SPC & BAMA Host Industry 4.0 Symposium at Watson L. Haynes STEM Workforce Center

Samantha Stanich | 10/15/2025

Two male students wearing a black shirt and white shirt with the words SPC wearing goggles in a manufacturing room

In celebration of Manufacturing Month, the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) and St. Petersburg College are proud to host the Industry 4.0 Symposium from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at SPC’s Midtown Center, Room MT 141 Community Room, 1300 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg.

The symposium will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing and the transformative technologies shaping the industry’s future. Attendees will gain valuable insights into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT) and 3D printing, with discussions led by a distinguished panel of nationally recognized experts.

Panelists include Charlotte Ward Brodey, Head of Customer Success at Guidewheel; George Barnych, Vice President & Chief Technical Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group; Joe Veranese, Vice President & Chief Information Officer for the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining; Roy Kirchner, CEO of the Ultimate 3D Printing Store; and Wendell Krahmer, Senior Operations Manager at Honeywell.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will be invited to tour existing lab spaces and the future home of SPC’s newly named Watson L. Haynes STEM Workforce Center. Supported by $8.2 million in state funding, the center, currently under development, is anticipated to open in 2026. Training at the center will provide students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment, bridging the gap between education and employment in high-demand manufacturing and technology careers.

SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams said the event highlights the College’s ongoing commitment to workforce innovation and community partnerships.

The symposium is designed to spark interest in manufacturing careers and strengthen connections between SPC programs and local industry leaders.

Attendance for the Industry 4.0 Symposium is limited. To reserve your spot, please RSVP here. Attendees participating in the lab tour are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.