Maintenance Optimization12 Sessions
Near-Instant Solutions: Troubleshoot Without the Guesswork—Faster Than Microwaving Popcorn
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Sean Hollands - Chief Commercial Officer, RDI TechnologiesMinimizing downtime is critical to maintaining a reliable plant, and effective troubleshooting is key to resolving failures quickly. This session will cover strategies for expediting asset troubleshooting, ensuring that identified reliability concerns are the actual root cause. Through five real-world examples, attendees will learn how to apply advanced techniques like Motion Amplification to enhance asset reliability. We’ll also explore how to integrate Motion Amplification analysis into daily maintenance routines and its role alongside traditional condition monitoring solutions. This session is ideal for those looking to improve their troubleshooting skills and reduce unplanned downtime.
From Risk to Reliability: How Advanced Sight Glass Technology Transformed a Remote River Dredging Operation
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Tom Fitch - CEO, LunetaIn the heart of the South Pacific, a critical river dredging operation is constantly tested by extreme environmental conditions—frequent flooding, blistering heat, and severe storms. Adding to the complexity, its remote location makes access to spare parts and technical support a logistical nightmare. For the engineers managing this mission-critical equipment, reliability isn’t just a benchmark—it’s the line between operational success and catastrophic failure. Discover how cutting-edge advancements in sight glass technology have become a game-changer, helping this operation avoid disasters, reduce downtime, and save millions in maintenance costs.
Steps to Effective Work Execution to Stop Fixing and Start Preventing Failures
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Jeff Shiver - Managing Principal, People and ProcessesDespite significant investments in reliability initiatives, predictive technologies, and CMMS systems, many organizations continue to face poor equipment performance, repetitive failures, and excessive downtime. The root cause? A lack of focus on work execution and defect elimination. This session will uncover the critical gap in maintenance programs—the execution phase—and provide actionable strategies to improve work quality. Attendees will learn to identify common execution failures, implement precision maintenance techniques, enhance communication between planners and technicians, and apply simple process changes to ensure maintenance is done right the first time, leading to better equipment performance, fewer repeat failures, and reduced costs.
3 Ways Ajinomoto, a Biotechnology Corporation, Transformed Their Maintenance Program Through CMMS Optimization
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Brian Brzinski - Founder & CEO, AMSS ConsultingA poorly optimized CMMS can become a burden rather than a solution, leading to bad data, inefficient workflows, and low adoption—ultimately resulting in missed maintenance tasks, unexpected downtime, and wasted resources. This session explores three key CMMS optimizations that helped Ajinomoto transform its maintenance strategy, offering practical steps to clean up data, streamline workflows, and customize the system for greater efficiency and reliability. Designed for those with a basic understanding of maintenance operations, this session provides actionable strategies to turn a CMMS from a digital filing cabinet into a powerful tool for reducing downtime and improving asset reliability.
Revolutionizing Conveyor Efficiency: Industry 4.0 Solutions with AI and Machine Learning
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Anthony Brown - VP, Mighty LubeConveyor chains are the backbone of many manufacturing plants, and premature wear can lead to costly downtime. This session covers essential strategies to extend chain life, including proper lubrication, cleaning techniques, and wear tracking. Learn how to monitor key vitals, implement preventative maintenance, and leverage AI for a big-picture approach to conveyor health. Whether you're responsible for maintenance, reliability, or purchasing, this session will equip you with tools to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
How a SHARK TANK Smart Home Filter Found Its Way into a Yeast Manufacturing Facility
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Winston Mok - Founder, Woosh AirIn this session, attendees will learn how to improve air quality while reducing costs and waste by transforming traditional air filters into essential components of the manufacturing process. Air quality is critical for many industries, but filters are often treated as disposable commodities. By making filters smarter, businesses can turn them into valuable assets that enhance productivity and save costs. Topics will include the basics of air filtration, MERV ratings, energy efficiency regulations, and the importance of measuring filter life to optimize performance. Real-life examples from a major yeast manufacturing plant will demonstrate the benefits of this innovative approach.
A Collaborative Future: Human Expertise and AI in Predictive Maintenance
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom F
David Murphy - CME Program Manager, AssetWatch
Garrett Coleman - Customer Success Team Lead, AssetWatchModern industrial equipment generates vast amounts of data, posing challenges for maintenance teams in identifying critical failure indicators. This session explores how integrating AI with human expertise can enhance predictive maintenance. Attendees will learn how AI rapidly analyzes complex datasets to detect failure patterns, while human judgment validates these insights within operational contexts. Real-world case studies will demonstrate how this collaboration improves reliability, reduces downtime, and optimizes asset performance, empowering professionals to effectively manage condition monitoring data and implement proactive maintenance strategies.
Case Study: A Significant Reduction in Bearing Failures at GAF Started as A Conversation at Reliable Plant 2021
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Ivan Hess - President, Enviropeel
Israel Hernandez - Senior Maintenance Reliability Engineer, GAFMany maintenance teams struggle with frequent bearing failures due to contamination, over-lubrication, and inadequate seals. This session explores how sprayable thermoplastic coatings can shield bearings from dust, debris, and moisture—reducing failure rates by up to 1,000%. Learn how industries are using this technology to extend equipment life, minimize downtime, and enhance corrosion protection. The session will also feature a real-world case study with GAF, industry applications, and an open Q&A to address practical implementation in your facility. Ideal for those familiar with bearing lubrication and condition monitoring.
Small Ideas Can Be a Big Deal. As Seen on Shark Tank…
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Winston Mok - Founder, Woosh AirBig ideas don’t always start in boardrooms, they often begin with frustration, curiosity, and duct tape. In this keynote, former Google Product Manager and Shark Tank entrepreneur Winston Mok shares how a simple idea to improve air filters sparked a smart tech solution that’s now helping businesses improve reliability, save energy, and prevent costly equipment failures. You’ll leave inspired to look at everyday problems differently and maybe even start building your next big idea in the garage.
How to Effectively Plan a Job to Maximize Performance
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom AB
Cody Creager - Maintenance Superintendent, Timber ProductsIneffective job planning can significantly reduce wrench time, leading to delays, incomplete tasks, and frustrated teams. This session will show you how to create detailed job plans that encompass every critical aspect—parts, tools, manpower, craft hours, assets, and work instructions—so work is truly ready for scheduling. You'll discover how effective planning increases wrench time, preserves tribal knowledge through documented job plans in your CMMS, boosts team morale, and provides clear instructions for less frequent tasks. Key takeaways include steps for effective job planning, calculating manpower and resources, understanding plant processes for better planning, and improving interdepartmental communication.
Identifying and Eliminating Varnish From Your Machines Forever
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom F
Marcello Attilio Gracia - Technical Director, ConfialubVarnish is a hidden failure mode that threatens critical assets like turbines, compressors, and hydraulic systems—especially in high-temperature environments. This session covers how to accurately identify varnish (including cold vs. hot types), select the right diagnostic tests, and evaluate varnish removal methods. Attendees will also learn how to apply proven reliability tools like RCA TO GO and Fault Tree Analysis to identify and eliminate root causes permanently. Leave with a clear action plan to proactively detect, treat, and prevent varnish in your equipment.
The Power of the Right Maintenance Schedule
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom AB
Frank Pereira - Managing Partner, Coleman Consulting GroupMaintenance techs are usually among the highest paid and most valuable members of an organization, yet most have to work weekends and costly overtime hours only when equipment is available. Companies should be more effectively scheduling their high-cost employees and implement solutions to ensure maintenance are rested and alert when doing their jobs. I will present case studies where both business needs and employee needs are met. You will learn that shift length and day on/off patterns are just a part of the schedule. A schedule is actually a system for deploying capital and personnel with employee buy-in that takes into account specific work, pay, and coverage policies.
Asset Management9 Sessions
25 Years Since The First Unsuccessful Wireless Vibration Technology: What We've Learned Since Then
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Drew Mackley - Director Sales Enablement, EmersonInvesting in wireless vibration monitoring can streamline asset reliability—if done correctly. Without careful planning, users may face unexpected challenges like excessive battery replacements, sensor misalignment, insufficient fault detection data, or costly, restrictive contracts. This session will guide attendees through key considerations before committing to a wireless vibration solution, helping them avoid costly missteps. Learn how to assess battery life management, data bandwidth, wireless protocols (5G, LoRaWAN, WirelessHART), and the trade-offs of OPEX vs. CAPEX models. Gain insights into selecting the right technology, understanding total cost of ownership, and ensuring data-driven decision-making for effective asset monitoring.
Why Is Varnish So Difficult To Detect With Oil Analysis
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Evan Zabawski - Senior Technical Advisor, Eurofins TestOilVarnish can threaten asset reliability, but no single test definitively detects it. This session explores the limitations of common oxidation and degradation tests and how to properly interpret results to predict varnish formation. Attendees will learn why varnish often goes undetected in standard oil analysis and gain the skills to uncover hidden indicators. The session will also highlight the most effective varnish detection methods, equipping maintenance professionals with practical strategies to improve reliability. A basic understanding of oil analysis is beneficial for attendees.
Doing More with Less: AI Predictive Maintenance for Understaffed Reliability Teams
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Leo Borba - Director of Account Management, TRACTIAN
Jacob Hoffine - Reliability Engineer, IngredionReliability Engineers often face the challenge of doing more with less, making it essential to prioritize high-impact efforts. This session explores how AI-powered predictive maintenance can help streamline decision-making and boost efficiency, even for understaffed teams. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how to implement simple, turnkey AI tools that deliver quick results without long deployment timelines. Key topics include selecting the right PdM technologies, understanding AI models in predictive maintenance, and best practices for maximizing efficiency and ROI. A basic understanding of PdM techniques is recommended for those looking to enhance reliability with AI-driven solutions.
The Email That Transformed the Mindset of a Maintenance Team
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Alex Bolan - President, DigitalThinker IncUncover the transformative power of a maintenance lead’s email that showed how a team went from reactive to proactive, driving massive KPI improvements through strategic use of an EAM application. Learn how this email made it to the CEO's inbox and a company-wide cultural shift took place. Turning a perceived “money pit” into a revenue generator and fostering employee pride and collaboration. Discover practical strategies to communicate success upward, empower your team, and build a unified organization where every role matters. Leave as an inspiring leader, ready to champion your team’s story and cultivate a mission-driven workplace where everyone feels valued.
Bridging the Gap Between Operational Data and Reliability Data
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Dr. M. David Howard - CEO, ERBESSD INSTRUMENTSOperations and maintenance often operate in silos, relying on separate systems like OSI Pi for process monitoring and CMMS for asset management. This disconnect limits collaboration and efficiency. This session explores how integrating operational and reliability data drives better decision-making, reduces downtime, and improves asset performance. Through real-world case studies and live demonstrations, attendees will learn how digital transformation fosters cross-functional teamwork, enhances visibility, and delivers measurable ROI. Ideal for professionals familiar with plant operations and maintenance practices, this session offers practical insights for achieving true digital interoperability without excessive complexity or cost.
The Dichotomies of Leading Reliability
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Shon Isenhour - Owner, EruditioReliability isn’t about chasing a single best practice—it’s about finding the right balance for your organization’s current state while driving sustainable improvement. This session explores key elements of reliability, including planning levels, failure coding, FRACAS, and planner/scheduler roles, helping attendees determine where on the spectrum they should aim to avoid overwhelming their teams with unrealistic expectations. We’ll discuss the practical, intermediate steps needed to move forward, ensuring progress without the pressure of instant transformation. Ideal for those looking to implement reliability or asset management improvements, no prior experience is required—just a desire to drive meaningful change.
The Power of Integrating Oil Analysis with Lubrication Management Systems
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Bill Quesnel - President, WearCheck International (WCI)
Sergio Adame - Software Engineering Architect, NoriaThis joint presentation with Noria, Pfizer, and WearCheck International explores how integrating oil analysis (OA) with a lubrication management system (LMS) can transform maintenance practices and drive reliability. Through real-world case studies, attendees will see how WCI's integration with LubePM via ADOAPT streamlines workflows, enhances data visibility, and enables proactive decision-making. The session will cover the step-by-step process of connecting OA with an LMS, highlighting how this integration improves asset reliability, reduces downtime, and delivers measurable value across maintenance operations.
The World of Sight Glasses: Improving Equipment Lubricant Monitoring Methods Through Simple Upgrades
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom H
Chris Haught - Product Manager, EscoEffective lubricant monitoring is essential for equipment reliability, yet standard sight glasses often fall short. This session will explore a range of sight glass and level monitoring options, outlining their advantages and best applications. Learn how to upgrade or install sight glasses to improve visibility, detect early lubricant issues, and extend equipment life. Discover practical strategies for integrating these tools into your maintenance program, reducing downtime, and enhancing condition monitoring with simple yet impactful upgrades.
Unlocking Operational Efficiency: Your Guide to Selecting the Right CMMS for Your Maintenance Team
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom G
Matt Burtz - Maintenance Consultant, Limble
Kristin Drake - Vice President, Customer Success, LimbleMaintenance teams are under immense pressure to overcome reactive maintenance cycles, inefficient workflows, and rising costs. Choosing the right CMMS is the key to unlocking more efficient operations, making it easy to transition from reactive maintenance to a strategic, proactive approach that reduces costs and enhances long-term asset performance. This session provides a buyer's guide to CMMS selection, providing guidance on evaluating and implementing technology for your maintenance team with real-world examples. You'll hear from food manufacturer, Preferred Popcorn, as they present their CMMS assessment process and the key considerations that helped them select the right CMMS solution to align with their organization's needs.
Digital Transformation8 Sessions
Formula 1 Maintenance: The Competitive Edge of the Digital Transformation
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
John Carrier - Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of ManagementMany companies over-invest in technology while under-investing in the resources needed to care for and continuously improve their assets, creating what’s known as the "hidden factory." This leads to poor productivity, unreliable plant uptime, defective products, and burnout among staff. This session will explore how maintenance can gain a seat at the table with C-suite leadership, ensuring the right digital technologies are adopted at the right time. Attendees will learn how to address the "hidden factory," communicate effectively with leadership, and create a playbook for empowering maintenance teams to achieve world-class performance and make their organization an employer of choice.
Wireless Condition Monitoring – A Conversation from the Trenches
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Ed Spence - Managing Director, The Machine Instrumentation GroupCody Creager - Maintenance Superintendent, Timber Products
John Pucillo - Principal, True Reliability
Matthew Knuth - Director of Reliability Solutions, UpTime Solutions
Mark Kingkade - Reliability Solutions Architect, Waites Sensor TechnologyComplex technology can often lead to confusion, especially when it comes to implementing wireless sensors for condition monitoring. This panel discussion brings together experienced maintenance and reliability professionals, including those who have transitioned to vendor roles, to share their firsthand experiences. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world impact of wireless sensors on asset maintenance, common deployment challenges, and key vendor attributes to consider. Designed for those with a working knowledge of predictive maintenance (PdM) and condition monitoring practices, this session will clarify how to navigate the adoption of wireless technology effectively.
2025 Reliability Tech Roundup: Separating the Hype from the Innovation
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Jeremy Drury - CCO, UpTime SolutionsWith new technologies flooding the reliability space, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—or worse, invest in solutions that overpromise and underdeliver. While some innovations drive real improvements, others are just hype. This session cuts through the noise, highlighting the latest reliability-centered technologies, identifying those worth piloting, and calling out the ones that still need to prove their value. Attendees will walk away with a clear methodology for assessing, testing, and integrating new tech to ensure they’re investing in solutions that truly enhance reliability, not just chasing the next big thing.
Case Study: People, Technology, and Innovation: Driving Impactful Change in Condition Monitoring at Steel Mill Company
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Jonathan Guerino - Technical Account Manager, SEMEQ Systems
Yorman Zambrano - Reliability Engineer, Optimus SteelLearn how a steel mill transitioned from traditional equipment analysis to a data-driven predictive maintenance strategy using IIoT vibration technologies and AI-driven diagnostics. This session explores the cultural shift required to integrate smart sensors and predictive management systems, streamlining operations and improving plant reliability. Attendees will gain practical insights into transforming raw data into actionable decisions, optimizing maintenance routines, and enhancing efficiency through condition monitoring advancements. Ideal for professionals interested in predictive maintenance, AI diagnostics, and industrial innovation.
Designing a Generative AI-Powered Assistant for the Reliability Practitioner
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Aniket Vashisht - Senior Solution Architect, Amazon Web Services
Shankar Narayanan - Technology & Partnerships Sales Leader, Amazon Web ServicesCapturing knowledge of an aging workforce, our most senior employees, and digitizing it is a prevalent issue in our plants and facilities. This session will help you envision your own chat-bot assistant. Learn how to add domain knowledge, guardrails, and security controls around the chat bots. Understand the framework needed to implement and how to scale and adopt this advanced technology.
Beyond the Buzzwords: Practical Strategies for CMMS Success
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Greg Christensen - Host, CMMSradioAlex Bolan - President, DigitalThinker Inc
Andrew Gager - CEO/President, AMG INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC
Trent McJunkin - Facilities & Maintenance Manager, Oshkosh Defense
Bryan Bieschke - Head of Community & Partnerships, UpKeepImplementing CMMS technology while securing leadership support and achieving real adoption remains a persistent challenge across the industry. This session cuts through the buzzwords to explore what modern tech really delivers beyond the surface. Attendees will gain insights into avoiding common missteps when selecting and deploying CMMS, building leadership buy-in, and ensuring maintenance teams achieve meaningful outcomes. With an extended Q&A segment, this session promises practical, no-nonsense guidance for maintenance professionals at all levels.
Leveraging AI and Analytical Efficiency for Next-Generation Predictive Maintenance
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Jeremy Frank - CEO, KCF TechnologiesReactive maintenance practices lead to significant challenges, including lost productivity, increased industrial injuries, and wasted energy and emissions. Surprisingly, only 20% of machine degradation is due to normal wear, while 80% stems from poor operating conditions, imperfect maintenance, and system design flaws. This session explores how AI-driven predictive maintenance can tackle these issues by leveraging the right data, analysis, and actions to reduce downtime and eliminate waste. Attendees will learn how to identify root causes, collect high-fidelity data, simplify insights through AI, and ensure timely action for effective maintenance.
Transforming Maintenance with AI: Predict, Align, and Optimize
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom E
Asad Malik - Senior Reliability Sales Manager, Fluke ReliabilityDiscover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping maintenance operations by turning reactive strategies into proactive, data-driven reliability programs. This session will explore how AI enhances predictive maintenance, streamlines work order management, and improves overall operational efficiency. Learn from real-world examples using tools like vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and CMMS systems. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to reduce downtime, lower costs, and extend asset life—while gaining insights into future trends that support smarter decision-making and a proactive reliability culture in today’s evolving industrial landscape.
Condition Monitoring12 Sessions
Emerging Trends in Condition Monitoring for Electric Power Transformers: Enhancing Reliability and Longevity
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Jon Bucciarelli - President, SDMyers
Nathan Jacob - Systems Test Engineer, Camlin EnergyElectric power transformers are vital to industrial and commercial power systems, directly impacting efficiency, safety, and downtime costs. As maintenance strategies evolve from time-based to predictive approaches, advancements in condition monitoring are reshaping reliability practices. This session explores the latest innovations, including dissolved gas analysis (DGA), online partial discharge detection, and AI-powered analytics. Attendees will learn how AI and machine learning identify fault behaviors, optimize maintenance decisions, and extend equipment life. Through case studies and best practices, this session provides actionable insights for reliability professionals looking to reduce failures and maximize transformer performance. Basic knowledge of power system maintenance is recommended.
Selecting the Right Vibration Monitoring System: Balancing Needs, Costs, and Reliability
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
John Pucillo - Principal, True ReliabilityEd Spence - Managing Director, The Machine Instrumentation GroupWith countless vibration condition monitoring solutions on the market, selecting the right system can feel overwhelming. From sensors and software to analytics and vendors, making informed choices requires balancing technical needs, cost, and long-term reliability. This session breaks down how to assess organizational readiness, align predictive and preventive maintenance tasks, and set realistic expectations for cost savings and operational benefits. Attendees will gain insights into selecting the right assets for monitoring, the trade-offs between manual data collection and automated sensors, and how to implement a strategy that maximizes asset protection and efficiency.
The Surprising Limitations of Wireless Vibration—And How to Overcome Them!
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Robert Skeirik - Lead Instructor, Technical Associates of CharlotteMany plants piloting wireless vibration monitoring encounter challenges, continuing to receive unexpected failure alerts. This session delves into the inherent limitations of standard wireless vibration systems, highlighting common blind spots and undetected failure modes. Attendees will learn to critically assess IoT vibration solutions by understanding which failure modes might be missed in the vibration spectrum and why adherence to ISO standards may still leave gaps in machine failure detection. The session also explores technologies that can broaden vibration monitoring applications and outlines essential questions to pose when selecting an IoT vibration partner. Ideal for professionals evaluating rotating equipment monitoring solutions, this session provides insights to enhance the reliability of your maintenance strategies.
The Science Behind Flagging Limits: How Fluid Analysis Drives Better Diagnostics
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Dave Tingey - Product Application Specialist, Polaris LaboratoriesMany professionals using fluid analysis don’t realize how flagging limits are determined, how test results are analyzed, or the impact of missing sample information. This session will break down the science behind flagging limits, the role of historical trends in diagnostics, and how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of fluid analysis. Learn how submitting complete, accurate sample information leads to more reliable recommendations—and walk away with insights from an expert who has worked both in the field and as a data analyst.
Case Study: Using a Versatile Tool Like (SEM-EDS) Electron Microscopy for RCA and CBM
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Andy Lantos - Vice President R&D, Laboratorio Dr. Lantos - Wearcheck International - Noria Corp.
Gerardo Trujillo - Director, Noria Latin AmericaScanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) is a gold standard for wear assessment and root cause analysis, yet it's often overlooked in maintenance strategies. This session—broadcast live from Buenos Aires—will showcase real-world case studies demonstrating how SEM-EDS improves condition-based maintenance, prioritizes repairs, and pinpoints failure causes. Learn how to integrate this versatile, readily available tool into your maintenance program to control wear, enhance RCA accuracy, and optimize fleet management. Gain practical insights to make more informed maintenance decisions and extend equipment life.
Flying to Nowhere: Overcoming Poor Condition Monitoring PILOTS
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Jeremy Drury - CCO, UpTime SolutionsIoT and condition monitoring pilot programs aren’t new—but ironically, they may be getting worse. Why? Better marketing is selling underperforming solutions. This session will expose the common traps vendors use to push facilities into ineffective pilots and help you reframe the conversation to get the right support for your reliability goals. In time- and budget-sensitive environments, missteps are costly. Learn how to spot red flags early and ask smarter questions.
Case Study with POET Bioprocessing Facilities: Converting Route-Based Vibration Programs to Online Remote Monitoring
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Mark Kingkade - Reliability Solutions Architect, Waites Sensor Technology
Jason Goedken - Rotating Equipment Specialist, POET BioprocessingThinking of making the switch in your facility? Learn how POET Bioprocessing transitioned from conventional route-based vibration monitoring to an integrated online remote monitoring system—achieving more frequent asset monitoring with fewer resources. This session takes you through the entire journey, from structuring assets and conversion to developing effective communication strategies and tracking program success. Gain firsthand insights into the implementation process, challenges faced, and key lessons learned to help you build a more efficient and modern vibration monitoring program.
Enhancing Predictive Maintenance with Automated Vibration Analysis and Machine Health Diagnostics
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Yuri Khazanov - Founder and CEO, VibroAIVibration analysis is essential for predictive maintenance but often requires substantial time and expertise to interpret data accurately. This session explores how advanced algorithms can simplify that process, allowing reliability professionals to spend less time analyzing data and more time acting on it.
Attendees will learn how automated analysis can extract key performance indicators (KPIs) from raw vibration data, track health trends over time, and generate fault likelihood scores—enabling faster, more accurate decision-making. The session also covers the role of machine metadata in improving diagnostics and how AI-assisted tools can shift the focus of reliability engineers from data processing to driving operational improvements.ISO 21018-1: Going Beyond Particle Counts by Unlocking the Power of Dynamic Image Analysis
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Peter Bouza - Manager, Vision Analytical IncorporatedRecognizing the need for improved techniques, the introduction of ISO 21018-1 highlights the industry’s shift toward alternative particle monitoring methods. Traditional particle counting methods, such as Light Obscuration often fall short in identifying the source of contamination. Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA) represents a significant advancement, offering particle size, concentration measurements, and visual shape analysis. Users can differentiate between wear debris, fibers, air bubbles, and other contaminants, enabling more accurate contamination assessments and root cause identification. This session will address the limitations of traditional methods, explore the capabilities of DIA, and demonstrate how this innovative technology aligns with ISO 21018-1 to enhance fluid cleanliness monitoring and contamination control practices.
The Business Case for In-House Oil Monitoring: Savings, Speed, and Security
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Thomas Feischl - Director of Business Development, eralyticsLearn how in-house oil condition monitoring can transform your maintenance program. This session explores the benefits of eliminating third-party delays, improving response time, and building in-house expertise. Attendees will see a real-world example of ERASOFT OCM, a software solution that bridges the gap between CMMS and LIMS, simplifying the full oil analysis process—from planning to reporting. Discover how to manage assets efficiently, integrate measuring devices, and protect data integrity while promoting proactive maintenance strategies in industrial environments. Ideal for professionals focused on asset reliability and oil condition monitoring.
Non-Intrusive Coupling Inspection Using Airborne Ultrasound
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Adrian Messer - U.S Operations Manager, SDT Ultrasound Solutions IncTraditional coupling inspections often require equipment shutdowns, timed intervals, and intrusive maintenance. This session introduces airborne ultrasound as a non-invasive, real-time solution for assessing coupling health while equipment remains in operation. Attendees will learn how airborne ultrasound technology works, how to use it for coupling inspections during operation, and why it's more effective than time-based methods. Real-world examples will highlight healthy couplings, failing couplings, and the impact of lubrication on performance. This session is ideal for beginners to intermediate professionals looking to enhance their coupling inspection process and reduce downtime.
From Insights to Action: Optimizing Oil Management with Predictive Analytics
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Daniel Walsh - Director, Technical Sales Support, AMETEK Spectro ScientificEquipment owners often ask: "When is the best time to change the oil based on current sample results?" and "How long can I wait before the machine needs repair if no action is taken?" This session answers these critical questions by exploring how predictive analytics enhances condition-monitoring programs. Attendees will learn how machine learning algorithms analyze oil properties, predict degradation trends, and estimate remaining useful life. The session also covers trending key oil parameters, balancing OEM recommendations with condition-based strategies, and understanding basic data analysis techniques, empowering organizations to implement AI-driven oil management effectively.
Training, Leadership, & Culture14 Sessions
Bridging Language Barriers Through Hands-On Training: A Global Approach to RCM
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Matt Vilardebo - Sr Reliability Engineer, JLLImplementing Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) in multilingual and multicultural environments comes with unique challenges—especially when traditional training methods fall short. This session explores practical strategies for overcoming language barriers and empowering diverse teams to effectively apply predictive maintenance technologies like vibration analysis, lubrication, and infrared thermography. Attendees will gain insights from a real-world case study in Saudi Arabia where hands-on, collaborative training transformed a team with limited English proficiency into a high-performing maintenance workforce. Learn how to design practical training programs, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and drive measurable reliability improvements despite communication challenges.
30-Day ROI Plan to Max Factory Output Using Proven Finite Element Strategies
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Sergio Rossi - Principal, RP4MTariffs put every US manufacturer in the limelight.
Factories must produce faster, better, and more cost-effectively than ever before.
This session outlines a 30-day plan to help you uncover and address hidden business and engineering stresses.
It uses a proven Finite Element (FE) engineering method to deploy the best technologies, solutions and strategies to max your factory's output capacity. Learn how to identify stress points before they cause failures, implement five proven tactics to stop machinery breakdowns, and boost performance across your plant. Attendees will leave with practical tools to max revenues and drive a 5X–100X ROI in factory efficiency.
Leveraging Your Regional Workforce Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Talent Solutions
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Dani Houchin - Executive Director, Origami Works Foundation
Tom Vranas - Former Chief of Staff, Innovation, and People, Zentro InternetIn this session, participants will learn how to leverage public workforce development systems to address talent shortages. With 70% of employers struggling to find qualified candidates, this session offers insights into accessing free or subsidized training and recruitment services through regional workforce partnerships. Attendees will discover how to build talent pipelines, collaborate with workforce organizations, and overcome challenges related to hiring compliance. By the end, participants will have actionable strategies to develop strong partnerships and maximize workforce ROI, ensuring their organizations are equipped to meet both current and future talent needs.
The Future of Used Oil Analysis Labs a Turning Point for Innovation and Relevance
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Jeff Walkup - Vice President, Fluid Life Inc.Oil condition monitoring (OCM) labs have long been vital for preventing equipment failures and optimizing operational efficiency, but emerging technologies like real-time sensors, electrification, and in-house labs are reshaping the landscape. This session explores how OCM labs can evolve from diagnostic centers to strategic maintenance partners by integrating advanced technologies, leveraging AI, and collaborating with industry innovators. Attendees will gain practical insights, real-world case studies, and actionable steps to navigate change confidently. Discover how embracing innovation and refining expertise can secure the future of OCM labs as indispensable leaders in predictive maintenance and reliability.
Worthington Steel's Journey to Reliability Excellence With a Precision Maintenance Strategy
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Kevin Hager - VP of Operations, Hendrix Precision Maintenance
Jeremie Lieb - Transformation Manager, Worthington SteelRelying on quick fixes and temporary solutions only leads to higher costs, shorter equipment life, and a culture of reactive maintenance. Worthington Steel recognized the need for change and embraced precision maintenance as a long-term strategy. In this session, Transformation Manager Jeremie Lieb shares how the company, with support from Hendrix Precision, equipped its maintenance team with the skills needed to achieve lasting results. Attendees will see real examples and demonstrations of precision maintenance techniques that can double, triple, or even quadruple the life of rotating equipment—while also driving down costs and fostering a culture of reliability from the shop floor to leadership.
Bringing Training to the Workforce: How PepsiCo’s Mobile Classrooms are Shaping Technician Development
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Jerid Jackson - Reliability and Asset Management Sr. Manager, Frito-Lay (PepsiCo)
Michael Mumford - Capability Manager, Frito-LayAt PepsiCo Foods North America, developing and retaining skilled technicians and reliability professionals is a top priority—but sending employees off-site for training is often costly and impractical. To bridge this gap, the Reliability and Asset Management team has introduced Mobile Classrooms, bringing hands-on training directly to the sites. This session explores how Frito-Lay identifies workforce training needs, the logistics behind mobile training, and the vendors and partners that make it possible. Whether implementing a similar model or finding alternative ways to upskill teams, attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to invest in their workforce and drive long-term success.
Stay Ready, Stay Reliable: Leadership in Changing Times
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Celina Peerman - Organizational Psychologist, The Peerman GroupChange is constant in maintenance and reliability, yet adapting to it isn’t always easy. This session explores how to navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and maintain stability in evolving work environments. Learn practical techniques to influence positive change, improve team adaptability, and strengthen workplace effectiveness—no matter your role. Attendees will gain immediately applicable tools to foster a change-ready culture, boost confidence in decision-making, and enhance reliability in daily operations. Walk away with strategies to turn uncertainty into opportunity and keep your team moving forward.
The Email That Transformed the Mindset of a Maintenance Team
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Alex Bolan - President, DigitalThinker IncUncover the transformative power of a maintenance lead’s email that showed how a team went from reactive to proactive, driving massive KPI improvements through strategic use of an EAM application. Learn how this email made it to the CEO's inbox and a company-wide cultural shift took place. Turning a perceived “money pit” into a revenue generator and fostering employee pride and collaboration. Discover practical strategies to communicate success upward, empower your team, and build a unified organization where every role matters. Leave as an inspiring leader, ready to champion your team’s story and cultivate a mission-driven workplace where everyone feels valued.
Tying Your Reliability and Maintenance Program to the C-Suite with Energy and Emissions
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Howard Penrose - President, MotorDoc LLCEnergy costs are set to soar in 2025, with Midwest capacity prices jumping from $30 to $667/MW-day and Northern Illinois energy rates expected to rise 45% by July. As demand grows from onshoring and AI-driven data centers, companies must get proactive about energy management. This session explores how maintenance and reliability strategies can cut energy costs and emissions—up to 50%—while improving throughput and reducing equipment damage. Learn how to identify savings opportunities and why energy optimization is directly tied to your P&L, production costs, and sustainability goals.
Reliable Leadership - Don't Leave Home without It!
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Jody Parsons - Leader and Organizational Development Coach, Tulsa, OKWe excel at maintaining reliable machinery, but are we just as effective at maintaining reliable leadership practices? This session introduces the ART of Asking Great Questions and the CUP Method of Feedback, providing instantly implementable techniques to enhance leadership capacity. Attendees will explore the current state of employee engagement, why it matters, and how to foster development through thoughtful "what" and "how" questions. Learn to remove criticism from 1:1 meetings, conduct interactive and employee-focused sessions, and apply coaching techniques that drive engagement, performance, and goal attainment. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen your leadership impact.
Running on Empty: How Fatigue Impacts Your Bottom Line
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Frank Pereira - Managing Partner, Coleman Consulting GroupSleep…we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, yet most of us know very little about it. Sleep affects almost every aspect of our daily life. We need to know the essentials of how the human body responds to work demands. As leaders and managers, we owe it to our staff to not only get them to work with the right training and tools, but mentally prepared to do the work. By understanding the human sleep cycle and adding in a few work rules and educational tools, we can make workplaces safer and more productive.
Numerous organizations, especially those supporting high tempo operations with late hours or 24-hour schedules, report that employees arrive to work sleep-deprived. In these intense operations, employees may find themselves struggling to stay awake while working or while driving home after a long shift.
We are not going to stop the need to work long hours, or even the need to operate late into the night to meet demand. By understanding the basics of sleep, we can develop and implement better schedules and systems to limit the fatigue risk.Case Study: Achieving World-Class Performance Through Departmental Collaboration
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom CD
Andrew Gager - CEO/President, AMG INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INCThis session will focus on the importance of collaboration between departments to achieve world-class performance. The case study highlights an organization that lost millions annually due to unreliable equipment, scheduling disruptions, spare parts shortages, and skill gaps. The high-stress environment was compounded by increasing corporate pressure. Over several months, solutions were implemented, including the development of equipment bills of materials, creation of spare parts lists, and revisions to maintenance strategies. An MRO storeroom was established, and scheduling practices were improved. Attendees will learn how fostering collaboration between operations, maintenance, and supply chain teams is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Maintenance is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom CD
Michael Mazur - Level III Mechanic/Trainer/Supervisor, Schwan's Global Supply ChainRushing to implement a maintenance program without a long-term vision can lead to early failure and resistance to future improvements. This session explores real-world examples of successes and setbacks to highlight why a strategic, culture-focused approach is essential. Attendees will learn how short-sighted implementations can sabotage even the best ideas, and why setting realistic goals with support from management and subject matter experts helps drive lasting change. By fostering an open mindset and carefully navigating initial resistance, maintenance teams can build a strong foundation for sustainable program success.
The Blank Canvas: Starting Your Pursuit Of Maintenance Excellence Step By Step
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom E
Trent McJunkin - Facilities & Maintenance Manager, Oshkosh DefenseMany maintenance leaders feel stuck in a reactive cycle, unsure where to start. This session provides a clear, actionable roadmap to transform your maintenance department from disengaged to motivated—without major capital investment. Using real-world examples, we’ll break down the journey into three key segments: Vision, Strategy, and Execution. You'll learn how to create a vision, drive behavior change, implement precision maintenance standards, and showcase your wins to sustain momentum. Walk away Educated, Equipped, and Empowered to kickstart your own path to maintenance excellence.
Maintenance & Reliability 10110 Sessions
Water Contamination in Rolling Mill Lubrication Systems
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom F
Curtis Skinner - North American Sales Manager Industrial Hydraulics, DonaldsonWater contamination in oil is a major challenge across industries, leading to equipment failures and increased maintenance costs. This session explores the causes, effects, and solutions for water contamination, with a focus on vacuum dehydration as an effective removal method. Attendees will learn about sources of water ingression, the different forms of water in oil, and mitigation strategies to maintain optimal lubrication health. Gain practical knowledge on controlling water contamination to improve equipment reliability and performance. Ideal for those with basic mechanical and lubrication system understanding.
The Key to Precision: Insights into Shaft Misalignment
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Terry Southall - Global Brand & Distribution Manager, Hamar Laser Instruments, Inc.Shaft misalignment is a leading cause of inefficiency, excessive wear, and premature failure in rotating equipment. This session explores the fundamentals of shaft alignment, highlighting the root causes of misalignment—such as thermal growth, excessive loads, and improper installation—and how they contribute to costly downtime. Attendees will discover how modern technologies, like laser alignment systems, simplify detection and correction while improving precision. Through practical strategies and actionable insights, participants will gain the skills needed to enhance equipment reliability, extend asset life, and drive cost savings through effective alignment practices.
Reliability Revolution: Transforming Maintenance for Peak Performance
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Sam Bainbridge - Director, Technology Delivery, SKF
Jon Hofer - Technology Sales Specialist, SKF USA Inc.Implementing a reliability program can be daunting. This session explores a real-world case study of how SKF helped a company reduce unplanned downtime and improve asset performance. Learn how a structured audit identified key pain points, guided technology selection, and led to long-term success. Gain practical insights into predictive maintenance, analytics, lubrication, and ongoing support to optimize reliability programs.
Revving Up Reliability: Driving Your Plant's Performance with Hot Rod Precision
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Nicholas Hunter - Reliability Services Manager, Signal Process SolutionsAchieving peak reliability isn’t just about technology—it’s about craftsmanship, tuning, and culture. Just like building a high-performance hot rod, optimizing plant performance requires the right mindset, tools, and continuous improvement. This session will explore practical reliability strategies that simplify implementation, maximize uptime, and ensure seamless data integration for smarter decision-making. Learn how reliability partnerships, advanced analytics, and enhanced controls can transform your facility’s performance. Walk away with actionable insights to turbocharge your plant’s reliability and drive long-term success—all inspired by the precision and passion of the hot rod world.
Modes, Mechanisms, and Causes...Oh My!
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Andy Page - Managing Partner, Net Results Inc.Missteps in failure analysis often lead to ineffective asset strategies, wasted resources, and rising maintenance costs. One of the most common mistakes is confusing failure modes with failure causes while overlooking failure mechanisms entirely. This session highlights these pitfalls and provides clear indicators to ensure failure analysis stays on track. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of failure modes, mechanisms, causes, and effects—enabling more accurate strategy assignments that improve asset availability and reduce maintenance costs. Key takeaways include identifying common errors in FMEA, FMECA, and RCM analysis, verifying that the correct management strategy is in place, and recognizing how an overemphasis on failure modes without considering mechanisms and causes leads to poor decision-making.
A Cultural Transformation Story: ADM’s Maintenance & Reliability Team Detected Failure Costs Worth $30 Million
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Matthew Sadler - RCM Lead, ADMGet ready to hear a powerful story of transformation. This presentation dives into how ADM's Maintenance & Reliability team uncovered $30 million in hidden failure costs, not through luck but a cultural shift. You'll see how a once-reactive environment evolved into a proactive, data-driven culture where RCA became a team sport. Powered by EasyRCA’s AI-driven platform, ADM broke down silos, empowered frontline teams, and turned small wins into major momentum. This isn’t just a maintenance success—it’s a blueprint for organizational change and sustainable reliability.
Reliability Centered Maintenance: How HEXPOL is Crafting a Predictive and Preventive Maintenance Strategy
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
John Sedgwick - Director of Engineering and Maintenance, HEXPOL Compounding
Angelica Gonzalez - Maintenance Systems Engineer, HEXPOL CompoundingDeveloping a maintenance strategy that aligns with corporate goals requires a structured approach. This session will explore HEXPOL’s Reliability Centered Maintenance journey—starting with gap analysis and progressing through education, collaboration, execution, and evaluation. Learn how to secure buy-in from leadership and frontline teams, overcome resource challenges, and implement a sustainable, evolving strategy. Real-world examples will showcase tools, methodologies, and KPIs that drive measurable results, demonstrating how continuous improvement in maintenance can enhance reliability, efficiency, and overall operational success.
Implementing Haleon’s Maintenance Excellence Program and A Business-Driven Approach to Reliability
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
David Mierau - Vice President, Life Cycle Engineering
David Kintner - Senior Maintenance Excellence Lead, HaleonHaleon faced operational challenges due to a historical focus on production performance, often overlooking cost efficiency and asset reliability. With retirements causing a loss of experienced talent, Haleon partnered with Life Cycle Engineering to implement a Maintenance Excellence Program designed to close these gaps. This session will explore how they aligned maintenance with business goals, improved work prioritization, and transitioned to a risk-based maintenance strategy. Attendees will gain practical insights into developing a corporate maintenance excellence program, fostering collaboration between maintenance and operations, and achieving measurable improvements in reliability and cost efficiency.
Oil Analysis for Your Daily Driver
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Lake Speed Jr - Tribologist, SPEEDiagnostixYou’d never run your plant or fleet without used oil analysis—so why not your personal vehicle? This keynote explores how the same tools and techniques you rely on professionally can deliver real value for your car or truck. Learn how applying oil analysis outside of work can lead to smarter, data-driven decisions, reduce costs, and prevent unexpected issues. It’s a practical, even fun, way to bring your expertise home—and maybe impress your friends with what you know before the check engine light ever comes on.
Not-So-Tall Tales of Reliability Journey Missteps and How to Avoid Them
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom H
Jeff Shiver - Managing Principal, People and ProcessesEver launched a reliability initiative only to watch it fail—or make things worse? You’re not alone. Many maintenance and reliability teams struggle with overcomplicated processes, leadership misalignment, and misinterpreted data, leading to increased downtime and frustrated teams.
This session takes a lighthearted yet insightful look at real-world reliability failures, breaking down the common mistakes that derail programs. Learn why these failures happen, how to avoid cultural and execution pitfalls, and what it really takes to drive lasting improvements. Expect practical insights, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way!
Lubrication Excellence14 Sessions
Using Advanced Microscopy with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Ferrography, Filter Testing, and RCFA
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Rich Wurzbach - President, MRG LabsWhat details are discernible on particles when increasing optical magnification to 2,000x? Determining the exact source of wear particles in lubricant analysis is often constrained by limited expertise and time-consuming manual processes. Traditional Analytical Ferrography provides valuable insights but relies heavily on inference and approximation. This session explores how automated microscopy, machine learning, and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) can enhance ferrography by increasing accuracy, efficiency, and sample throughput. Attendees will learn how these advancements improve root cause failure analysis (RCFA), filter debris analysis, and targeted alloy identification—empowering asset owners and labs to extract deeper insights with less effort and greater precision.
Food-Grade Lubrication: Myths, Mistakes, and Mastery
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom CD
Paul Hiller - Marketing Manager, International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML)
Loren Green - Senior Lubrication SME, DesCaseRich Wurzbach - President, MRG Labs
Wes Cash - Vice President of Services, Noria ServicesFood and biopharma industries face unique lubrication challenges due to stringent regulations and the need to prevent contamination. This panel discussion features three certified ICML members sharing real-world experiences in managing food-grade lubrication programs. Attendees will gain insights into regulatory compliance, contamination prevention, and selecting appropriate lubricants. The session aims to enhance understanding of "food-grade" definitions, prepare for inspections, and explore emerging trends impacting lubrication management. Ideal for professionals involved in lubrication program design, lubricant selection, application, and oil analysis in regulated industries.
ISO 4406 (Particle Count): The Hidden Threat of "Ghost Riders" in Your Oil
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Blaise Carroll - Application Engineer, SKF Lincoln
Mark Allen - Senior Strategic Portfolio Manager, SKF LincolnSubmicron contaminants, or "ghost riders," significantly impact oil degradation, accelerating oxidation and leading to varnish, sludge, and sediment buildup. According to ISO 4406 (Particle Count), solid particles in lubricants must be managed to maintain reliability. A large portion of contamination occurs before lubricants even reach equipment, making proper storage and handling essential. This session explores best practices and case histories for filtration and transfer oil from barrels to storage tanks.
Optimizing Lubrication Practices for Improved Asset Condition
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Daniel Shorten - SME Lubrication Management, John Crane Solutions
Ameer Saleh - Asset Management Business Development manager, John CraneOptimizing asset condition management requires alignment between OEMs and end users to minimize spares consumption while delivering long-term value. This session explores strategies for reducing costs and increasing uptime by integrating best practices in lubrication management and defect elimination. Failure data and real-world evidence highlight common issues affecting mechanical seal interfaces, while practical insights demonstrate how lubrication excellence contributes to lower operational costs for large rotating equipment like pumps. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of maintenance management options, the cost implications of ineffective practices, and how a collaborative approach to asset condition management drives sustainable performance improvements.
Does your Energy Conservation Efforts include a Pillar on Lubrication
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Gerald (Jerry) Putt - Contract Instructor, NoriaMany organizations overlook the significant energy savings that proper lubrication practices can provide. Drawing from experience as a Regional Energy Coordinator for Goodyear, this session will highlight both traditional energy conservation strategies and the untapped potential of lubrication-focused initiatives. Attendees will learn how lubricant selection, viscosity control, contamination management, and application methods impact energy consumption. We’ll also explore how over-greasing motors and improper lubrication techniques lead to wasted energy. Ideal for maintenance professionals and plant managers, this session provides actionable insights to integrate lubrication into energy conservation efforts for measurable cost savings.
Grease-Free & Hassle-Free—Improving Chain Conveyor Reliability with Dry-Film Lubricants
Date: Monday June 2, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Brandon Hare - VP, Digilube SystemsChain conveyors are essential in mass manufacturing—but frequent re-lubrication, wear, and downtime drive up costs. This session explores how dry-film lubricants reduce friction, extend equipment life, and improve operational efficiency. Learn how these clean, low-maintenance solutions cut downtime, lower part replacement rates, and create safer, more sustainable work environments. Through real-world case studies and practical guidance, you'll discover how to select and implement the right lubricant for your system—and walk away with actionable strategies to boost reliability and reduce maintenance spend.
How One Food Manufacturer Served Up a Recipe for Success with Precision Lubrication
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom AB
Mark Barnes - Senior Vice President Global Sales, Des-Case Corporation
Wade Myers - Reliability Engineer, Hormel FoodsA mid-west food manufacturer turned to precision lubrication to improve productivity and reduce maintenance costs, resulting in nearly $400,000 in annual returns and an 80,000 lb. increase in production. In this session, Mark Barnes will share real-world case studies on how effective lubrication practices can reduce machine failures, extend equipment life, and minimize downtime. Attendees will learn how to transform lubrication from a cost center to a profit center, optimize contamination control, and gain management buy-in through measurable metrics. Ideal for maintenance professionals, reliability engineers, and plant managers, this session offers actionable insights to boost operational efficiency and compliance.
Industrial Evolution in Plant Reliability: Embracing the Future of Connected and Condition-Based Lubrication
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Johannes Kiesel - President & CEO, H-T-L PERMA USA L.P.
Laine Fury - Vice President Sales, H-T-L PERMA USA L.P.In large-scale operations, equipment downtime, high labor costs, and safety concerns are constant challenges. We will explore how predictive maintenance and connected lubrication solutions can transform maintenance practices, enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Attendees will learn how to leverage smart lubrication systems, like LoRa WAN or Bluetooth, for real-time monitoring and control of lubrication points, improving efficiency and safety. Real-world case studies will demonstrate how these technologies reduce downtime, enhance machine reliability, and minimize labor costs.
The Evolution of Oil Analysis: 1960s to Now
Date: Tuesday June 3, 2025, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm
Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage
Raymond Dalley - Business Development Manager, Trico CorpJoin Ray Dalley of Trico Corp/Predict for a captivating journey through the history of oil analysis—from its early roots in the 1960s to the cutting-edge technologies of today. With more than 30 years of experience in research, manufacturing, sales, and marketing of ferrography (wear particle analysis), Ray offers a unique perspective on how oil analysis has evolved and shaped the world of reliability. This keynote will also issue an inspiring call to action for the next generation to advance and carry this vital technology forward.
How JLL Eliminated Costly Shutdowns with Autonomous Lubrication – A Facility Maintenance Case Study
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room: Ballroom H
Blair Fraser - Vice President, UE SystemsTraditional time-based lubrication often leads to unnecessary shutdowns, excessive labor costs, and lubrication inefficiencies. This session explores how JLL transformed its maintenance approach by implementing an autonomous, condition-based lubrication system using real-time ultrasound monitoring. Learn how this transition eliminated scheduled shutdowns, optimized lubrication cycles, and improved equipment reliability in a highly regulated facility. Attendees will gain insights into the implementation process, key challenges, and measurable benefits, including extended bearing life, reduced downtime, and enhanced maintenance efficiency. Ideal for those looking to modernize their lubrication strategies.
Driving Down Maintenance Costs: The Strategic Role of Reliable Lubrication in Pelletizing Operations
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom E
Lisandra Cobu - lubrication coordinator, Vale
Henrique Abreu de Oliveira - Lub, Vale VitóriaIn a competitive manufacturing environment, maintaining low production costs while delivering high-quality products requires effective maintenance and lubrication strategies. This session will present a practical example of how to implement a Lubrication Program focused on asset reliability and longevity. Using a methodology with 10 key pillars and 4 maturity levels, attendees will learn the steps to ensure sustainable success and avoid common missteps that can derail goals. By examining a real-world case from a Pelletizing Plant, this session will highlight how a systemic approach to reliable lubrication led to significant financial and reliability gains within one year.
Driving Lubrication Excellence: Lessons Learned from Tolko’s Journey to Improved Reliability
Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
Room: Ballroom G
Steve Breeze - Millwright/Lube Champion, Armstrong plywood, Tolko Industries Ltd.
Paul Farless - Technical Consultant, Noria CorporationThis session shares a firsthand account of driving lubrication improvement at Tolko—from starting with nothing to making meaningful progress. It’s a story of both successes and setbacks, proving that dedication and effort can achieve significant reliability gains. Topics include setting up a Perma Bluetooth auto-lube system, navigating metric vs. standard fittings, lessons learned from testing breathers, filtration, and sampling, and overcoming challenges in implementation. Attendees will gain insight into what to prioritize when launching a lubrication improvement program, how to manage costs by tackling low-hanging fruit first, and strategies for getting buy-in from experienced workers resistant to change. Practical advice from someone on the front lines will help others champion lubrication excellence in their own facilities.
Choosing Centrifugal Air Compressor Lubricants for Performance and Reliability
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Room: Ballroom G
Roger Beavans - Product Manager, FS-ElliottSelecting the right lubricant is crucial for ensuring reliability, efficiency, and longevity in centrifugal air compressors. This session will break down the differences between mineral oils, PAOs, POEs, and PAGs, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. Attendees will learn how to identify key lubricant properties, implement best practices for oil sampling, and interpret test results to monitor compressor health. Whether you're choosing a new lubricant or optimizing your current system, this session will equip you with the knowledge to reduce downtime and improve operational costs.
Real-World Lubrication Lessons from a Lube Tech: Practical Fixes for Everyday Challenges
Date: Thursday June 5, 2025, 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Room: Ballroom F
Kevin Keith - Lubrication Specialist, Blue BuffaloWorking in industrial lubrication comes with its fair share of challenges, but every problem presents an opportunity for a smarter solution. This session shares real-world lessons learned—sometimes through trial and error—along with practical, no-nonsense fixes for common lubrication issues. From improving sight glass reliability to boosting productivity with grease line extensions and creative labeling techniques, attendees will walk away with simple, effective ideas they can apply immediately. No sales pitches, just hands-on solutions for maintenance professionals at any experience level.
Last updated: May 30, 2025 9:50 am CST