillar, over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry implementing lean manufacturing and driving quality improvements, currently Director of Enterprise Excellence at VMAC.

Garth Cumming, TLC Solutions, Director, Software & Automation

Garth is a seasoned technologist who now serves as the Director of Software & Automation at TLC Solutions. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has made significant contributions to high-profile and distributed systems, including serving as the architect for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic site. An avid runner and swimmer, Garth is equally passionate about coaching, both in sports and professionally. His dedication to software and AI fuels his mission to create innovative solutions that simplify life, empowering people to focus on meaningful and impactful work.

Ahmad Ovais, BDO, Partner, Consulting

Ahmad Ovais is a business-oriented digital & AI transformation leader, focussed on helping clients transform their business, enhance competitiveness, create capacity, and drive scale, via digital technologies & innovative solutions (e.g., ERPs, AI, Data, Automation).

With over 16 years of end-to-end consulting experience, he has helped several clients (across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, public sector, logistics and transportation), be able to effectively plan, design and execute their digital transformations, leveraging ERPs and other digital technologies.

He excels in providing practical and informed advice to clients & their ELT, enabling them to maximize their digital/ERP investments, not just for the short-term but also for the long-term. He is passionate about collaboration, trust-building, creating high-performing teams, bringing people/process/technology/data together, and enabling value-based outcomes.

MODERATOR

Rob Shearar, Acera Insurance, Senior Client Executive, Commercial Insurance, and Partner

Rob Shearar is a Senior Client Executive, Commercial Insurance, and Partner at Acera Insurance. He brings 20 years of insurance and risk management experience coupled with specialized industry expertise in manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, construction and commercial real estate across Canada. Rob serves on the BC Advisory Board of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

Unlock Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities: Connect, Engage, and Lead at the 2025 Manufacturing Conference! For more information, please reach out to leninka.turcotte[at]cme-mec.ca