Senior leaders from the world’s largest food and drink brands will gather for The Connected Performance Summit – Where AI Meets Motion, to explore how artificial intelligence and connected systems can transform manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and cut energy losses.
The invite-only event, co-hosted by industrial AI specialist IntelliAM and SKF, the world’s largest bearing and lubrication systems manufacturer, will examine the art of the possible in food and drink manufacturing.
Over 150 senior decision-makers are expected to attend, with more than 20% of the world’s top 100 food and drink brands represented, including Mars, PepsiCo, Weetabix, Hovis, Diageo, and ADM.
With an estimated £14 billion of untapped potential in UK food and drink manufacturing, and around 20% of global energy lost through friction, the Summit will showcase how connected technologies and AI-powered maintenance can turn these losses into competitive advantages while supporting more sustainable, energy-efficient operations.
Commenting on the event, Tom Clayton, CEO of IntelliAM, said: “Unlike events that treat AI as a standalone topic, The Connected Performance Summit will cover technology convergence in manufacturing and how to scale AI across entire factory operations to deliver measurable performance improvements.
“For the food and drink industry, even small improvements in efficiency and reliability can have a significant impact – from lowering energy consumption to reducing waste and improving supply chain resilience.”
Tim Veal, UK Lubrication Systems Business Manager at SKF, added: "By tackling friction and optimising operations, manufacturers can become smarter, more competitive, and more sustainable – enabling them to do more with less.
“Our products are found everywhere in society – wherever there is movement, we help companies and communities operate more efficiently and sustainably. This Summit is an opportunity to explore how AI and connected systems can help the food and drink industry unlock real performance gains.”
“The impact also goes beyond the factory floor,” added Clayton. “Reducing friction and improving productivity in UK food and drink manufacturing translates to more affordable groceries, fewer empty shelves, less waste, and increased resilience to shocks – all of which better serve everyday consumers.”
The full-day programme at Sheffield’s historic Cutlers’ Hall on Wednesday 24 September 2025 will include presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions covering technology convergence, asset care fundamentals, and practical applications of AI in food and drink manufacturing.
