DEARBORN, MI-To meet the changing needs of East Coast manufacturers, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced Mfg4-a new conference-driven event to be held May 8-10, 2012, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.

The name, Mfg4, references the four industries that the event will focus on: aerospace, defense (including arms), medical and energy. It is a conference-driven, industry-focused event targeting manufacturing leaders and managers who are looking for innovative applications, new technology and industry-specific solutions.

“These four industries are driving manufacturing growth in the Northeast,” says Debbie Holton, SME director of events and industry strategy. “Our OEM customers have told us they are looking for integrated solutions that focus on their specific industry.”

The keynotes, workshops and conference sessions will provide high-level technical content with an industry focus. The program will be developed in close cooperation with industry leaders such as Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Kaman Aerospace, GE Energy, Smith & Wesson, Boston Scientific, Medtronic and DePuy.

EASTEC, which is marking its 32nd year, has been at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA., since 1988, and will return there May 14-16, 2013. EASTEC will then alternate years with Mfg4.