Watch highlights from the 2016 MFG Forum.

• “I love the opportunities MMA and its members provide the manufacturing community...I love the leadership I see and learn from, and I am inspired by individuals and companies who motivate and encourage me (and my company) to be more productive/successful.”
  – Jed Elley
  K+S Services Inc.
• “This program connects Michigan’s business leaders with each other and with emerging trends and technology.”
  – Anonymous
• “I always leave [the MFG Forum] fired up and ready to take on the world. We left with a few good networking opportunities and a ton of great ideas to help improve our companies.”
  – Patrick Curry
  Fullerton Tool Company
• “We bring manufacturers from all corners of the state to celebrate our successes and to learn how we can work better together to solve tomorrow’s problems and challenges in a way that models excellence to other industries and inspires the people of our state to invest in manufacturing as a pathway to growth.”
  – Anonymous

• Information to grow your business
• A mix of experts, industry leaders, panel presentations, interactive components and networking time
• Past Attendees report information at the Forum helped them to understand new concepts and begin trying to use new skills
• 80% were likely to use the information they gained, or share it with a colleague
• 81% were likely to turn this information into action within 30 days following the event
• 84% of past attendees rated this program as highly valuable

PRIME Breakfast

• At this informative breakfast learn how to partner for talent in your hometown. MMA and the SME Educational Foundation provides a look at PRIME®, a nationwide program developing customizable curricula for local communities

Morning Keynote: From Global Auto OEM through Supply Chain, the Importance of Security

• Sponsored by Clark Hill
• As a leading global automobile manufacturer committed to our customers, safety, quality and innovation, General Motors understands the importance of information security. Attendees will learn the potential impact through the supply chain as Lisa Gage, General Motors Director of Information Security; Transformation, Planning and Metrics shares insights to how GM is driving security through its organization from people awareness to plant floor.

Why Hackers Love Manufacturing and How to Drive Them Away

• Sponsored by Yeo & Yeo CPA’s & Business Consultants
• Critical manufacturers including manufacturers of vehicles, transportation equipment, metals, machinery and electrical equipment have been identified by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the leading target of infrastructure cyber-attacks, with more than a third of total attacks impacting manufacturers. While most industrial environments were not developed with cyber security as a primary goal, manufacturers need to take action to protect their business, communities and consumers. Agents of FBI, DHS and MMTC will highlight national, state and local resources to assist Michigan manufacturers with identifying existing cybersecurity tools and resources.
• Moderator: Rebecca Taylor, NCMS Senior Vice President
• Greg Carnevale, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• David Martin, FBI Special Supervisory Agent
• Elliot Forsyth, MMTC Vice President of Business Operations

Real World Experience to Reduce Risk

• Sponsored by Heritage-Crystal Clean
• Innovation, technology and security are hallmarks of a successful manufacturing business. This panel of experts from ASK, Orbitform, Fibre Converters and Melling Tool will share their real-world insight and experience in a moderated discussion to enlighten, inform and challenge fellow manufacturers. Attendees will gain an awareness of the evolving landscape of manufacturing, hear personal stories and learn best practices they can apply to any size of manufacturing operation.
• Moderator: Mike Maddox, ASK President
• Phil Sponsler, Orbitform President
• Jamey Southland, Fibre Converters Computer Systems Admin
• Bill Klemm, Melling Tool Director of IT Services

How Hackable Are You?

• Interactive components sponsored by Maner Costerisan
• The spread of network-connected devices has greatly impacted the way we live, the services we use and how products are manufactured. While manufacturers see the benefits of connecting these devices to collect metrics and data, organizations may not understand the risks involved. During this interactive session, Merit Network’s Jason Brown and Tonia Cronin, will demonstrate how a hacker can eavesdrop on your corporate network and provide ways to protect your staff and your equipment in this highly connected world.

Afternoon Keynote: Sustaining a Culture of Innovation

• Sponsored by UHY Adivsors
• Innovation is in the DNA of manufacturing and is the mother of necessity for competitiveness. Yet, not every manufacturer has learned how to develop or embrace a culture of innovation. Learn how your Chief Information Officer may be blocking innovation, how to embrace disruption and proven strategies to sustain innovation. In addition to an inside look at how Microsoft is innovating, Mike Walton, Microsoft Manufacturing Vertical Senior Executive will share his experience to help manufacturers learn the linkage of culture and innovation to develop game-changing strategies and technologies.

• Sponsored by Amerisure in 2017
• The opportunity to develop connections is a valued part of MMA’s event programs. In addition to networking breaks and interactive activities throughout the day, an on-site networking reception gives you an opportunity to continue sharing strategies with like-minded manufactures and discussing insights with attendees and speakers.

2017 Sponsors

Contact MMA’s Sarah Martin, at 517-487-8521 or martin@mimfg.org, to learn about sponsorship opportunities in 2018.