Manufacturing’s Premier Workforce Event
The Manufacturing Institute invites you to the fifth annual Workforce Summit — Skills at Scale: Delivering America’s Competitive Advantage — October 26–28, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN.
This year’s Summit focuses on the workforce capabilities manufacturers need to grow and compete. Industry leaders, practitioners and experts will share practical approaches for building strong talent pipelines, developing technical and digital skills and supporting a workforce prepared for rapid technological change. Across keynotes, case studies and peer discussions, attendees will learn what leading manufacturers are doing to improve retention, expand training and create work environments that support long-term success. The Summit is designed for participants to walk away with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.
Beyond the sessions, the Workforce Summit creates space for manufacturers — large and small — to connect, share ideas and build partnerships that strengthen the future manufacturing workforce.
Featured Focus Areas
The Summit will feature breakout sessions focused on solutions to the most pressing workforce challenges in manufacturing, including:
- Talent attraction and recruitment
- Onboarding and retention
- Workforce planning and career pathways
- AI and advanced technology skills
- Frontline leadership and incumbent upskilling
- Cross-sector collaboration, education and community partnerships
Questions? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Developing agenda – timing may shift as details are finalized.
Monday, October 26
1:30 p.m. – Registration Opens
2:30 p.m. – Welcome
2:45 p.m. – Opening Remarks
3:00 p.m. – General Session
5:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. – Reception Concludes
Tuesday, October 27
8:00 a.m. – Networking Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – General Session
10:00 a.m. – Networking Break
10:15 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
11:15 a.m. – Networking Break
11:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
12:30 p.m. – Networking Lunch
1:30 p.m. – Travel Time
1:45 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
2:30 p.m. – Networking Break
2:45 p.m. – General Session
4:00 p.m. – Networking Break
4:15 p.m. – Brewing Solutions
5:15 p.m. – Networking Reception
6:45 p.m. – Reception Concludes
Wednesday, October 28
7:30 a.m. – Networking Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – General Session
9:00 a.m. – Networking Break
9:15 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
10:00 a.m. – Networking Break
10:15 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
11:00 a.m. – Travel Time
11:15 a.m. – General Session
11:45 a.m. – Closing Remarks
12:00 p.m. – Program Concludes
Breakout Sessions
Building Skills at Scale: Advancing Life Sciences Talent Through Cross-Sector Partnerships (Johnson & Johnson)
At Johnson & Johnson, cross-sector partnerships expand talent pipelines and build job-ready skills. The model combines skills-based training, apprenticeships and applied learning across multiple states. It brings together leadership strategy and plant-level execution to address workforce challenges. The session offers practical approaches for building scalable, future-ready workforce ecosystems.
FOCUS: Partnerships | LEVEL: Intermediate
Career Conversations That Move People: A Playbook for Hourly Talent Progression (Trane Technologies)
At Trane Technologies, leaders and frontline employees are equipped with tools to have clear, consistent career conversations. The approach includes defined career pathways, planning tools and structured conversations supported by guides and real employee stories. These efforts help employees envision long-term growth within the organization and understand the steps needed to advance. Sites using this model have seen stronger engagement, improved retention and increased internal mobility.
FOCUS: Employee career planning, training, job frameworks | LEVEL: Intermediate
Designing Scalable Manufacturing Onboarding: A Pull-Based, Supervisor-Led Approach (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories)
At Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, onboarding shifted from a traditional batch model to a pull-based approach aligned to production demand. Employees start when available and connect to their team immediately, reducing downtime. Supervisors lead onboarding in real work environments using actual equipment and conditions. This approach improves safety learning, reduces ramp-up time and strengthens early engagement.
FOCUS: Onboarding, frontline leadership | LEVEL: Foundational
Engaging the Manufacturing Workforce: Colleagues, Culture and Community at Pfizer (Pfizer)
At Pfizer, the Colleagues, Culture and Community strategy improves engagement and reduces attrition across its workforce. The approach combines global priorities with site-level flexibility through self-assessments, feedback and targeted improvements to drive progress. Focus areas include workplace environment, well-being and culture, reinforced through accountability and recognition. Early results show higher engagement and lower turnover.
FOCUS: Employee engagement, culture, retention | LEVEL: Intermediate
From Equipment to Ecosystem: How 3M and GPS Education Partners Co-Designed a Scalable Manufacturing Talent Pipeline (3M & GPS Education Partners)
3M and GPS Education Partners redesigned program launches through structured co-design sessions with manufacturers, schools and colleges. The process guides partners through six phases to build aligned, student-centered talent pathways. Outputs include defined pathways, implementation plans and measurable outcomes. This model strengthens partnerships and creates more scalable workforce pipelines.
FOCUS: Education partnerships, student engagement, curriculum design | LEVEL: Foundational
From LMS to Workforce Engine: Scaling Manufacturing Talent Through Digital Learning Pathways (Miles Fiberglass & Composites)
At American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), traditional training was transformed into a blended model that combines digital learning, instructor-led training, hands-on experience and certification pathways. Static materials were converted into interactive modules organized into structured learning paths with practice-based assessments. This approach improves accessibility, consistency and scalability while maintaining hands-on learning, offering a practical framework that manufacturers can apply in their own organizations.
FOCUS: Training, assessments, skills, digital learning | LEVEL: Foundational
From Shop Tours to Shop Floors: How Local Outreach Helped Build a Manufacturing Workforce from the Ground Up (KMM Group)
At KMM Group, workforce strategy shifted from reactive hiring to long-term community engagement. The approach includes school partnerships, mentorships, internships and sustained outreach to students and educators. By building trust and visibility over time, the company strengthened awareness of manufacturing careers. This strategy supports sustainable hiring and stronger talent pipelines.
FOCUS: Student engagement, community building | LEVEL: Foundational
From 10 Days to 1: A Manufacturer’s Playbook for Hiring Fair Chance Talent at Scale (JBM Packaging)
At JBM Packaging, a 12-month workforce model connects hiring, development and leadership progression, including intentional support for fair chance talent. Employees advance through four stages supported by coaching, clear expectations and structured development. The shift from a shorter model improved retention, leadership performance and workforce stability. This system shows how long-term investment and supervisor engagement can drive lasting results. This session is also supported by JBM Packaging’s partner, Rezme.
FOCUS: Second chance hiring, employee support strategies | LEVEL: Intermediate
Launch: Redefining Access to Opportunity (YKTA)
YKTA shifted from competing for external talent to building a “grow your own” workforce model. The approach creates structured pathways that move entry-level employees from onboarding through certification, cross training, leadership readiness and internal promotion. Rather than relying on a tight labor market, YKTA focuses on developing talent from within — strengthening retention, building skills and creating opportunities for long-term career growth.
FOCUS: Incumbent talent development, leadership development, career pathways | LEVEL: Intermediate
Maintenance Technician Pipeline: Statewide Curriculum Redesign for Industry Readiness (Ivy Tech & Amatrol)
At Ivy Tech, technical programs are redesigned into a unified, modular framework aligned with industry needs. The model shifts from multiple degree pathways to a shared foundation with specialized training in maintenance and automation. This approach ensures consistent, high-demand skill development across regions while providing a scalable solution to address manufacturing talent shortages.
FOCUS: Postsecondary pathways, system change, employer-directed training | LEVEL: Advanced
Powering America’s Manufacturing Comeback: Coalition Model for Workforce Growth (Siemens Foundation)
The Careers Electric™ initiative, led by Siemens Foundation, builds a coalition-based model to scale electrical workforce training. It connects multiple entry points, including pre-apprenticeship programs, community college pathways and advanced credentials. The approach uses employer leadership and accountability to drive results and is designed to scale nationally, with strong early demand and growth projections.
FOCUS: Industry coalition, systems building | LEVEL: Intermediate
From Cost Control to Capability Advantage: Scaling Skills and the Total Workforce for Manufacturing Performance (Dow)
At Dow, a total workforce strategy is built around skills visibility and intentional deployment across employees and contract labor. By aligning work to skills rather than headcount, leaders redeploy talent, simplify operations and maintain performance during a downturn. The approach improves workforce utilization, reduces operational risk and helps sustain customer delivery. It offers a practical framework that manufacturers of any size can adapt to build a more agile workforce.
FOCUS: Workforce planning, skills, talent reorganization | LEVEL: Intermediate
Tribal Knowledge to Scaled Capability: Using AI to Train Problem Solvers (Rheem Manufacturing)
At Rheem Manufacturing, AI agents are embedded into daily workflows to coach employees through structured problem solving. This approach captures expert knowledge, standardizes decision-making and provides real-time support to frontline workers without replacing human judgment. By integrating AI into day-to-day work, Rheem reduces reliance on a few experts while improving consistency across operations. Results include faster issue resolution, less rework and stronger problem-solving capabilities.
FOCUS: AI, knowledge transfer | LEVEL: Intermediate
Using Emotional Intelligence to Manage Successfully (Westminster Tool)
At Westminster Tool, emotional intelligence strengthens communication, coaching and team resilience. This approach helped new hires, many without manufacturing experience, successfully grow into independent roles. Early gaps in emotional intelligence also helped identify misalignment quickly. The session shows how emotional intelligence can improve retention, accelerate development and strengthen workforce performance.
FOCUS: Leadership development, emotional intelligence | LEVEL: Advanced
Audience Levels for Breakout Sessions
To keep the 2026 Workforce Summit dynamic and impactful, every breakout includes an audience experience level selected by the presenter(s). These levels are provided to help attendees find the sessions that match their background, interests and confidence in workforce development so everyone gets the right mix of inspiration and practical value.
- Foundational: Ideal for attendees who are just getting started. These sessions introduce core concepts, provide definitions and walk through step-by-step approaches with proven examples participants can adapt. Accessible ROI: clear explanations of the value or impact generated (e.g., early outcomes, cost savings, efficiency improvements).
- Intermediate: Designed for those who have supported or piloted workforce initiatives. These sessions offer tools, frameworks and lessons learned to help attendees improve, scale or refine existing efforts. Applied ROI: demonstrated outcomes from manufacturer implementation (e.g., productivity gains, reduced turnover, cost avoidance, retention improvements).
- Advanced: Built for experienced leaders shaping strategy across teams or partners. These sessions focus on benchmarking, ROI, system-level thinking and innovative models to test, pressure-check and advance. Strategic ROI: long-term value, system-wide outcomes, multi-year impact models and strategic returns (e.g., innovation capacity, reduced operational risk, culture transformation).
Registration Fees
Early Bird Registration: $890
Available from registration open until July 17. Must register by July 17, 2026 EOD.
Standard Registration: $1,190
Registrations completed after July 17, 2026.
This fee covers all meeting sessions, meal functions and materials. Discounted registration is available through July 17, 2026. Registrations after this date will incur the standard registration fee of $1,190. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in registering a group to attend the Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit.
FAQs
What is the cancellation policy for the event?
Cancellation and refund requests for the Workforce Summit must be made in writing by October 12, 2026 by contacting [email protected]. A full refund of the conference fee will be applied to cancellations received by that date.
NO REFUNDS will be granted for requests emailed after October 12, 2026. The Manufacturing Institute also regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions for an individual that cannot attend the event will gladly be accepted.
Can I give my ticket to a colleague or friend if I am no longer able to attend?
A transfer of your full registration is permitted prior to the conference by submitting your request to [email protected]. Onsite transfers will not be granted. Only one transfer is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the transfer request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. Badge sharing, splitting and reprints are strictly prohibited.
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
350 W Maryland St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
The 2026 Manufacturing Institute’s Annual Workforce Summit attendees are welcome to stay at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Hotel rooms for the special event are available at a discounted rate of $269/night plus taxes and fees for event attendees.
The cut-off date for reservations at the negotiated group rate is October 5, 2026; however, once the room block is filled (which may be before cut-off) room availability and group rate are not guaranteed. Registrants are responsible for making and cancelling their own hotel room reservations. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.
Book a Reservation
Instructions on how to book a reservation online or over the phone will be shared when registration opens in early June 2026.
Hotel Cancellation Policy
Reservations can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room revenue will be charged.
For hotel questions or assistance, please contact [email protected].
Secure Your 2026 Sponsorship Now!
The Manufacturing Institute is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with the resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. This high-energy event will highlight best practices and thought leadership driving the industry to a diverse set of stakeholders that are interested in manufacturing workforce solutions for today and tomorrow.
Sponsorships for the Summit are available: If you are interested in increasing your company presence at the Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit, please contact Mitch Harle for opportunities at [email protected].
What to Expect at the Summit: Collaboration. Expertise. Opportunities. Solutions.
At the Manufacturing Institute Workforce Summit, employers can connect with education professionals, community partners and subject matter experts to learn from one another and discover tangible solutions geared toward the manufacturing industry to close the skills gap, and attract, train and retain workers.
- Unique and Relevant Topics — The event’s curated content includes real-world case studies, panel discussions, research insights, executive interviews and more.
- Real-World Challenges and Solutions — Hear from local and global companies and thought leaders that are experts on new and innovative practices in the workforce development space.
- Collaboration and Partnership-Building in Real Time — Network and connect with peers on opportunities in your community to attract and retain the future manufacturing workforce.
- Current and Future-Looking Strategies — This employer-led summit will focus on cooperation and partnerships to solve key workforce development issues facing the manufacturing industry.
- One of a Kind — Meet with employers, educators and economic development leaders at the national level to develop a collaborative and comprehensive workforce development strategy that will meet the needs of the evolving manufacturing skills landscape.
Who Should Attend
Workforce development requires an entire ecosystem of diverse stakeholders to be successful. The Workforce Summit will be an opportunity for the entire ecosystem to collaborate and learn from each other. Attendees include executives, human resource professionals, operations leaders, frontline leaders, education and training providers, workforce development experts, economic development and association professionals, community-based organizations, government officials and policymakers. Whether you are directly managing workforce strategy or influencing talent development in your region, the Summit offers valuable insights and actionable solutions tailored to your role.
Making the Pitch: Communicating the Value of Summit Attendance to Your Employer
The Manufacturing Institute’s 2026 Workforce Summit is the premier event for manufacturing leaders focused on building a resilient workforce. Now in its fifth year, the Workforce Summit has become a nationally recognized convening for forward-thinking manufacturing leaders, delivering timely insights, practical tools and collaborative strategies that help manufacturers remain competitive, innovative and future focused.
- Gain Insight into Industry Trends: Sessions on the integration of AI into manufacturing, innovative apprenticeship models that prepare the new generation of workers for the transformation driven by technology and automation, and future-focused job profiles and the skills needed to fill them.
- Enhance Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies: Strategies for building a sustainable skilled workforce across all stages of the employment cycle — from expanding recruitment pipelines through underrepresented talent pools (such as veterans, women and second-chance workers) and leveraging data and community partnerships, to enhancing apprenticeships and on-the-job training, to creating opportunities for inclusive leadership and professional development.
- Foster Industry Collaboration: Organized formal and informal networking opportunities to share success stories, ideate solutions and build relationships with potential partners — including the Solution Series session, where participants solve real-life case studies together.
- Align with National Workforce Initiatives: Understand the implications of federal and state workforce opportunities and pre-position your company to leverage the increased focus on the industry to foster public–private partnerships at the local and national scale.
Estimated Costs of Attendance
- Registration: $890 (if registered by July 17) or $1,190 (if registered after July 17)
- Airfare: Search flights to Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Hotel: $269/night plus taxes and fees at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
- Transportation: $80 — the average cost of a rideshare service to/from the airport is $40 one way
- Meals: The average cost for meals when visiting Indianapolis is $80/day; the welcome reception on Monday, breakfast, lunch and reception on Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday are provided with registration
The registration fee includes access to all general sessions, select meal functions and official event materials.
4.6 out of 5 participants rated the event as Excellent
The quality of both the content and the production far exceeded my expectations.
— Community Partner
I attend workforce conferences across many industries, and this was by far one of the most well-organized and impactful events I’ve been to.
— Educator
This event was incredible. It was eye-opening to realize we are not alone in the challenges we face. Hearing how others are finding success gave me new ideas and motivation.
— Workforce Partner
The roundtable discussions were a highlight. Honest, practical conversations about real issues employers are dealing with today.
— Manufacturer
