Adrienne Zepeda with MD&M West and Informa Markets

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.