Contributors

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Host

James Soto

James Soto is an unapologetically industrial marketer, agency leader, and trusted advisor to iconic manufacturing brands. You might know him as the founder and CEO of INDUSTRIAL, the global marketing agency responsible for the launch and scaling of the MFG Day brand, the most extensive public awareness campaign in the history of American Manufacturing. 


Since 2003, leading brands Schneider Electric, MSC, Fast Radius, ABB Baldor, ITW, Manufacturing USA, and many more manufacturing brands have tapped James and his exceptionally talented team them be better marketers and sellers of their industrial products and services.


You can find James on podcasting or on YouTube, where he hosts the Industrial Strength Marketing dedicated to helping manufacturers make marketing and sales the strength of their business. 

https://www.jamessoto.com
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Co-host

Virginia Roberson

Virginia uses her 20-plus years of journalism and marketing experience to help manufacturers and other industrial operations differentiate themselves from their competitors through content, including live event marketing. She uses a strategic content approach at Industrial Strength Marketing to help manufacturers position their unique value offering in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Virginia also specializes in sales enablement content, including content audits and discovery to unearth new opportunities for collateral and digital resources to drive sales leads to action.


Guests

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Guest

Ed Youdell

Ed Youdell is the President and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), a leading organization dedicated to advancing metal forming and fabricating industries. Since 2011, Ed has championed innovation through educational programs, networking events, and the renowned FabTech trade show. He co-founded Manufacturing Day, a nationwide movement aimed at inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.

Under his leadership, FMA focuses on addressing the skilled labor shortage and promoting workforce development. Ed’s vision has made FabTech a global platform where manufacturers connect, explore new technologies, and drive industry growth.

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Guest

Greg Jones

Greg Jones is the Director of Strategic Programs and Partnerships at SME, where he leads efforts to advance workforce development and forge key industry partnerships. Previously, Greg was the Vice President of Smartforce Development at AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, where he spearheaded AMT’s workforce initiatives and produced the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS, a role he will continue in 2024 through a new partnership between AMT and SME.


Passionate about advocating for the next generation, Greg actively promotes educational pathways in STEM and technical education to ensure young talent thrives in the manufacturing sector.

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Guest

Michelle Edmonson

Michelle Edmonson is the Vice President of Exhibitions at AMT, playing a pivotal role in steering flagship events like IMTS. Michelle brings innovative strategies to the table, helping transform trade shows into powerful platforms for the manufacturing technology community.

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Peter Eelman

Peter Eelman is the Chief Experience Officer at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, where he has been instrumental in orchestrating the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) since 1980. Under his leadership, IMTS has grown into the largest live marketplace for capital manufacturing equipment and technologies, connecting manufacturers with the solutions they need. Peter's vision for innovation and community-building has left a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry.


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Steve Prahalis

Steve Prahalis is the Chief Operating Officer of SME, a nonprofit advancing manufacturing innovation through events, training, and thought leadership. With over two decades of experience, Steve has redefined how the manufacturing sector connects, including leading the Manufacturing Technology Series rebranding and launching platforms like IMX.


Steve’s expertise spans hybrid event models, vertical marketing strategies, and curated attendee experiences. Prior to SME, he held leadership roles at Reed Exhibitions and APD, driving impactful trade show initiatives. He is dedicated to creating trade show experiences that deliver measurable value for exhibitors, attendees, and partners alike.

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