Why We Ask Machine Shop Leaders to Speak TASC – The Automated Shop Conference

Modern Machine Shop exists largely to shine a light on real-world applications for evolving CNC-machining related technologies. Most of our content’s sources are shops and shop leaders — an approach that we think delivers unfiltered benefits. TASC – The Automated Shop Conference is a living manifestation of this mission. Where most metalworking technical conferences are led by technology providers rather than technology users, TASC is Modern Machine Shop’s unique, peer-to-peer technical conference where shop leaders are, by and large, the presenters and the audience.

While we firmly believe in the benefits of this format, convincing shop leaders to share their automation strategies is not always easy. Here then are five reasons to consider sharing your expertise as TASC 2025, which takes place August 12-13 in downtown Indianapolis. For the next few weeks, we will be reviewing applications for potential speakers at the conference. If you are a shop leader with an interesting automation story to tell, this is my attempt to convince you to share your story at TASC. In a bid for brutal transparency, I’ll even play devil’s advocate and present five additional arguments against this idea (and counter them, naturally).

Five Reasons You Should Speak at TASC

1. Shape the Rapid Transformation of Our Industry

Each year, hundreds of billions of dollars flow in and out of the metalworking industry globally, driven in no small part by how small- and mid-sized job shops are automating their facilities. The best presentations at TASC are not built around theoretical concepts. They shape best-practices that will be emulated by others. My favorite presentation from the inaugural TASC event in 2023 focused on how a Wisconsin-based job shop automated its coolant distribution. It was fascinating, completely pragmatic and doable.

2. Build Credibility Through Your Intellectual Heft

TASC presenters are standard-bearers. The information they provide showcases a level of technical rigor that other shops aspire to. It also establishes a reputation for open collaboration — a trait that resonates deeply with most engineers. By explaining the logic behind a production strategy, you’re quietly encouraging the next generation of shop leaders to think critically and experiment. That is an intellectual legacy that transcends your daily grind.

3. Strengthen American Manufacturing’s Collective Future

Many manufacturing events emphasize economic forecasts and geopolitical shifts. TASC underscores the real-life impact of collective technical wisdom. Consistently fine-tuning our production processes is an American tradition that keeps our industry vital. By sharing your automation breakthroughs, you support this tradition as well as our critical domestic supply chain.

4. Gain Perspective Through Peer Feedback

Unlike commercial conferences, TASC is a peer-to-peer platform where technical questions come from people who face similar challenges each day. As a speaker at TASC, your audience of shop leaders can provide a candid feedback loop that helps you refine your practices and discover new paths for innovation. TASC speakers are at the epicenter of collaborative problem-solving.

5. Solidify Your Professional and Shop Legacy

Even if your topic focuses on a niche automation process, presentations at TASC are documented demonstrations of mastery. By demonstrating real-world expertise, these achievements speak louder than typical marketing claims.

Now, let’s turn the table and play devil’s advocate.

Five Reasons You May Hesitate to Speak at TASC

1. Potential Loss of a Competitive Advantage: Publicly disclosing your production processes and problem-solving techniques might undercut your competitive advantage.

Counterargument: You can share high-level information without divulging intricate details. Think concepts, not trade secrets. Showcasing your expertise can attract partnerships and opportunities that outweigh any perceived risk.

2. Time and Resource Constraints: Creating a polished or technically robust presentation means organizing data, gathering images or video demos, maybe rehearsing… blech. Plus, your shop can’t afford to have key personnel away for a full day or two.

Counterargument: First, know that one of the standout presenters at TASC 2024 used literally no slides. He presented for 20 minutes off the cuff. Not saying this approach is for everyone, but it happened and it was great. For those of us who are not so gifted, yes, prepping can take time. But the new connections and the opportunity to learn from other speakers will pay off in the long run. Plus, you have a team to help prepare your presentation, right?

3. Skepticism About Tangible Returns: Despite the best efforts of this columnist, it’s still not clear how presenting at TASC can directly translate into bottom-line gains.

Counterargument: Experienced shop leaders know that industry credibility goes a long way. Presenting at a conference like TASC builds a strong network that can lead to collaboration, better supplier deals or referrals for specialized work. New efficiencies learned at TASC can yield clear payoffs.

4. Reluctance to Face Critique: Presenting at a conference opens the door to scrutiny from peers. Your reputation is at risk.

Counterargument: This scenario simply has not happened. TASC presentations are about 20 minutes long with a few minutes at the end for Q&A. Never at any previous TASC event has an audience member criticized or called a presenter into question. By speaking at TASC, you are showcasing transparency and professional integrity.

5. Cultural Resistance to Openness: Many smaller shops have a traditional mindset where trade secrets are closely guarded. Sharing those “secrets” clashes with your ethos of self-reliance.

Counterargument: The nearly 100-year-old publication you’re reading is a living testament to our industry’s evolution beyond notions of utter secrecy. Besides, you will decide which insights to share. The name of the game is general principles over critical IP.