GLOBAL OPEX FORUM
In an environment of growing competition, shorter production cycles, and rising cost pressures, companies are facing the need to systematically enhance the efficiency and resilience of their business processes. From industrial enterprises to service organizations, all are searching for ways to accelerate transformation, strengthen a culture of continuous improvement, and engage employees in achieving measurable results.
Many leading companies are already building integrated operational excellence systems, implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile, and leveraging data, digital tools, and automation to increase transparency, speed, and process quality. Yet, sustainable success requires more than just methodologies — it calls for knowledge exchange, benchmarking strategies, and learning from best-in-class examples.
The Global OPEX Forum 2026 is a professional platform for leaders responsible for efficiency, transformation, and process development. The Forum brings together COO, Directors of Operational Excellence, Heads of Transformation, Digitalization, and PMO to discuss modern approaches to process optimization, productivity improvement, and innovation implementation.
At the core of the agenda are strategies for building a culture of continuous improvement, integration of Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile, the role of data and technology in driving performance, and real-world cases from market leaders implementing large-scale transformation programs.
A special part of the program will be a Gemba Tours to leading Chinese enterprises, allowing participants to witness operational excellence in action, engage directly with on-site teams, and gain practical, hands-on insights for implementation within their own organizations. The visits include real operational case studies from world-class industrial and financial ecosystems, providing a rare opportunity to see how large-scale systems are designed and executed in practice.
Participants will visit Baosteel Industrial Base, one of China’s largest integrated steel production hubs and a global benchmark in smart manufacturing, showcasing fully digitalized, highly automated, and data-driven production, logistics, and warehousing systems. The tour will demonstrate how advanced steel production, real-time data monitoring, and intelligent logistics are integrated into one connected industrial ecosystem.
Another key highlight is the visit to the SAIC General Motors intelligent manufacturing facility in Shanghai, one of the most advanced automotive production sites in China. It demonstrates a highly automated, lean, and digitally enabled production system, featuring robotics, real-time analytics, and near “unmanned” operations, as well as best practices in automotive manufacturing across leading global brands such as Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac.
The program also includes a visit to the Bank of China / Shanghai Financial Data Port, a core element of Shanghai’s financial and technology ecosystem. Participants will explore how large-scale financial data infrastructure, AI, and fintech solutions are applied in banking operations, including risk management, compliance, and customer services, showing how data-driven banking systems operate at scale.
Participation in the Forum offers an opportunity to:
- exchange experience with experts and industry leaders;
- explore best practices and proven performance tools;
- establish valuable professional connections across industries;
- gain inspiration and practical solutions to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement.
Participation in the Forum is subject to a registration fee.
Terms, program, and details are available upon request.
Who Should Attend:
Company Representatives:
Directors and Heads of:
- COO (Chief Operating Officer)
- Production / Manufacturing Directors
- Chief Digital Officers / Digital Transformation
- Data and Technology Leaders (CDO, CIO, CTO)
- Transformation, Strategy and Performance Improvement
- Project Management Offices (PMO)
- Shared Services and Operational Service Centers
- Supply Chain
- Industrial and manufacturing enterprises
- Automotive, engineering, and metallurgical industries
- Energy, oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors
- FMCG and food production
- Logistics, service, and retail companies
- Financial services (banking, insurance, investment institutions)
- Consulting firms and solution providers in operational efficiency and digital transformation
