GEM Tech Expo 2025, scheduled for October 28, 2025, at Cal State Fullerton, is a forward-looking event that unites clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies to empower the next generation of innovators. With the theme "Empowering Tomorrow: Technology, Talent, and a Sustainable Future," the expo invites students, educators, and industry professionals to explore the evolving landscape of green technology and modern manufacturing. The event will feature a compelling keynote address, a series of tech talks, and live technology demonstrations that highlight real-world innovations in sustainable energy, smart manufacturing, and digital transformation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the Manufacturing Synergy Forum: Bridging Industry and Academia, a focused dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration, aligning workforce skills with industry needs, and fostering research and innovation partnerships. GEM Tech Expo 2025 offers an engaging lineup of hands-on exhibits, career development activities, and expert-led discussions designed to illuminate career pathways, inspire curiosity, and promote inclusive talent development. More than just an event, it serves as a vibrant platform for building lasting connections, advancing workforce readiness, and shaping a more sustainable and equitable future in energy and manufacturing.
Event Details
Keynote Address
Speaker: Susan Sonne, Council Member, City of Buena Park
Speaker Bio: Susan Sonne has been a Council Member in Buena Park, California since December, 2020, representing District 3. Her first action as a council member was to advocate for Buena Park to become a founding member of the Orange County Power Authority and she has served as the city’s representative on that board for most of the last 5 years. This year, she serves as Chair of the Board. Susan is also a board member for CivicWell, a state-wide non-profit organization focused on environmental issues and this year serves as its Treasurer. She was born in Mississippi, graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BA in Philosophy, and started her professional career there in Information Technology. Her career in IT took her from Mississippi to California via Oklahoma, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Utah. Upon retirement, she became very active in her community, volunteering with the Buena Park Collaborative’s Community Resource Center and becoming the Collaborative Director while also serving on the city’s Homeless Committee, the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, and the Buena Park Beautification and Environmental Commission. As a council member, in addition to being a leader in the creation of more housing, better public safety, and increased cultural education, she was instrumental in creating the city’s first Sustainability Team, the Climate Action Commission, and the development of Buena Park’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. She is focused on increasing the number of trees, adding more ways for community members to grow food locally, and finding incentives for increased electrification and energy efficiency.
Interactive Exhibits and Technology Demonstrations
Attendees can immerse themselves in hands-on experiences with the latest manufacturing technologies and innovations. Engage with interactive exhibits and witness live demonstrations from local industry partners and SME chapters, showcasing advancements in robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, and more. This session is designed to give attendees a comprehensive understanding of the tools and technologies driving the future of manufacturing.
Career Preparation Workshops & Resume Building
Student participants are invited to attend workshops focused on career preparation. Gain valuable tips on building a strong resume, navigating career pathways, and mastering job search strategies. Career development professionals and industry veterans will offer personalized advice to help you make the most of your skills and experiences, ensuring you're well-prepared to enter the manufacturing workforce.
SAMPE Industry Professional Talk: From Idea to Real Part
Students are invited to participate in a special session with Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) industry professionals who will share insights on how an idea becomes a real part in the field of advanced materials. Discover how creativity and engineering combine to transform concepts into functional solutions, and explore career paths and opportunities in materials and process engineering.
Future of Work Synergy Forum: Bridging Industry, Academia and Community
This is a dedicated platform for meaningful collaboration among industry professionals, community leaders, and key stakeholders, including educators from high schools, community colleges, and universities, as well as school administrators and workforce development partners. This forum is designed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas focused on aligning education and training programs with the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and emerging technologies. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the forum aims to strengthen partnerships, expand career pathways, and equip the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in the future of work.
SME Zone
The SME Zone offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local chapters of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) from the Southern California region. Representatives and chapter officers from these three active chapters will be available to discuss the latest industry trends, educational resources, and career opportunities in manufacturing. High school students will be especially interested to learn that SME membership is free for them, providing access to a vast network of professionals, specialized training, and industry certifications that can significantly enhance their future careers. This zone is a must-visit for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of the manufacturing industry and forge connections with seasoned professionals who are leading the way in engineering and manufacturing excellence.
Lunch & Networking
Take a break and enjoy a catered lunch while networking with industry professionals, educators, and fellow students. This informal setting provides a unique opportunity to discuss career prospects, share industry insights, and explore future technologies in manufacturing. Use this time to make meaningful connections that could shape your future career.
VIP Campus Tour
Cap off the day with an exclusive VIP tour of the Cal State Fullerton campus. This tour is specifically designed for students interested in pursuing a degree in Engineering and Computer Science. Explore the state-of-the-art facilities, meet with faculty, and learn more about the exciting opportunities available at CSUF. This is a great chance to get an insider's view of the resources and support available to help you succeed in your academic and professional journey.
Contact Informtion
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Sagil James, Email: sagiljames@fullerton.edu, Phone: 657-278-3337
K-16 Pathway Project Coordinator: Arthur Guzman, Email: arthurguzman@fullerton.edu, Phone: 657-278-6857
Sponsorship Coordinator: Alex Choperena, Email: achoperena@fullerton.edu, Phone: 657-629-8058
Student Coordinator: Sai Sumanth Ammireddy, Email: saisumanth.a@csu.fullerton.edu, Phone: 657-632-7064