Vlerick Alumni Digital Transformation Club - Factories of the Future

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The manufacturing industry stands at a defining crossroads. Disruption from global instability, rapidly evolving technologies, and shifting workforce dynamics are forcing leaders to rethink how factories operate and thrive. It is no longer just about upgrading machines—it is about transforming mindsets, embracing data and AI, fostering human capital, and building the resilience needed to navigate uncertainty. Join us for an inspiring event that will challenge perspectives, spark new ideas, and equip you with the insights to lead your organization into the future of manufacturing.

This event brings together manufacturing leaders, digital transformation experts, and innovators to explore what it truly means to create Factories of the Future. Through a keynote and interactive discussions, we will dive into the most pressing challenges of today and tomorrow: how to balance legacy plants with new digital facilities, leverage automation and AI responsibly, lead people through change, and build organizations that can adapt in disruptive times.

Join us for an inspiring and practical exploration of how digital transformation—in all its facets—can shape resilient, future-ready operations in 2026 and beyond.

Why attend?

· Gain fresh perspectives on the future of manufacturing and resilient operations

· Experience a unique factory tour of Agristo, a Belgian leader in innovative food manufacturing, to see digital transformation in action (Exclusive invitations. To express your interest, kindly email YWx1bW5pIHwgdmxlcmljayAhIGNvbQ== as places are very limited)

· Discover practical strategies to harness data, AI, automation, and human capital for sustainable growth

· Connect with peers and experts tackling similar challenges in disruptive times

What to expect

· An exclusive guided factory tour at Agristo, offering firsthand insights into how a traditional industry is embracing digital and operational excellence (to express your interest, kindly email YWx1bW5pIHwgdmxlcmljayAhIGNvbQ== as places are very limited)

· Thought-provoking keynotes from industry leaders

· Real-world case studies on successful digital manufacturing initiatives

· Interactive panels on disruption, automation, AI, and the workforce of the future

· Actionable takeaways you can immediately apply to your organization

4pm - 5.30pm: Exclusive guided factory tour of Agristo (to express your interest, kindly email YWx1bW5pIHwgdmxlcmljayAhIGNvbQ== as places are limited)

6pm - 7pm: Welcome drinks & Networking

7pm - 8.30pm: Start of the panel discussion

8.30pm - 11pm: Walking Dinner & Networking

Hear from top executives, digital transformation specialists, and industry pioneers shaping the future of manufacturing.

Confirmed speakers (full lineup to be announced soon):

• Ann Vereecke - Full Professor of Operations Management - Vlerick Business School

• Kristof Wallays - Chief Gobal Expansion, Innovation and Sustainability - Agristo
• Matthieu Jacobs - CIO - Agristo
• Nathalie Rigouts - Head of Business Applications Data & AI - Umicore

Club partner:

Alumni partners:

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