2026 Rethink: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Rethink: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

No matter where you are on the digital manufacturing journey, Rethink is a must-attend event to learn aspirational best practices, discover real-world case studies, and network with other leaders who are guiding the way to Manufacturing 4.0.

Rethink examines today’s digital factory as it intersects with technology, organizations, and leadership. Come away with a better understanding of the smart factory and what’s needed to compete, succeed, and thrive in the connected future.

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Featured 2026 Content

Engage and learn through keynotes, case studies, breakout sessions, 1-on-1 meetings and networking events, plus a new Rethink Golf Outing, Council Day and Strategic Industry Content for 2026.

Enterprise-wide Digital Transformation

AI in the Factory

M4.0 Business Cultures

Creating Digital Roadmaps

Resilient Supply Chains

Next-Generation Leadership

What to Expect at Rethink: Knowledge. Insights. Experience. Opportunities.

• Get an inside look into the deployment of Manufacturing 4.0 technologies directly from your peers. No other event offers such in-depth information straight from the teams advancing their organizations.
• Gain insights on how to build a business case for investments in Manufacturing 4.0 technologies and services.
• Understand the most successful ROI models associated with investments in Manufacturing 4.0 tools.
• Hear use case studies from manufacturers that have successfully addressed challenges and opportunities with digital manufacturing.
• Enhance KPIs, Project Management initiatives and digital transformation projects with tactical insights from manufacturing leaders.
• Network with peers on manufacturing’s most critical initiatives driving value for the industry, such as, Smart Factories and Digital Production, Analytics and Data Mastery, Resilient Supply Networks, and a Sustainable Circular Economy.
• Learn about cutting-edge technologies, processes and solutions that can immediately impact your operations and shape a new-age workforce ready for modern manufacturing.

In-Person Networking

Need we say more? Spend several days building relationships and connecting with like-minded executives both in and out of the event sessions.

Timely and Relevant Content

Hear from industry experts with curated content throughout the event, including real-world case studies, panel discussions, research insights, executive interviews and more!

Real-Time Discussions on Challenges and Solutions

Participate in our personal 1-on-1 meetings to understand how different solutions can help you overcome your current business challenges.

Interaction and Collaboration in Interactive Sessions

Collaborate, engage, share and learn with your peers in our interactive Think Tank sessions. With a dozen topics to choose from, you are certain to walk away with new insights and ideas.

A Roadmap for Digital Evolution

No matter where you are in your digital transformation journey, Rethink will help you understand how technologies can accelerate your journey, provide real-world insights and access to the manufacturing organizations leading the way.

VIP Technology Tour

A Rethink exclusive! Hear the highlights from each of our event partners during the Rethink custom VIP tour. In two minutes or less, you’ll gain quick insights and know where you’d like to take the opportunity to understand more.

Topic-Driven Discussion Tables

Join small group table discussions during lunch to discuss specific industry topics around some of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today.

Meet Manufacturing Leadership Award Finalists

Connect with some of the top Manufacturing Leadership Award project finalists and gain firsthand insights into their projects during our lightning round sessions and meet n’ greet tables.

Location. Location. Location.

Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers serene lagoons, unparalleled golf, exceptional dining options and an award-winning spa.

Connect. Engage. Advance.

With over 300+ top-level manufacturing executives and their teams, you’ll have access to real conversations, revealing real insights and providing real results.

The Event for Your Entire Team

Manufacturing 4.0 requires support from cross-functional teams within multiple divisions to integrate technologies, advance the adoption of M4.0 and keep your company ahead of the curve.

Rethink is designed to support all areas and provides content that covers technology, organization, culture, leadership, workforce and more.

This event is built for you and your team, including, but not limited to:

Divide and Conquer: A Team Approach

With multiple concurrent interactive sessions, more than two dozen live sessions, and access to content pre- and post-event, the best value will come from providing your team access to Rethink 2026. With multiple participants, you’ll be able to divide and conquer, allowing you to collaborate and bring new ideas, strategies and action items back to your company!

Please note that agenda is continuously updated as information becomes available and is set to Mountain Standard Time (MST).

For questions on the agenda or if you’re interested in speaking at Rethink 2026, please email [email protected]

Sunday, June 21

6:30 a.m.  2026 Rethink Golf Outing*

Tee off with peers at the Rethink 2026 Golf Outing on the iconic TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and one of the most iconic championship layouts in the U.S. Enjoy world‑class golf, scenic desert views, and spirited competition while networking with fellow manufacturing leaders. It’s the perfect blend of play and professional connection.

*Check-in and breakfast opens – Pre-event registration is required for the Golf Outing, restrictions apply.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Early Registration Happy Hour

Open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees

Monday, June 22

7:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Registration Opens

7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Annual MLC Council Meeting*

*Access is provided to ML Council members only.

*Access is provided to ML Council members only.

7:30 a.m.  Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:15 a.m.  Welcome, Opening Remarks and Board Overview

• Ron Castro, Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, IBM; Chair, MLC Board of Governors
• Will Bonifant, Group Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Hormel Foods; Vice Chair, MLC Board of Governors

8:25 a.m. Council Report and Update: MLC Year in Review

• David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC

8:40 a.m. Future of Manufacturing Project – Tech Radar Start-up Event Preview

• Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, MLC

8:50 a.m. Critical Issues Framework and Instructions

• David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC

9:00 a.m. Critical Issues Exercise – Table Discussions

9:30 a.m. Networking Break

9:45 a.m. Critical Issues Report Outs and Live Discussion

11:20 a.m. Critical Issue Vote

• David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, MLC

11:30 a.m. Adjourn

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Networking Luncheon 

Open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees. The Networking Luncheon will be followed by an afternoon of strategic industry content that too is open to all registered Rethink 2026 attendees.

12:45 p.m.  Welcome and Introductions

• Ron Castro, Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, IBM; Chair, MLC Board of Governors
• Jay Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Manufacturers

1:00 p.m. What’s Ahead for the Economy and Manufacturing?

• Gregory Daco, Chief Economist, EY

Manufacturers are navigating a complex mix of policy uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and uneven growth. This session will offer a clear outlook for the remainder of 2026 and 2027, focusing on tariffs and supply chains, demand and production trends, capex and credit conditions, productivity and technology adoption, and the workforce—translating macro signals into practical implications for operations and investment.

This session will be followed by a panel discussion on economic trends. Manufacturing company executives on the front lines will share their aspirations and concerns about the coming months.

• Gregory Daco, Chief Economist, EY
• Jill Dralle, U.S. Division President, Nexteer Automotive
• Chris Drew, President and Chief Executive Officer, Burnham Holdings
• Dan Dwight, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cooley Group; Executive Committee, NAM Board of Directors

Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

2:30 p.m.  Networking Break

2:45 p.m. Energy Infrastructure at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities for Manufacturers 

• Don Leavens, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

As U.S. energy demand accelerates—driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, electrification and manufacturing reshoring—our power generation, transmission and distribution system is struggling to keep up. A widening gap between peak power demand and generation capacity, an aging electrical grid and a backlog of critical components cumulatively poses one of the most significant challenges to American economic growth and energy security. For manufacturing leaders driving digital transformation, these energy challenges have direct implications for plant reliability, AI and automation investments, and long-term competitiveness.

Gain insights into how manufacturers are addressing these issues and hear about the updated findings from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s 2025 study, A Reliable Grid for an Electric Future, outlining how electrical manufacturers are supplying the technology and solutions to help the grid meet rising demand. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how grid constraints may impact manufacturing operations, what leaders can do to mitigate energy-related risks, and how to align digital strategies with the realities of today’s evolving electricity market.

This Session will be followed by a panel discussion examining what these energy dynamics mean for manufacturing leaders.

• Don Leavens, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
• Chris Phalen, Vice President, Domestic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers

Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

3:30 p.m. DC State of Mind: Manufacturing Policy and the 2026 Elections

• Charles Crain, Managing Vice President, Policy, National Association of Manufacturers

What happens in Washington, DC has a direct impact on manufacturers’ operations across the country. A year and a half into the Trump administration and the 119th Congress, manufacturers have secured historic policy wins—from generational tax reform and regulatory modernization to advances in AI and energy leadership. Yet significant opportunities remain, including permitting reform, infrastructure investment, health care, and trade policy.

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, the session will explore the state of play for pro-manufacturing policy and equip manufacturers with the insights needed to navigate uncertainty and position their organizations for what’s next.

4:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Leadership that Moves the Business—Not Just the Work

As priorities multiply and resources remain constrained, effective leadership requires more than keeping teams busy—it demands clear alignment with what the business truly values. This session explores how manufacturing leaders identify high-impact work, ensure teams choose priorities intentionally, and decline misaligned efforts without creating organizational resistance. Panelists will discuss how to measure and communicate business impact in terms executives care about, support teams when strategic bets fall short, and ensure meaningful contributions are visible and recognized. The focus is on building teams that deliver outcomes, not just activity.

• Enrique Herrera, Manufacturing Industry Principal, Zebra Technologies
• Kim Johnson, Area Vice President, Manufacturing, Oracle
• Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director, The Manufacturing Institute
• Sachin Lulla, Industrial and Energy Leader, Vice Chair, EY

Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. VIP Exhibit Hall Tour

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Welcome Networking Reception

Tuesday, June 23

7:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibition 

8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

• Jay Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Manufacturers

8:15 a.m. Opening Address: The Inevitability of Autonomous Operations 

• David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council  

Autonomous operations are no longer a future possibility — they are becoming a reality. With AI, robotics, IoT, digital twins, 5G, and edge computing converging, manufacturers have the opportunity to achieve 24/7 efficiency, heightened safety, and unprecedented productivity. At the same time, these advances demand careful consideration of operational, technical, and workforce challenges. The question is no longer whether autonomy will transform manufacturing, but how leaders will navigate its risks and capture its full potential.

8:30 a.m.  Fireside Chat – Designing the Future Factory: AI, Robotics and Data that Put People at the Center of Operations​

For more than 60 years, GM has been integrating robotics, automation, data collection, AI and machine learning into complex manufacturing environments. GM’s primary focus for deploying technology is to enhance safety (risk reduction) and quality—while empowering employees to concentrate on high-value work that truly shapes the outcome of every vehicle. As technology advances in the years ahead, these principles will be center stage as vehicles become increasingly defined by their software content. This fireside chat will explore how GM is thinking about its future factories and will provide practical lessons any industry can use to apply these principles on their own shop floors.​

• Mike Trevorrow, Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing, General Motors

In conversation with: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

9:00 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break  

9:35 a.m. Case Study: From the Ground Up – Leveraging Advanced Compute to Accelerate Manufacturing at McCain Foods

• Jay Agarwal, Ph. D., Vice President, Digital Manufacturing and Agriculture, McCain Foods

McCain Foods is a multinational frozen food company established in 1957. It is the world’s largest manufacturers of frozen potato products, producing 1 in 4 French fries globally. The French fry manufacturing process is highly streamlined, utilizing continuous production lines that peel, flash fry and freeze at rates up to tens of tons per hour. At these high speeds, poor machine control can result in significant waste. Learn how next-generation compute, enabled by GPU processing, has enabled advanced machine control and deeper insight into fluid flow, heat transfer and product quality.

10:10 a.m.  2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Lightning Rounds

Grupo Bimbo – Grupo Bimbo Kneads Cloud Technologies and AI into Its Growth Strategy, Enterprise Integration and Technology Project Category

• Jorge Cervantes, Global Senior Director, Manufacture to Distribution Solutions, Grupo Bimbo

Pure & Gentle – Turning Manufacturing Intelligence into Strategic Growth and New Revenue, Business Model Transformation Project Category

• John Blount, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pure & Gentle

10:40 a.m. Meet the Innovators: 1:1 Briefing Sessions, Networking Break 

12:05 p.m. Networking Lunch featuring Topic Tables  

1:15 p.m.  Concurrent Interactive (Re)Think Tanks 

2:10 p.m. Power Panel: Building a Data Strategy for the Future*

To enable manufacturers to truly embrace and reap the benefits of Manufacturing 4.0, a data management strategy that encompasses a corpus of needs must be devised and implemented by operational leaders. These needs include standards, architecture, data models, AI-ready data and operational AI at scale. This panel will examine how converging pressures—scaling digital solutions beyond pilot environments, integrating heterogeneous legacy and modern systems, and operationalizing data as a strategic asset — are reshaping the requirements for industrial architectures and the processes for applying data.

• Sthitie Bom, Ph.D., Vice President of Factory Data, Analytics and Applications, Seagate
• Chris Crotts, General Manager, Toyota North America
• Jim Davis, Ph.D., CIO/CTO/Professor Emeritus, UCLA; Executive Oversight, CESMII and BUILD SM programs; Member, MLC Board of Governors
• John Dyck, Chief Executive Officer, CESMII; Member, MLC Board of Governors

Moderator: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

3:10 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break  

3:35 p.m. Executive Interview: Winning Results in the Factory of the Present*

Often, what’s possible in the factory of the future captures the spotlight, while the real opportunity for most manufacturers lies in evolving the factory of the present. This executive panel explores how industrial leaders are translating digital progress into measurable results—today. You’ll hear an executive perspective on disciplined digital investments that strengthen industrial data foundations and improve operational visibility, and emerging technologies that deliver real value for manufacturers dealing with legacy assets and cybersecurity risk.

• Johannes-Thomas Grobe, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Optima Pharma
• Scot Lindsey, Senior Vice President, Information Officer, Manufacturing and Quality, Eli Lilly and Company
• Blake Moret, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Automation; Chair, NAM Board of Directors

In conversation with: David R. Brousell, Founder, Vice President and Executive Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

4:25 p.m.  Case Study: Digitally Transforming into an AI-ready Enterprise at Rheem*

• Joe Palomba, Senior Vice President, Information Technology, Rheem Manufacturing

Faced with rising customer expectations, regulatory changes, and aggressive competition, in 2022, Rheem launched a bold digital transformation to reinvent its business model. Shifting from a product-centric approach to an experience-first, platform-enabled operating model, Rheem extended value beyond the point of sale through IoT-connected products, remote monitoring, diagnostics, and grid-interactive energy programs, creating recurring service growth alongside product excellence, with a strong digital foundation. This is now enabling Rheem to build an AI-enabled operating system on top of its digital platform – effectively moving from “digital-first” to “AI-first.”

4:50 p.m. Fireside Fireside Chat: Building a Trusted AI Assistant for the Shop Floor*

Frontline teams need answers that are fast, accurate and safe, and in today’s factories, more of those answers are coming from AI assistants. But moving from a promising prototype to a trusted, production-grade tool is where most initiatives stall. In this fireside chat we will walk through the real path from POC to scaled deployment: what it takes to get governance and validation right, how to build confidence and escalation paths into the experience, and why designing for technician trust is just as critical as the underlying technology. Hear how leading manufacturers are approaching the full lifecycle — from early pilot design through operational rollout — and what separates the AI-guided work initiatives that stick from the ones that don’t.

• Brian Kursar, Group Vice President and Head of AI, Toyota North America; Finalist, Artificial Intelligence Vision and Strategy, 2026 ML Awards
• Prasoon Saxena, Executive Managing Director and Co-Lead, Global Product Industries, NTT DATA

In conversation with: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception  

Wednesday, June 24

7:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibition

8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions*

8:10 a.m.  Keynote – From Vision to Value: Scaling Digital Transformation that Delivers*

• Lisa McEvoy, Associate Vice President, Digital Manufacturing, Merck

Manufacturers don’t win with technology alone—they win by turning digital vision into measurable operational value. This keynote explores how purpose-driven digital organizations align around a clear performance “north star” to unlock capacity, improve quality, and drive results at scale. Discover how leading teams are breaking down organizational silos, integrating digital expertise into operations, and using AI to strengthen—not replace—human judgment. Leaders will leave with practical strategies to move from experimentation to sustained impact across the enterprise.

8:40 a.m. Fireside Chat: Driving Business Value in Connected Manufacturing—From Pilot to Scale*

Successful Manufacturing 4.0 scaling begins with a clear focus on business outcomes and a repeatable model that moves beyond isolated pilots to deliver measurable improvements in throughput, quality, uptime and labor productivity. Explore how manufacturers can make disciplined technology choices, strengthen OT/IT alignment through shared governance and phased roadmaps, and modernize legacy environments in ways that expand visibility, analytics and automation while minimizing production risk.

• Cameron Coursey, Vice President, Connected Solutions, AT&T Business

In conversation with: Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

9:10 a.m. Panel Discussion: Next-Generation Leaders*

What’s on the minds of the next generation as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow? This panel discussion will examine the hopes, aspirations, and visions for the future from some of this year’s top finalists for the Next-Generation Leadership award.

• Kristen DellaVecchia, Corporate Sustainability Project Manager, Corning Incorporated
• Iran Arely Gomez Reyes, Industrial Engineer and Generative AI Lead, General Motors
• Arun Jegarkal, Data Engineering Manager, Peterbilt Motors Company
• Jeremy Smith, Senior Supply Chain Engineer, Winnebago Industries

Moderator: Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

9:40 a.m. Networking and Refreshment Break

10:15 a.m.  2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Lightning Rounds*

Eli Lilly and Company – Empowering Frontline Decision-Making with Real-Time Manufacturing Intelligence at Scale, Transformational Business Cultures Project Category

• Ravi Medandravu, Associate Vice President, Manufacturing and Quality Tech, Eli Lilly and Company

Schneider Electric – Autonomous Supply Chain: End-to-End Planning and Execution, Digital Supply Chains Project Category

• Olivier Redon, Vice President, NAM Supply Chain Strategy Deployment, Schneider Electric

10:45 a.m. Executive Interview: Where Data Delivers in Kerry Group’s Connected Plants*

You don’t grow from a small dairy company in southwest Ireland to a global food, beverage, biotechnology, pharma and proactive health organization without focusing on the margin expansion. Kerry Group’s digital transformation is a margin engine that has turned plant-floor productivity into measurable financial impact. Hear how Kerry has embedded digital excellence at the core of its operating strategy to create a connected plant approach that layers purpose-built tools onto existing systems to unlock real-time visibility, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven decisions. Discover why operator adoption is the true benchmark of success, what it takes to build a data foundation ready for agentic AI, and how to convert digital ambition into bottom-line results.

• Nick Haase, Co-Founder, MaintainX
• David Pavlovic, Vice President, Global Digital Operations, Kerry Group

In conversation with: Melissa Boom, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

11:20 a.m. Case Study: Developing Resilient Supply Chains in a Resource-Constrained World*

• John Larson, Ph.D., Vice President, Plant Readiness and Startup, Niron Magnetics

What if the world’s most powerful magnets could be made without relying on rare earth elements? This session explores how Niron Magnetics is doing exactly that with high-performance iron nitride magnets built entirely from abundant, globally available materials. Beyond magnets, the lessons in innovation, resilience and supply chain agility apply to manufacturers across industries. Learn how this breakthrough eliminates supply risks, delivers exceptional thermal stability, and powers partnerships with leaders like General Motors and Samsung. Executives will walk away with insights on scaling resilient, high-performance supply chains while addressing the looming global magnet shortage.

11:50 a.m.  Meet the Innovators: 1:1 Briefing Sessions, Networking Break

12:35 p.m. Networking Lunch featuring Topic Tables

1:40 p.m. Concurrent Interactive (Re)Think Tanks

Choose from one of the following interactive sessions.

2:20 p.m. Networking and Refreshment Break

2:45 p.m. Case Study: Scaling Digital Performance to Turn Data into Dominance*

• Matt Wessel, Ph.D., Senior Data Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Manufacturers that win will turn operational data into real-time advantage. In this session, Thermo Fisher Scientific shares how it scaled a digital performance system that delivers immediate visibility into OEE, yield, and time-loss events. By equipping teams with live dashboards and root-cause analytics, they accelerated decision-making on the factory floor—reducing downtime and driving measurable performance gains.

3:20 p.m. Case Study: How PACCAR is Seeing the Future with AI-Enabled Vision Systems*

• Raja Shembekar, Vice President and Corporate Officer, Global Manufacturing and International Business Development, PACCAR

AI-enabled vision systems can significantly enhance accuracy and speed in quality inspections, significantly reducing defects and eliminating costly rework. But effectively deploying these systems requires a strong data foundation, the right digital infrastructure, integration with manufacturing systems and a clearly defined use case with measurable value. Find out how embracing this technology and developing a holistic strategy for its use has helped PACCAR streamline operations, foster continuous improvement and enhance collaboration between teams.

3:50 p.m. Content for Rethink 2026 Concludes

Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala

6:00 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Cocktail Reception

7:30 p.m. Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala and Dinner

Our Insightful and Visionary Speakers

Our high-caliber speaker lineup will bring you the insight and inspiration you need for moving your business forward. The speaker lineup for Rethink 2026 will be announced in early March! In the meantime, please see our 2025 speaker lineup below.

For information on becoming and/or nominating a speaker, please contact [email protected]

2025 Speakers

2026 ML Award Finalists – Lightning Round Presenters

2026 (Re)Think Tank Facilitators

Event Venue

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Hotel Booking Information

The Fairmont Princess ROOM BLOCK is CLOSED.

You are welcome to contact the Fairmont Princess to reserve a room, but we can no longer guarantee the room rate or availability. If you are unable to get into the Fairmont Princess, please contact us to get on the wait list – or please leverage a nearby hotel for accommodations (please see below for suggestions).

Wait List  – Rethink 2026 – Fairmont Princess

We do have a waiting list to get into the Fairmont Princess, and we’re happy to put you on it, please send to: [email protected]

• Full name
• Email address
• Requested arrival and departure dates

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Cancelation Policy: Reservations may be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If complete cancellation of a reservation occurs within 24 hours of the scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee of one night’s room rate will be charged. A credit card deposit will be taken at time of booking.

Discounted room rate: $289 + taxes and fees

Reservation Cutoff: Monday, June 1, 2026 (once room block is filled, which may be before cut-off date, availability and rate are not guaranteed)

To make your reservations online, please click here.

To make your reservations by phone, please call 480-585-4848. Be sure to reference the National Association of Manufacturers or Rethink and the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala.

Nearby Accommodations

Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas, Scottsdale
17700 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-515-5888
Distance: 0.8 miles

Hyatt House North Scottsdale
18513 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-590-8100
Distance: 1.1 miles

Residence Inn by Marriott Scottsdale North
17011 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-563-4120
Distance: 1.5 miles

Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson
7965 E. Cavasson Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255
Phone: 480-648-1500
Distance: 2 miles

Travel Information

Nearby Airports

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (23 miles)
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) (39 miles)

Transportation to/From Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

• We recommend using a rideshare, taxi, car service or car rental* of your choice for convenient transportation to and from the event venue.

*please see parking pricing and information below for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

About the Fairmont Princess

Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess blends Southwestern charm with five-star luxury—making it the perfect destination for both business and leisure. From world-class meeting spaces to family-friendly pools, golf, and spa experiences, it’s a resort where events and relaxation meet in perfect harmony.

• Resort Information
• Resort FAQs

Check in | Check out Times

• Check in: 4:00 p.m. MST
• Check out: 11:00 a.m. MST

On-site Parking*

Resort Guests

• Overnight valet service: $40 per night
• Self-parking: $28 per night

Visitors

• Daily valet service: $26 per night
• Overnight valet service: $40 per night
• Self-parking: $28 per day

*Rates subject to change.

2026 Sponsorships are Booked – Join the 2027 Waitlist Today!

Build Relationships. Drive Opportunities. Deliver Results.

Sponsorship investments at Rethink provide you the opportunity to connect with top manufacturing executives and are proven to deliver results.

With multiple opportunities to educate buyers about your products and services, discuss challenges and solutions, showcase thought leadership, connect with attendees, build relationships, and generate opportunities with the executive audience, you are guaranteed to see results.

Partnering with NAM’s Manufacturing Leadership Council as a sponsor at Rethink, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Connect with hundreds of C-Suite Executives, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Council Members, Manufacturing Leadership Award Winners, Industry Thought Leaders and more who are looking to drive digital transformation and charting the course for the future of manufacturing.
• Showcase your company’s products, services and thought leadership in a variety of sessions and within the networking hall.
• Educate the manufacturing community through your 1:1 meetings, networking sessions, VIP Tour and more.
• Build solid relationships and opportunities with key executives on-site.
• Customize your sponsorship to meet your strategic objectives and deliver a solid Return On Investment

At Rethink, it’s the RoR (Return on Relationships) that will drive your ROI.

Reserve your Sponsorship for Rethink Today!

Sponsorships are limited and available in a range of levels. Please contact us today to discuss a customized solution for your organization.

2026 Sponsors

If you have any questions on registration or would like more information, please contact [email protected].

ML Council Members

• Primary seat holder pass(es) included for Rethink and ML Awards Gala

ML Associate Members

• Rethink and optional ML Awards Gala Pass: $2,195
• Rethink and optional ML Awards Gala Pass with 1-to-1 Meetings Package: $1,095

NAM, IRI and Affiliate Members*

• Rethink and optional ML Awards Gala Pass: $2,195
• Rethink and optional ML Awards Gala Pass with 1-to-1 Meetings Package: $1,095

2026 Manufacturing Leadership Award Finalists*

• Rethink and Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala Pass: $2,595
• Rethink Pass with 1-to-1 Meetings Package: $1,095
• Individual award finalists and finalist projects receive two (2) complimentary passes to attend the ML Awards Gala.

Non-Members*

• Rethink and optional ML Awards Gala Pass: $3,495
• Rethink Pass with 1-to-1 Meetings Package: $1,695

1-to-1 Meetings Package

By registering with the 1-to-1 Meetings Package, you are registering for participation in up to six (6) 15-minute 1-to-1 meetings with leading and emerging sponsors of your choice to receive this discounted registration price*. These meetings are tailored to address your business challenges, gain valuable insights, and potentially find solutions. They take place during designated time periods in the agenda on Tuesday and Wednesday, with no other sessions running concurrently, so you’re not missing out on any other content.

*Selections subject to availability. Limited to up to three (3) team members to qualify for the discounted rate. A member of the Manufacturing Leadership Council | NAM team will reach out to you approximately 4-8 weeks prior to the event to make your selections and schedule your meetings. All meeting selections must be chosen by May 26, 2026 or the discount will no longer apply and the difference in price will be charged. For each unselected meeting pre-event or unattended meeting on-site, you will be charged.

*Registration Qualification Notice

Registration to attend Rethink is permitted to those in leadership positions within manufacturing companies and other peripheral organizations such as associations, academia and affiliated groups. For reference, specific positions such as team leader, supervisor, manager, director, VP, SVP, EVP, and C-Level management in operations, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, IT, HR, and other digital related roles are welcome to attend openly. Sales and marketing executives from manufacturing companies are prohibited. If you have questions about attending, please contact [email protected].

Additionally, registration is limited to end-user manufacturing organizations and approved academia. Solution providers: organizations that provide any form of technology and/or consulting products and services to manufacturing organizations, and do not manufacture any products, are not permitted to attend outside of sponsorship. If an individual from an organization that qualifies as a solution provider registers, a Manufacturing Leadership Council team member will contact you about your registration.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship of the event, please contact [email protected].

What

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala is a celebration of world-class manufacturing. Join us to meet the industry’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies and their achievements in Manufacturing 4.0. This exciting black-tie event includes a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, and recognition of the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards finalists. Category winners, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, the Manufacturers of the Year and the Future of Manufacturing Project Award Winners will be announced on stage. Come join the party!

Who

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards recognize accomplishments and operational transformation in digital manufacturing, including high-performing projects and outstanding leaders. Finalists and winners are selected in nine project categories and two individual categories.

When

The gala kicks off with a 6:00 p.m. cocktail reception with dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Dress Code

This event is black tie, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the evening’s celebration. Guests are encouraged to dress in formal evening attire. For gentlemen, this typically includes a tuxedo, formal dress shirt, bow tie and dress shoes (dark formal suits are also acceptable). For ladies, preferred attire is a formal evening gown or cocktail dress.

Registration

Gala admission is included in most Rethink registration packages; you simply need to confirm your attendance at the time of registration. Finalists receive two (2) complimentary gala passes per finalist project. Other admission fees are listed below:

• Rethink attendees: Gala ticket included with Rethink registration – confirm attendance when registered for Rethink.
• Guest passes:
  • Personal guest (spouse, partner, family member, etc.): $295
  • Additional colleague (not already registered for Rethink): $695

Gala Sponsorship

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Lauren Bisset at [email protected].

Formalwear Rentals

We are pleased to offer a discounted group rate for tuxedo rentals at Men’s Wearhouse. Please see details and ordering information below.

All tuxedo rentals are the responsibility of the renting party. You are responsible for picking up your tuxedo (from your HOME location), obtaining fittings and alterations, and returning rentals to your home location (same as pick-up).

Important Notes: The Scottsdale Men’s Warehouse is unable to accommodate group orders for pick-up or drop-off. You will need to use a location near you.

How to use the Men’s Wearhouse Group Discount

• Visit any Men’s Wearhouse for an up-to-date fitting. If you are unable to visit a Men’s Warehouse store for measurements, please visit a local tailoring shop.
• For online orders: use code 13459327 at checkout to receive $70 OFF select tuxedo or suit rental packages.
• For orders in-person at a Men’s Warehouse location use code BUSOUT70 to receive $70 OFF select tuxedo or suit rental packages.
• View the Men’s Warehouse current tuxedo and suit collection

Important Deadlines

• Orders must be complete by Tuesday, May 26 to avoid any delays.
• If ordered withing 14 days or less of the ML Awards Gala (after June 9) there is a minimum of a $40 rush fee

Terms and Conditions
Present code to receive $70 OFF a qualifying tuxedo or suit rental package that must include, at minimum, coat, pant, shirt, vest. Discount may not be applied to Exceptional Value rental package. May not be combined with any other discounts of offers. May not be redeemed for cash. Rental price does not include mandatory Damage and Handling fee, taxes and other applicable fees. Retail accessories are also available in addition to rental package price. $40 fee applies if fitted 14 days before event.

Additional Formal Wear Rentals
If you or your guest would like to rent a formal gown for the evening, we recommend taking advantage of the formal apparel available on Rent the Runway.