DEARBORN, Mich., January 31, 2006 - Buzz Aldrin, PhD-world famous Apollo 11 astronaut and a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)-will headline The Total Manufacturing Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 27. An avid supporter of youth education, Aldrin will present an award to the winning team of the WESTEC Manufacturing Challenge. At the subsequent "Sky's the Limit" reception, Aldrin will talk about his passion for space and NASA's new technologies.

Astronaut Sally Ride, PhD, the first American woman in space will appear at the Educator Summit VIP Dinner on Wednesday, March 29. Her company Sally Ride Science is dedicated to supporting girls' interests in math, science and technology. The appearance is sponsored by Northrop Grumman Corporation. The Educator Summit offers information about programs that point students toward careers in manufacturing and technology.

A must-attend "showcase event" for the world's manufacturers, suppliers, and educators, The Total Manufacturing Experience takes place March 27-30 in Los Angeles. Attendees will be immersed in a 360-degree learning experience-highlighting NEW technology applications, continuous improvement, automation & assembly and more. Participants will move from classroom, to exhibit floor, to networking, professional development, and industry recognition activities.

This world-class event includes:

• "Sky's the Limit" Opening Reception (Monday, March 27, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.) unites exhibitors, attendees and speakers for a unique event, featuring astronaut and educator Buzz Aldrin, and interactive exhibits of NASA's latest technologies.
• Educator Summit VIP Dinner (Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 - 8 p.m.) will feature astronaut, physicist, educator and author Sally Ride giving her title presentation "Reach for the Stars" in an appearance sponsored by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

• The Total Manufacturing Experience - Keynote Presentations
  
  Tuesday, March 28 • 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
  Steven L. Rasner, DMD, MAGD,
  "Realizing the Dream: Abundant Success in Spite of it All!"

  Wednesday, March 29 • 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
  K. Eric Drexler, PhD,
  "Engineering from the Bottom Up: Productive Nanosystems and the Future of Technology"

• SME International Awards Gala (Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.)pays tribute to those who have contributed significantly to the manufacturing industries through technology, process, design, research and more. Dr. Ronald Sugar, chairman, CEO and president, Northrop Grumman Corporation, will be recognized as the 2006 SME Honorary Member.
• WESTEC 2006 Advanced Productivity Exposition, North America's largest annual manufacturing and metalworking event, featuring the latest manufacturing equipment reflecting emerging technologies. Exhibitors include leading equipment and tooling manufacturers, regional distributors, technology products and supplier services from 150 categories representing 2,500 international product lines. WESTEC also includes a Technology Theater, and a Product and Process Design & Management Pavilion-featuring free "Hot Topics" presentations on lean manufacturing and other process management issues. A Student Summit will introduce young people to the exciting possibilities of a career in manufacturing.

• Product and Process Design & Management "Hot Topics" Pavilion - featuring free presentations every 25 minutes. Topics include design, supply chain management, PLM, prototyping, tooling, logistics, inspection, and more.
• Automation Cells - See working manufacturing cells live on the WESTEC show floor. These mini-factories demonstrate the very latest in automation. Systems integrators have designed working manufacturing cells using the latest automation technology.
• Composites Resource Center - From the 787 Dreamliner™ to the Joint Strike Fighter and UAVs, composites materials are being employed like never before. Get the scoop on these strong, lightweight and versatile materials from composites material and tooling suppliers.
• Job Shop & Outsourcing Pavilion - Find the missing link in your supply chain. Meet potential production partners and find contract manufacturing solutions.
• "Build a Better Mousetrap" - Participants will put their lean prowess to the test by participating in ongoing team competitions in the SME booth each day, centered around the board game "Mousetrap."
• Student and Educator Activities - Promoting a positive image of manufacturing among students, parents and educators highlighted by the WESTEC Manufacturing Challenge, where astronaut Buzz Aldrin will present an award to the winning team. Also taking place is the Student Summit, a special educational event allowing high school students and their mentors to tour WESTEC. Students have an opportunity to interact with industry leaders, view the latest manufacturing technology and see first-hand demonstrations.
• The SME Summit Conference & Annual Meeting brings together manufacturers, technologies and innovations in a dynamic forum for information exchange. The SME Summit Conference focuses on technical and professional development topics that relate to the Society's network of technical communities and local chapters. This conference features learning through workshops, simulations, demonstrations, case studies, group activities, and comparative analysis. Tracks cover:

• Automation & Assembly


• Engineering Materials Applications


• Forming & Fabricating


• Machining & Material Removal


• Manufacturing Education & Research


• Product & Process Design & Management


• Professional Development, Diversity & Management


• Rapid Technologies
• Micro-Manufacturing Conference convenes industry leaders to discuss advancements in micro machining, focusing on processes used to create micro features on micro or macro parts.
• Nano-Manufacturing Conference supports the pace of innovation, development, and commercialization of tools, instruments, and systems required for nanoscale manufacturing.
• Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Program provides a comprehensive overview of the world of metalworking fluids. The program culminates with an optional exam that rewards participants with an industry-recognized certificate.
• Lean Bronze Certification Review Program will help manufacturing professionals take SME's brand new Bronze-level lean certification exam with confidence. Optional exam will be offered.
• Optional Tours (space limited)
  Wednesday, March 29 • 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Northrop Grumman Composite Facility & Assembly Line
  
  Wednesday, March 29 • Noon - 4:30 p.m.
  NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

About Buzz Aldrin:
In October 1963, Buzz Aldrin, PhD, was selected by NASA as one of the early astronauts. In November 1966, he established a new record for Extra-Vehicular Activity in space on the Gemini 12 orbital flight mission. Aldrin has logged 4500 hours of flying time, 290 of which were in space, including 8 hours of EVA. As Backup Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, man's first flight around the moon, he significantly improved operational techniques for astronautical navigation star display. Then, on July 20, 1969, Aldrin and Neil Armstrong made their historic Apollo 11 moon walk, thus becoming the first two humans to set foot on another world. This unprecedented heroic endeavor was witnessed by the largest worldwide television audience in history.

About Sally Ride:
The first American woman in space - NASA astronaut Sally Ride, PhD, is the President and CEO of Sally Ride Science - and Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego (currently on leave). Sally Ride Science is a company dedicated to supporting girls' interests in math, science and technology. Her first space flight was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983; her second was also aboard Challenger, in 1984. During those flights, she deployed communications satellites, operated the robot arm, and conducted experiments in materials, pharmaceuticals, and Earth remote-sensing.

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide.

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact the SME Education Foundation by phone (313) 425-3300, e-mail foundation@sme.org, or Fax: (313) 425-3411