Florida Polytechnic University Hosts Major International Conference on Industrial Engineering

From June 17th to 19th, Central Florida will transform into a hub for renowned professionals in the field of industrial engineering and operations management as they gather for the IEOM Society International's 10th North American International Conference. This prestigious event, co-hosted by Florida Polytechnic University and the University of Central Florida, marks a significant occasion for collaboration between industry leaders and academic experts.

Dr. Shahram Taj, co-chair of the event and chair of the Department of Data Science and Business Analytics at Florida Poly, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity this conference provides. "It gives us increased visibility to industry and other universities," he stated. "Moreover, it serves as a valuable platform for networking among faculty, industry practitioners, and educators from various institutions."

Key Topics and Speakers

The conference is set to cover multiple vital topics, including innovative areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and sustainability in business practices. Notable keynote speakers scheduled to present include professionals from esteemed organizations such as the Walt Disney Company, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Blue Origin, and MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics.

In addition to keynote speeches, the event will also feature panel discussions led by expert faculty from Florida Poly, such as Dr. Sanna Siddiqui and Dr. Ian Bentley, who will delve into current trends and developments in industrial engineering. The diverse programming underscores the conference's commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field.

Competitions and Innovations

A highlight of this year’s conference is the inclusion of 14 competitions focused on various aspects of industrial engineering, including undergraduate research and doctoral dissertations. Participants from Florida Poly and other universities will compete for recognition, showcasing their research and innovative ideas.

Among those involved in organizing the event is Tobias Syring, a graduate student at Florida Poly, who is studying engineering management as a Fulbright Fellow. He has been instrumental in reviewing submitted academic papers and will present his research on Industry 4.0. His presentation will emphasize how digital twins can enhance efficiency in manufacturing processes. "Digital twins serve as virtual replicas of physical systems, allowing us to simulate scenarios without disrupting real-world operations," explained Syring, originally from Rügen, Germany.

By employing digital twins, professionals can visualize potential failures and optimize systems before actual implementation, thus minimizing risks in physical environments.

Advancing Florida Poly’s Reputation

Dr. Taj emphasized that hosting such a significant international conference is indicative of Florida Poly’s growing stature in the industrial engineering realm. "We take pride in facilitating a gathering of global leaders and innovators here in Central Florida, where we can share knowledge and drive forward advancements in industrial engineering and operations management," he added.

The event promises to be a transformative experience, providing insights into the future of industrial engineering while fostering collaboration across the industry, academia, and emerging professionals.

As anticipation builds for the conference, participants from around the world prepare to converge in Central Florida, ready to engage in discussions that will shape the future of the discipline. With esteemed speakers, innovative research showcases, and rich networking opportunities, this conference is set to leave a lasting impact on all involved.