November 15, 2024 by Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME Since its inception in 2011, tuX has played a crucial role in connecting manufacturers, educators, workforce organizations, and industry leaders. Its goal has always been to help companies attract, develop, and retain the talent they need to thrive. Over the years, however, the event has evolved and expanded beyond its original scope, growing to include a range of stakeholders and ideas. We’ve increased engagement from educators, workforce organizations, and other key stakeholders in the manufacturing industry—creating a true fusion of ideas, innovation, and collaboration. After years of growth, evolution, and collaboration, the event previously known as tuX is now SME FUSION. This shift represents more than just a name change—it’s a reflection of the event’s evolution and its growing importance within the manufacturing ecosystem. Why rebrand to SME FUSION? The name SME FUSION represents the coming together of multiple sectors and perspectives. It speaks to the very heart of what this event has become—a powerful fusion of diverse sectors and perspectives working together to solve the workforce challenges facing the manufacturing industry. The name shift represents an important expansion of the event’s scope, building on the solid foundation established by tuX, while broadening the conversation to include even more voices from across the workforce development spectrum. SME FUSION isn’t just another industry conference. It’s a movement—one that brings together leaders to share and work collaboratively on solutions that will help shape the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow. As industry needs change, SME FUSION will continue to evolve to provide the tools, insights, and expert guidance required to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. A Platform for Connection and Innovation Our vision for SME FUSION is to provide a powerful platform where industry, academia, and workforce organizations can gain critical insights and make meaningful connections to build a robust, future-ready workforce. SME FUSION will take place April 8-10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The three-day program will feature insightful presentations, interactive workshops, and powerful networking opportunities designed to provide actionable strategies for filling the manufacturing talent pipeline, efficiently onboarding and training new hires, upskilling existing employees, and ensuring the seamless transfer of institutional knowledge. What’s next? We are excited for this next chapter and all the possibilities that come with it. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing more details about what attendees can expect at SME FUSION and how they can take advantage of the program’s unique combination of workforce development, industry expertise, and advanced manufacturing innovation. Thank you to our Workforce Development team for organizing and leading SME FUSION. Their dedication and vision, along with the entire team’s efforts, are key to the event’s success. Together, we’re shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce. We look forward to seeing you at SME FUSION in 2025! Note: We’re excited to host SME FUSION adjacent to SME’s RAPID + TCT and AeroDef Manufacturing which are collocated with SAE’s trademark mobility event ― World Congress Experience (WCX) and America Makes’ Spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX) at nearby Huntington Place in Detroit. This co-location will provide even more networking opportunities for all attendees and sneak-peek at the advanced manufacturing technologies shaping the future. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming months on how SME FUSION attendees can experience our premier additive manufacturing and aerospace and defense technology events.
