Midwest Manufacturing Leadership Summit

The Midwest Manufacturing Leadership Summit is a premier event designed for influential leaders in the manufacturing sector, particularly those holding director-level titles and above. Set in the Minneapolis Convention Center, this exclusive one-day experience offers a unique blend of education and networking opportunities tailored for professionals within the manufacturing industry. Attendees will engage in high-level discussions focusing on critical challenges facing manufacturing leadership, particularly in the areas of medtech, packaging, materials science, 3D printing, sustainability, and robotics/automation. Participants will have full access to the expo floor, keynote presentations, and an exclusive welcome reception, ensuring a comprehensive experience that fosters valuable industry connections.The summit features a distinguished lineup of speakers and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics. Notably, the event will be introduced by Suzanne Deffree, the Group Event Director of Informa, who will provide insights into Minnesota's engineering and manufacturing landscape. Leading journalists from respected media brands such as MD+DI, Design News, and Packaging Digest will guide discussions around the latest trends and innovations impacting the manufacturing sector. Some key topics will include technological advancements driving industry growth, regulatory changes affecting product development, and the influence of new innovations on traditional devices. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions with these experts. Additionally, the summit will host a conversation with Minnesota State Representative Dave Pinto, who will address the intersection of public policy and economic competitiveness, highlighting issues relevant to summit attendees. A panel discussion on managing today’s supply chain will feature experts including Frank Jaskulke, Christopher Cantrell, Brent Hahn, and Helen Swanson, who will share insights on the challenges and opportunities in the current supply chain landscape. The event will also include a fireside chat with Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, emphasizing the impact of geopolitical factors on the manufacturing supply chain. Throughout the summit, attendees will have opportunities to network with peers during refreshment breaks and an exclusive networking lunch, which is exclusively for Midwest Manufacturing Leadership Summit pass holders. The event will culminate in a guided walking tour of the MD&M Midwest expo floor, showcasing influential suppliers and organizations relevant to the manufacturing leadership community. This summit is not just an educational platform but a strategic gathering aimed at building relationships among decision-makers in the manufacturing industry, all while addressing the economic landscape of the Midwest in the coming years.