Comrie-Picard is seen here at an X-Games party in Los Angeles in 2010. (Photo: WikiCommons)

EDMonTON — The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has announced the keynote speaker for this years Western Manufacturing Technology Show (WMTS). Champion rally car driver Andrew Comrie-Picard will speak at the biennial event, which takes place June 4-6, 2013 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.

Comrie-Picard who, in addition to racing, has also appeared a TV host, will deliver an address to attendees, wher he aims to challenge the manufacturing industry to think outside the box.

Growing up in the country, on the farm, it gives you a couple of things, he says.

You have to figure everything out on your own, which makes you look at things in a different way. It makes you innovative and resourceful.

Comrie-Picard also has a number of interesting experiences of his own from which to draw on. He has performed motorcycle repairs across Africa in the basements of strangers using batteries as welding equipment, and stopped in hills outside of Morocco to repair a Volkswagen minivan using only items on hand including a stick of chewing gum.

“Engineering at its best is really a marrying of the best available technology with the best intuitive, sensible input from humans,” he says.

The real message, he says, is to learn to trust intuition when it comes to devising solutions to problems, especially in pressure situations like a tough economy.

Comrie-Picard also holds five university degrees, competed in the X Games every year from 2006-2010, and left a high-profile law career in New York City to pursue his racing passion full-time.

The show will also feature a Job Shop Night from 4-6pm on June 5, wher shop owners and employees can enjoy free beer and food and meet Comrie-Picard.

WMTS will also feature an engaging education program on the show floor (free with admission), plenty of opportunities to network with technology companies and industry professionals, and a variety of live machinery and product demonstrations.

WMTS is presented by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

For more information visit: wmts.ca or call 888-322-7333, ext. 4447.