Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) has a long track record for finding and convincing some of the best manufacturing practitioners from around the world to share their lean practice experiences. More than 60 leading presenters will be on hand to discuss customer focus, process sustainment, continuous improvement, material flow and other lean practices and strategies. Manufacturing tours highlighting some of the best lean and six sigma operations in and around the Chicago area include Caterpillar, Bimba Manufacturing, Whiting Corporation, S&C Electric Company and Winzeler Gear. Workshop topics include maintenance management, lean behaviors, training within industry, lean business simulation and lean tools for the office. Six keynote speakers will be featured at the conference including Mike Abrashoff and Jason Jennings.