The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), a premier event for the composites and advanced materials industries, has announced Sheryl Connelly, futurist and global consumer trends expert and former chief futurist at Ford Motor Co., as the keynote speaker for CAMX 2025.

The keynote, titled “Unlocking Tomorrow: How Innovation is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing,” will explore the transformative power of innovation across industries. Drawing on more than two decades of experience guiding strategy and innovation in highly complex industries, Connelly will provide attendees with actionable insights to navigate global trends, embrace uncertainty and drive breakthrough innovation.

“Innovation is at the heart of the composites and advanced materials industries,” says Rebekah Stacha, CEO of SAMPE. “Sheryl Connelly’s unparalleled experience in translating future trends into actionable strategies aligns perfectly with CAMX’s goals of inspiring and empowering industry professionals to redefine what’s possible.”

From lighter, stronger aerospace components to cutting-edge transportation solutions, composites and advanced materials are reshaping industries. In her keynote, Connelly will demystify the process of tapping into global shifts and provide attendees with tools to lead their companies into the next era of manufacturing excellence.

Connelly’s tenure at Ford Motor Co. included spearheading the automaker’s trend forecasting and scenario planning initiatives, enabling the company to anticipate and adapt to global shifts. Her expertise has been featured in major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Fast Company.

“Sheryl’s perspective on the intersection of technology, sustainability and human behavior will resonate with all sectors of our industry,” adds Cindy L. Squires Esq., president and CEO of ACMA. “Insight on how these concepts fit with one another will not only inspire attendees but also provide them with ideas that could take their companies to new heights in an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.”

This year, CAMX will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center from Sept. 8-11. Registration will be opening soon, so stay tuned for updates.