Mission Statement: To provide leading experts and specialists in productivity-enhancing technologies an opportunity to meet annually in an informal setting to share concepts and new technologies among fellow colleagues on how industry can become more productive and meet and beat the challenges of global competition.
•1962 – First meeting, called the Authors Annual Meeting, was initiated by three authors (Steve Krar, Bill Oswald, and Joe St.Amand *) along with three potential authors.
•1965 - The first time an invitation was extended to three industrial experts from Cincinnati Milacron, Inc. This practice has been continued to the present day.
•1965 – Present: In the past invitations have been extended to manufacturing specialists in Canada, United States, England, Germany, Australia, Japan and Switzerland.
•1962 – Present: About 30 authors have produced 80 texts and have written 100 magazine articles on the latest advanced industrial practices with a circulation of 2 million copies worldwide.
•1970 – Renamed the Advanced Technology Think Tank (ATTT) to more accurately describe the proceedings.
•All ATTT conferences have been held at various locations on the west arm of Lake Nipissing; the last 10 years at Samoset Lodge in Monetville, ON. · Generally the attendance for each Conference ranges between 12 and 18, a workable group.
•2006 – This was the 44th year of the Advanced Technology Think Tank and the Conference was held at Samoset Lodge from June 4 to June 7 with 22 attendees.
•2007 – The 45th Conference, attended by 20 delegates, was one of the most interesting and the variation of topics ranged from Lean manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Inventor's Workshop, Industrial Safety, and Automating the Automation.
TESTIMONIALS:
Gerry Fedchun – President, Canadian Auto Parts Manufacturers Association
I found the one meeting I attended to be informative and intellectually stimulating. It was also comforting to learn that the difficulties we have in Ontario related to technology, skilled trades and education are not unique to Ontario.
John Kohls – Executive Vice President, TechSolve Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
The Advanced Technology Think Tank (ATTT) is a unique technology experience. It combines individuals with independent, leading-edge thinking in a relaxed and open environment. Discussions range from visionary descriptions of the technologies, through issues and constraint identification to the impact of disruptive technologies on the existing marketplace. The mix of technologists, academics and authors permits a wide array of opinions, concepts and applications that help the presenter to find a more robust and mature insight into their own technology.
Unlike most conferences where presenters have structured presentations followed by Q&A in a limited time format, the ATTT is a series of open-ended discussions that many times extend through meals and late evenings. It is an environment where the topic/technology can be probed by the other attendees in a non-threatening manner that can foster new thinking on a topic that may at first appear to be quite narrow. I have gained from my experience at ATTT and I am quite sure that my technologies and their applications have been enhanced by the contributions made by the fellow participants that I now call both colleagues and friends.
Paul Koontz – President, Denford USA, Inc., Medina, Ohio
It is not often that professionals with diversity in related fields have an opportunity to gather in a relaxed environment to share ideas and fellowship. The ATTT does this very effectively and has been a very valuable networking and resource for me. I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to have been invited to this unique event.
Gene Luczkiw – Director, The Institute for Enterprise Education, St. Catharines, ON
I have never been so engaged in a think tank of professionals who freely share their innermost thoughts about their individual contribution, their industry and the world within which they ply their talents. All you have to ask is…why has the Advanced Technology Think Tank lasted for over 40 years? Steve you are truly a catalyst that brings us together to make a difference!
Dave Peters – President, ACM Training, Jordan, ON
The Advanced Technology Think Tank and Conference provides for a very unique opportunity. As a businessperson in the world of advanced technologies and techniques in the manufacturing environment it is almost impossible to find a venue like this conference. Among the unique qualities is the open forum that allows attendees to vet their work through their contemporaries. The dialogue and review of work that is many times leading edge and experimental by its very nature is critical when developing any new technology or technique. This Think Tank allows for that unfettered interaction among the attendees. It is also a unique opportunity to network with others who are leading the way in their field of expertise. I found the entire experience to be an invaluable growth and development opportunity that I look forward to attending again.
Ken Bannister, CEO, Global Benchmarking Organization Inc.. Oakville, ON
Stan and I were both honoured and grateful for allowing us to present and
participate in the 2005 Think Tank. The open mindedness of the group was
a breath of fresh air and we received many kind and constructive comments
that we have already incorporated in our product(s). The newfound knowledge,
networking opportunities, fellowship, and plain old fun we received from the
gathering were unparalleled. Thank you Steve, you are indeed a gracious host
and it was delightful to converse with such an innovative mind. We gladly
accept your invitation to attend next year's Think Tank and look forward to it.
Brian Malloch, President, The Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada
Global competitiveness and economic pressures are driving our industrial leaders to expand their thinking beyond the constraints of day-to-day business. Steve Krar is a true visionary who has emerged to create an environment that for 44 consecutive years, has allowed other futurists to contribute and share knowledge and experience with the goal of finding effective and sustainable solutions. Steve's annual Advanced Technology Think Tank (ATTT) is one of the most unique, innovative and effective forums that I have ever witnessed and I am very honoured to have been part of ATTT 2006. North American industrial advancement will benefit from Steve Krar's annual Think Tank for all future generations. The advanced thinking of all of those that I met at this year's event could only be described as “imagineering”.
Brad McBride. Commerce Officer, Industry Canada
I wanted to respond to your e-mail right away to let you know how impressed I was with the calibre of the participants that attended ATTT 2006. The insight gained into some of the advanced thinking in manufacturing and even in other areas of innovation was fascinating and I learned much more than any course or business meeting could provide. The contacts I've made are invaluable, especially since I am new to the position as the "lean" officer at Industry Canada, and am currently working to build a network of lean and advanced manufacturing contacts. I am also grateful that my colleague Mike Breen suggested I attend along with him - Mike is a knowledgeable guy and has become a great "mentor" to me during these first four months with the team.
