The 2006 National Manufacturing Week Conference, to be held March 20 to 23 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., will on focus global manufacturing trends and opportunities, their impact on U.S. companies, and possible solutions to help manufacturers improve their processes. Jim Owens, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., will present the keynote speech.

The conference includes seminars, training, and networking with more than 400 speakers, encompassing five primary tracks — design, plant, automation, IT, and management — and 23 sub-tracks. Four interrelated shows will also be held simultaneously — The 56th National Design Engineering Show, The National Industrial Automation Show and Conference, The National Enterprise IT Show and Conference, and The 58th National Plant Engineering and Maintenance Show and Conference.

For more information, visit www.manufacturingweek.com.