.png?width=1200&height=600&name=Industry%20Members%20Network%20Event%2028th%20of%20November%20(4).png "Industry Members Network Event 28th of November (4)")
IMR Connect | Digital Factory - Industrial AI & Cyber Security
IMR Connect is the flagship gathering of Ireland’s manufacturing innovation network and the next evolution of what was previously known as IMR's Industrial Members Network Event.
Join us in Mullingar for this bi annual member only event, focused on one of the most critical capability areas for modern manufacturing: building a secure, intelligent and data driven digital factory.
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Date: May, 14th, 2026
Venue: IMR, Mullingar
Price: Free for IMR Members | €750pp for non-members
CPD Accreditation
Participation qualifies for 6 hours of CPD credits
About IMR Connect
IMR Connect: Digital Factory – Industrial AI and Cybersecurity is designed to help members move beyond pilots and experimentation and into scaled, real-world implementation. The event brings together manufacturing leaders, IMR researchers and technology specialists to explore how industrial AI, data and cybersecurity can be deployed safely, effectively and with measurable impact on operations.
IMR Connect is where strategy meets execution, where members share experience, learn from peers and work directly with IMR experts to turn ambition into operational reality.
Agenda:
09:30: Registration & Networking
10:00: Keynote: AI & the Factory of the Future. Jonathan McCrea — a high-energy opening mapping the current state of industrial AI adoption in Ireland, cutting through the hype to explore what manufacturers can realistically deploy today.
10:30: Panel: AI on the Factory Floor — From Pilot to Production. A moderated discussion exploring how Irish manufacturers are moving AI beyond proof of concept, with real examples from scheduling, composites and process optimisation.
11:30: Panel: Digital Factory — Hype, Reality & the Holy Grail. Manufacturers, technology providers and IMR practitioners examine what a truly digital factory looks like, whether AI is making a real impact on the shop floor, and what practical steps will get you there.
12:15: Presentation: Securing the Smart Factory. Paul Delahunty, Stryve — a practical session covering NIS2 requirements, OT-specific vulnerabilities and the steps SMEs can take to strengthen cyber resilience without significant cost or complexity.
13:00: Networking Lunch
14:00: Breakout Sessions — Choose One
- Stream A: The AI Builder — Assessing data readiness and identifying high-value AI use cases for your manufacturing operations
- Stream B: Digital Factory Clinic — Translating digital ambition into concrete challenges and actionable research opportunities
- Stream C: The Digital Strategist — Navigating funding (Enterprise Ireland, FXC 2.0) and building the talent needed to drive digital transformation
IMR Connect is exclusive to IMR Members. Non-member organisations are welcome to attend at €750pp.
Interested in membership? Find out more here
Registration
Interested in IMR Membership? Click here
For queries please contact marketing@imr.ie