2024 Midwest SME Forum

Future Readiness: Expanding in the US Market

"Expanding in the US Market" sets the stage for this year's 2024 Midwest SME Forum. The theme aims to address the opportunities and challenges that businesses encounter as they navigate the dynamic landscape of the US market.  

This event serves as a hub for like-minded professionals, fostering opportunities for new professional connections to expand business in the US. Four different panels will delve into crucial topics, sparking discussions on strategies for success. Attendees can explore how to develop new skills, stay informed about industry trends, and harness emerging technologies for growth and success. 

Attendees are invited to engage in discussions and interactive networking sessions with industry experts who will share their best practices on how to stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive environment.

Join us for this year's Midwest SME Forum! Meet professionals in various industries and expand your network and knowledge for future readiness.

Register now!

Networking Sponsors

Explore our Panels

Panel 1: The Future Is Now: Grow with New Technologies and AI while Mitigating Risk

How can you leverage the power of new technologies and AI to grow your business and increase competitiveness, while also managing the risks and challenges they pose? Our panel of experts will share their insights and best practices on topics such as driving innovation, reducing complexity, data privacy, cybersecurity, ethical AI, regulatory compliance, and more. Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate the potential threats and liabilities that come with adopting and deploying new technologies in your company.

Proudly presented by

Sreelatha Surendranathan, UL Solutions

SVP, Chief Digital Officer

Sreelatha leads UL Solutions' digital strategy to deliver compelling and integrated digital solutions and capabilities that serve our customers’ current and future needs. She is passionate about women in STEM, building diverse teams with opportunities for minority voices to be heard. She leads change as UL Solutions creates new digital business models geared to the future.

Prior to joining UL Solutions in 2021, Sreelatha served as Vice President of software at GE Healthcare, and worked as Chief Technology Officer, Vice President, and Senior Director of global engineering at SCO Logistics, Transplace and Perot Systems. She is also an entrepreneur, having founded and run a product company in the Logistics and Transportation space.

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About UL Solutions

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Company Website

Panel 2: Fuel Your US Expansion: Gathering Localization Insights for a Profitable Road Ahead

The US market is diverse, dynamic, and competitive. To master it, companies need to tailor their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of different customer segments and leverage local partnerships, networks, and resources to gain a competitive edge. Hear diverse perspectives from companies who have successfully utilized marketing, sales, financial, and distribution opportunities to intelligently prosper in the US.

Proudly presented by

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

Panel 3: The Automotive Roadmap: Navigating Economic Challenges While Driving the Technology Transition

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by trends such as electrification, automation, connectivity, and shared mobility—and companies need to adapt. At the same time, players in the automotive industry need to stay resilient in the face of economic headwinds. Engage with our panelists to learn more about innovating and differentiating your products and services while collaborating with other players in the mobility ecosystem.

Proudly presented by

Tobias Banik, tesa North America

President & Regional Manager

Tobias is an experienced professional with a successful career spanning over 13 years in Germany and the US. Currently serving as President and Regional Manager at tesa, Tobias has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong track record of delivering results. With expertise in general management and operations, Tobias brings valuable insights to the field and is emerging as a dynamic speaker on topics related to supply chain and business strategy.

LinkedIn

Company Website

Panel 4: Workforce Development That Works For All: “Get Them & Keep Them”

Your workforce is your most valuable asset. How can you attract, retain, and develop the best talent for your business while creating a culture of engagement, empowerment, safety and performance? How can you leverage technology and data to enhance your talent management processes and outcomes? Join our panel of experts as they discuss how to build and maintain a high-performing and diverse workforce for your company. 

Stay tuned for speaker updates!