Sheryl Connelly Confirmed as Keynote Speaker for CAMX 2025


ARLINGTON, VA & DIAMOND BAR, CA — [January 23, 2025] — The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), the premier event for the composites and advanced materials industries, has announced Sheryl Connelly, Leading Futurist & Global Consumer Trends Expert and former Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, 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 over two decades of experience guiding strategy and innovation in one of the world’s most 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,” said 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 Company 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,” said Cindy L. Squires Esq., President & 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 September 8th through September 11th. Registration will be opening soon, so stay tuned for updates to secure your spot.

About CAMX
CAMX
The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo is North America’s largest composite and advanced materials industry expo and conference program, bringing together all aspects of the world’s composites and advanced materials communities. At CAMX, attendees discover the latest products, solutions insight, and knowledge in the composites and advanced materials industry. CAMX 2025 will be held September 8-11 in Orlando, FL. Visit thecamx.org for more information

ABOUT ACMA
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) represents the complete North American supply chain for the fiber reinforced polymer (“FRP”) composites industry. We are manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, distributors, academia and end users, dedicated to growing the composites market. We serve our members and the industry by promoting the competitive advantage and versatility of composite materials. ACMA offers composites industry educational resources through our Education Hub, CAMX, conferences, webinars, and Certified Composites Technician (CCT®) program. We develop standards and specifications that drive preference for the use of composites in place of traditional materials. We lead advocacy efforts via legislative and regulatory channels to achieve a more viable composites industry. Together, we make composites the sustainable material of preference. Visit acmanet.org for information on membership and initiatives.

ABOUT SAMPE
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via live and online conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.