About this Event
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and gain better visibility into their operations. Smart manufacturing technologies can help address these challenges, but many small and mid-sized manufacturers are unsure where to begin.
The Virginia Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (VSMA) Roadshow Series is designed to help Virginia manufacturers understand how digital technologies can be applied to existing equipment and operations without requiring major capital investments.
This event combines classroom instruction, live technology demonstrations, and practical business discussion to show how manufacturers can begin capturing and using operational data to improve decision-making on the shop floor.
Participants will see how manufacturing data can move from machines to actionable insights that help reduce downtime, improve quality, and strengthen operational control.
Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: New College Institute (NCI), Martinsville, Virginia
Cost: Free to attend
Registration: Required
Capacity: Limited seating
This roadshow combines three learning components in a single program designed specifically for manufacturers.
Classroom Instruction
Subject matter experts from Virginia Tech will explain the smart manufacturing journey from machine-level data collection to operational decision-making.
Live Technology Demonstration
Participants will see sensors, equipment, and data collection systems operating in a live demonstration environment, providing a hands-on understanding of how digital technologies connect to manufacturing equipment.
Business Application
Industry experts will translate the technology into practical business terms, discussing implementation considerations, expected costs, and potential operational benefits.
What You Will LearnParticipants will gain insight into the full path from machine data to operational improvement, including:
- How to identify what production data is valuable to capture
- How sensors connect machines to usable operational data
- How manufacturing data can be visualized through dashboards and analytics
- How data can support faster decision-making on downtime, quality, and throughput
- How to evaluate return on investment and prioritize next steps
This event is designed for leaders and decision-makers within Virginia manufacturing companies, including:
Plant and Operations Managers
Gain insight into how smart manufacturing technologies can improve uptime, efficiency, and operational performance.
Engineers and Technical Staff
Understand how sensors, data systems, and analytics tools integrate with existing equipment.
Business Owners and Executives
Learn how to evaluate the business case for smart manufacturing investments.
This event is one of seven regional roadshow events delivered across Virginia to help manufacturers explore practical applications of smart manufacturing technologies without the need to travel to large industry conferences.
The series is presented through a collaboration of:
- GENEDGE
- Virginia Tech
- Old Dominion University
- Virginia State University
- George Mason University
- New College Institute
Following the event, manufacturers can work with GENEDGE to further evaluate opportunities to improve operational performance through smart manufacturing technologies.
GENEDGE can assist companies with structured assessments, improvement roadmaps, and identifying available funding opportunities that support technology adoption.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New College Institute, 191 Fayette Street, Martinsville, United States
USD 0.00
