The MFG Meeting – held April 24-26 at the Signia Resort by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – is a three-day fusion of knowledge, inspiration, and boundless possibilities. For many leaders in the manufacturing industry, MFG Meetings are a vital event on their annual calendars. Others newer to the industry are just discovering how these events open doors to growth opportunities.
Attendees from past MFG Meetings share five reasons why it is a must-attend event for leaders serious about making their mark in manufacturing.
Reason #1: Game-changing Networking
The MFG Meeting facilitates connections between peers and leaders with built-in networking time between presentations. The ample opportunities for face-to-face conversations are what many attendees value the most about MFG Meetings.
As a first-time MFG Meeting attendee in 2023, Will Drewery, founder and CEO of Diagon, found the networking to be essential to building connections for his startup company. "MFG was the best place to meet decision-makers from across the manufacturing industry to engage in actionable conversations,” Drewery says. “I walked away with clear next steps to work on meaningful business opportunities with several machine tool builders and engagement opportunities with media partners.”
Brad Haas, president of Kansas-Oklahoma Machine Tools, a manufacturing technology distributor, says the event’s networking is essential to his company.
“The MFG Meetings give us opportunities to strengthen relationships with the builders we represent and forge new relationships with leaders of emerging technology companies that may be a resource for us to assist our customers moving forward,” Haas notes.
Reason #2: Insider Intelligence
Discussion panels and presentations from expert speakers at The MFG Meeting will focus on market trends and evolving technologies that attendees can take back to their businesses to make adjustments in preparation for what's to come.
“At the 2023 MFG Meeting, I learned about the demographic, workforce development, and economic trends in our manufacturing landscape, which I took back to our team to be one step ahead,” says Natalie Rogers, training program manager at Okuma America. “We became more aware of all the changes, emerging trends, and new technologies available to us.”
Reason #3: Leadership Development
With so many industry leaders attending, speaking, and connecting at The MFG Meeting, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn from their experiences.
“I’m always inspired when leaders share challenges and successes or celebrate the success of another company at MFG Meetings,” says Melanie Lang, CEO at Formalloy. “It reminds us all that we need to collaborate with others in the industry to be successful, and a rising tide lifts all boats.”
With such deep experience represented at The MFG Meeting, industry leaders gain opportunities to improve their leadership skills and better position their teams for a stronger future. Inviting up-and-coming team members along to MFG Meetings helps bring future leaders into the fold and gives them skills they can only learn from seasoned professionals.
Reason #4: Honoring a Legend
AMT is honoring Ralph Hegman with the Albert W. Moore Leadership Award during a special dinner and event at The MFG Meeting, April 26, in Orlando, Florida.
For decades, Ralph Hegman has been considered a leader, mentor, industry advocate, and friend to many in the manufacturing industry. That’s why the AMT community is honoring Hegman with the Albert W. Moore Leadership Award during a special dinner and event at The MFG Meeting. Hegman has profoundly impacted the manufacturing technology industry by building a thriving business, creating a supportive community through mentorship, facilitating three AMT Leadership groups, and contributing as a committee member for AMT’s Distribution Group.
“As a regular MFG Meeting attendee, this year’s event is extra special to me because the Al Moore award is being presented to Ralph Hegman, my mentor, friend, and a man I deeply admire,” shares Brian Mecca, director of sales at Royal Products. “Ralph’s passion for and dedication to the machine tool industry is unparalleled.”
Reason #5: It’s Fun!
Throughout both days of The MFG Meeting, there are fun, interactive, social events planned for attendees. The evening of April 25 features a “Margaritaville”-themed reception, complete with tropical shirts, straw hats, and flip-flops (shaker of salt optional). April 26 includes an optional midday golf outing at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. Attendees can extend their stay and take advantage of the many activities, dining spots, and elevated amenities at the newly renovated Signia Resort by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Plus, attendees are encouraged to bring a guest, who will have plenty of specially scheduled activities to enjoy, such as a sommelier-led wine pairing luncheon, shuttles to Disney Springs, and a yoga session.
Find your own reasons for attending The MFG Meeting. Learn more and register at MFGMeeting.com.
