Manufacturing Summit

The annual Manufacturing Summit, presented by BizTimes Media, features an exciting interactive discussion with chief executive officers of southeastern Wisconsin companies. The CEOs will share their companies’ best operational strategies and discuss their solutions for competing in a global marketplace.

AGENDA

12:30 PM – Registration, Exhibitor Booths, Networking
1:00-2:45 PM – Concurrent Strategy Sessions
2:45-3:15 PM – Networking and Exhibitor Booths
3:15-5:00 PM – Main Session | 5:00-6:30 PM – Networking Reception

Strengthening the Wisconsin Supply Chain

A stronger manufacturing sector requires stronger relationships across the entire supply chain. At the BizTimes Manufacturing Summit, you’ll discover what major manufacturers are looking for in suppliers, how smaller companies can become more competitive, and what industry, education and workforce partners can do to strengthen Wisconsin’s manufacturing advantage. Leave with new contacts, practical ideas and strategies you can put to work immediately.

Main Session Speakers

Andy Black, Sr. Vice President Global Supply Chain & Business Development, Husco
Jacob Carter, Vice President – Sales, Operations Planning & Supply Chain, MPE
Kyle Crum, President, Infinity EDM, LLC
Paul Grekowicz, CEO, Gilman Precision

Business Strategy Seminars | Round 1 | 1:00 PM- 1:45 PM

Beyond the Bill: Navigating OBBBA Business Tax Changes in 2026

ROOM A

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was passed into law in 2025 reshaped the tax landscape for manufacturers heading into 2026. The businesses that plan ahead may be in a better position to benefit. Join us for an educational session covering the key changes that matter for your business. We’ll walk through what’s changed from prior law, what it means for equipment purchases and capital planning, and the steps manufacturing business owners should be taking now to position their 2026 tax strategy.

Presented by:

Jenny Jesse, CFP®, EA, RICP®, Lead Financial Planner, Annex Wealth Management
Brian Lamborne, JD, LLM, Senior Wealth Strategist, Annex Wealth Management

A Guide to Practical AI for Marketers

ROOM B

Presented by: Saturn Lounge

ROOM C

Presented by: Landmark Credit Union

What Is Manual Still Costing You? Faster Approvals, Cleaner Records, Stronger Supply Chain

ROOM D

Presented by: James Imaging

Addressing Margin Leakage in Asian Supply Chains

ROOM E

Presented by: The ABC Group

ROOM F

AVAILABLE

Business Strategy Seminars | Round 2 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Controlling Your AI Future

ROOM A

Over 80% of your team is using AI for work. Do you have full visibility? Are you governing their use? Are they properly trained? Have you eliminated data risk? Are you in compliance? Are you measuring ROI?

Empower your team with AI. Protect your data. This presentation will guide attendees on how to accomplish both.

Presented by: River Run

Building Business Value: Strategic Succession & Exit Readiness

ROOM B

Presented by: SVA

No Space – No People – No Time; Consider Subcontract Partnering

ROOM C

Requirements for new startup projects and demands to support legacy products can negatively impact primary operations. The push for “On-Shoring” adds to the challenges for space planning, labor force staffing and process time management. You may find the solution for these issues by “Extending Your Workforce” with a Subcontract Partner. This interactive presentation will present the Key Steps to Success of working outside your facility with an “Extended Workforce” and provide the audience with an overview of:

Project Evaluation–Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Process Work Instruction Implementation
Project Reporting Criteria
Inbound/Outbound Logistics

The objective of the presentation is to provide critical data to determine if outsourcing will support the current operation and to provide the Quality Manager, Production Manager or Operations Manager, with clear documentation and justification for the best financial outcome.

Presenters:

Warren Scurlock, VP Business Development, Chryspac
Linda Hapka, VP-Operations, Chryspac

ROOM D

Presented by Werner Electric

The AI-Driven Buyer: How Buyers Choose Manufacturers in 2026

ROOM E

As AI continues to transform B2B procurement, buyers are increasingly leveraging generative search and intent tools to research and evaluate suppliers before reaching out to sales. In this interactive panel, we’ll share industry perspectives on:

How buyers use AI engines and specialized models to evaluate manufacturing partners.
Optimizing your digital footprint so AI platforms cite and recommend your brand.
Real-world examples of deploying AI tools in daily manufacturing operations.
Balancing automation with authenticity, thought leadership, and trust.

Panelists:

Caitlin McCabe, Fathom Manufacturing
Eric Kraus, Doig Corporation
Jessica Finman, Yaskawa America, Inc.
Andrea Yank, Top Floor

Moderator: Justin Kerley, Co-Owner, Top Floor

ROOM F

AVAILABLE

Event Details

Thursday, October 1, 2026
12:30-6:30 PM
Brookfield Conference Center

Presented By

Sponsor

Partner

Business Strategy Sponsor

Exhibit Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.

BizTimes Milwaukee Business NewsSoutheast Wisconsin\'s source for business news