Jake Hall, the “Manufacturing Millennial,” to Keynote at QAD | Redzone Champions of Manufacturing Americas
QAD, the company transforming global manufacturing and supply chains with intelligent and adaptive solutions, has announced that renowned manufacturing influencer Jake Hall—widely recognized as the “Manufacturing Millennial”—will join the distinguished lineup of keynote speakers at the upcoming Champions of Manufacturing Americas customer event. The gathering will take place November 12–14, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and frontline professionals to discuss the future of manufacturing.
The QAD | Redzone Champions of Manufacturing Americas event is more than a traditional industry conference. It has been designed specifically for manufacturing leaders who want to move quickly, adapt to disruption, and drive transformation across their organizations. With a focus on speed, execution, and outcomes, the program will explore the most pressing industry trends, the role of Agentic AI, and the innovations shaping the next industrial era. Attendees can expect a mix of interactive sessions, real-world customer success stories, product deep dives, and hands-on networking opportunities, creating an immersive experience that blends strategy with practice.
A Spotlight on Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial
Jake Hall has built a reputation as one of the most influential voices in manufacturing today. With over 16 years of professional experience spanning automation, system integration, distribution, and end-user engagement, he brings a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Hall is best known for breaking down complex concepts in manufacturing, automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 into engaging, relatable conversations—reaching an audience far beyond traditional industry circles.
What sets Hall apart is his mission: attracting and inspiring the next generation of talent into manufacturing. At a time when manufacturers are facing significant workforce shortages and the urgent need for digitally skilled employees, Hall’s work resonates deeply. By using platforms like LinkedIn, podcasts, and live events, he paints a picture of manufacturing that is modern, technology-driven, and filled with opportunity.
At the Champions of Manufacturing event, Hall will deliver a keynote titled “The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and the Workforce.” His presentation will provide a forward-looking perspective on how transformative technologies—including robotics, automation, and Agentic AI—are reshaping the factory floor. More importantly, he will highlight actionable strategies for companies to attract younger, tech-savvy professionals into the field, ensuring that manufacturing not only keeps pace with digital innovation but thrives because of it.
The Urgency of Workforce Transformation
The timing of Hall’s keynote is significant. Across North America and globally, manufacturers are grappling with a shrinking labor pool. Baby boomers are retiring in large numbers, while younger generations often overlook manufacturing as a career path. This talent gap threatens to slow down productivity and innovation unless new approaches are adopted.
Ken Fisher, President of Redzone—the QAD business dedicated to empowering frontline factory teams—emphasized why Hall’s message is vital to the industry’s future.
“Jake Hall’s voice is changing how young people see manufacturing: modern, tech-driven, and full of opportunity,” Fisher said. “Attracting and inspiring the next generation is the core challenge and the biggest opportunity in our industry. Jake’s message resonates perfectly with what we do here at Redzone: equipping frontline teams with the skills, culture, and AI-powered technology to work smarter, reduce administrative burden, and become the proactive leaders who will drive manufacturing’s future.”
This alignment between Hall’s vision and Redzone’s mission underscores why the keynote is set to be one of the highlights of the Dallas event.
Exploring the Next Industrial Era
The Champions of Manufacturing Americas conference aims to showcase the latest advances that are reshaping how companies approach production, workforce engagement, and supply chain agility. A central theme will be Agentic AI—a new wave of artificial intelligence designed not just to process data but to take autonomous, context-aware actions that improve outcomes in real time. From predictive maintenance to adaptive supply chain planning, Agentic AI represents the convergence of technology and execution.
Alongside keynotes like Hall’s, attendees will gain insights into how AI-driven platforms and automation can be applied in practical ways to solve real-world challenges. Sessions will feature detailed case studies, live demonstrations, and opportunities for participants to share their own experiences, making the event highly collaborative and solution-oriented.
Building Community and Connection
Beyond the sessions, the event is also about community. The Champions of Manufacturing Americas gathering provides an important space for networking and collaboration among manufacturing professionals, from C-suite executives to frontline leaders. By creating these connections, QAD and Redzone aim to foster a stronger, more resilient ecosystem of manufacturers prepared to embrace the future together.
Join the Movement
Registration is now open for the Dallas event, and QAD is encouraging manufacturing leaders from all sectors to participate. Those attending will leave with not only new knowledge and tools but also the inspiration to drive cultural and technological transformation within their own organizations.
For updates and insights leading up to the conference, participants are invited to follow QAD and Redzone on social media and engage in the conversation using #ChampionsofMFG.
With voices like Jake Hall leading the dialogue, and with the energy of thousands of manufacturing leaders coming together, the Champions of Manufacturing Americas event promises to be a defining moment for the industry as it accelerates into the future.
