The schedule for the Global Manufacturing Festival, sponsored by the University of Sheffield, has been announced and includes Sir Roger Bone, President of Boeing UK, as the first high-profile guest speaker.

Sir Roger Bone will officially launch the event with a management lecture organised by the University of Sheffield, which will be held at the institution's Octagon Centre on 21 March 2012, in association with Sheffield Hallam University.

Boeing was the founding member of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in 2001. Responsible for coordinating all Boeing business activities in the UK, Sir Roger Bone was appointed an honorary ambassador for British business by the Prime Minister in 2010.

His appearance will commence a full programme of activity at the two-day festival, which will reaffirm the UK“s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

Also on 21 March 2012, the festival will host a Get Up To Speed - Skills and Education Show, which will be open to young people, schools, parents and students who wish to meet with local engineering and manufacturing businesses.

The event will take place at the Blue Shed- Ekspan, Compass Works, Brightside Lane, Sheffield, between 11am-6pm. Headline sponsors for the Global Manufacturing Festival include Nabarro LLP, the University of Sheffield and Siemens Plc.

On 22 March 2012, an international convention and trade show will take place at the City Hall, Sheffield with business leaders from around the globe attending. Key themes at the convention will cover the three critical areas of UK strategy and support, new markets and opportunities, and technology and commercialisation.

Speakers confirmed include Ric Parker from Rolls-Royce, Dr Alan McLelland from NAMTEC, Alan Cumming of EDF Energy, Andrew Peters from Siemens Drive Technologies, Sir Chris O'Donnell former CEO of Smith & Nephew and Professor Keith Ridgway CBE, Executive Dean of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Institute.

Later that evening, the festival will come to a close with the Made in Sheffield awards dinner at the Cutlers“ Hall. The dinner will celebrate all that is good in manufacturing companies from the Sheffield City Region and their success in supplying their products throughout the world.

Anyone wishing to attend both the convention and management lecture over the two days can purchase a package ticket for £199 + VAT. Special packages are available for regional companies and exhibitors at a discounted rate.