Conferences play a critical role in advancing student learning by providing opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies, interact with industry leaders, and expand academic and professional networks. This study explores the educational outcomes of NSF-supported students who attended the 9th North American IEOM Society Conference held in Washington, DC, at the University of the District of Columbia, June 4-6, 2024. The conference featured a wide range of technical activities, including keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and workshops addressing Industry 4.0 and disruptive technologies. Topics included the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cybersecurity, digital twins, simulation, and innovations in global engineering education.
Beyond technical content, students gained professional development through networking with engineers, researchers, and educators from more than 20 countries. These interactions provided unique insights into global practices, career pathways, and opportunities for future research collaborations. The conference also served as an experiential learning platform where students connected classroom knowledge with real-world applications.
To assess learning outcomes, pre- and post-conference surveys were administered to measure changes in student knowledge and awareness of Industry 4.0. Results revealed substantial improvement, with the percentage of students reporting strong knowledge rising from 30–40% before the event to 50–60% afterward. Qualitative feedback further emphasized the value of exposure to international perspectives, career advice, and the chance to observe how emerging technologies are shaping industrial transformation.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that participation in professional conferences significantly enhances student understanding of digital manufacturing and related domains, while also fostering global awareness, career readiness, and professional growth.