Posted: Mar. 2, 2017 11:30 am

QUINCY -- John McElligott says what he does for a living will one day be considered commonplace rather than futuristic.

McElligott is a self-described "technical futurist," someone who "reads all the different trends that are coming together" and how they apply and can help various industries.

The trends that McElligott deals with are centered on the potential impacts of "machine learning and artificial intelligence."

McElligott will deliver the keynote address for the inaugural Tri-State Manufacturing Conference for Illinois, Iowa and Missouri on March 15 at John Wood Community College.

McElligott is founder and CEO of York Exponential based in York, Pa. The company develops and leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence and produces and integrates collaborative robots designed to work alongside human workers in manufacturing.

"Embracing Disruption" will be the topic of McElligott's keynote speech, which will serve as a crash course about the opportunities to be found in emerging technologies that embrace robotics. McElligott will try to help manufacturers, related businesses and communities decipher the impact innovations will have on the future.

"All companies are soon going to have a (technical futurist), even though the position might go by another name," McElligott said.

He said emerging technology will soon be changing the face of industry by the month rather than by the year.

"Companies, even smaller ones, have to be able to understand trends and exponential growth," he said.

McElligott has worked extensively in what he calls "third-tier cities," those similar to Quincy with populations of about 40,000. He believes in the power of community networking through communication and technology and is a national speaker on exponential technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, economic development and disruption.

The conference will feature breakout sessions on supply chain/logistics, the talent pipeline, sales growth, market intelligence, technology adoption and leadership.

People attending the conference will have the opportunity to network and take part in a small-group discussion to learn how some manufacturers apply new technology in daily operations. Vendors also will display new technology and products.

The conference will take place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JWCC's Heath Center.

Cost for the conference is $45, including lunch. The event is open to leaders and employees from small- and large-size manufacturers, plus suppliers and related businesses in the industry. Registration details and more information are available at jwcc.edu/tristatemfg, or by contacting JWCC at 217-641-4971 or lewis@jwcc.edu.

See the article here:

'Technical futurist' will provide manufacturing conference keynote address - Herald-Whig