Past Conference Highlights
The annual Manufacturing Operations Conference provides actionable solutions to operational challenges for Michigan manufacturers.
This powerful event offers proven strategies, tools and best practices in the areas of organizational culture, human resources, marketing and community relations, cybersecurity and technology, production and operational efficiencies, purchasing, finance and environmental health and safety.
The sold-out 2025 MMA Operations Conference featured compelling keynotes, nine breakouts, an Industry 4.0 pitch event, along with a full day of networking opportunities from the informative breakfast session with MEDC and through the post-event Happy Hour.
Save the date to join us next year at The Lansing Center on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Program Lineup
Pre-Event Breakfast
Small Business Goes Global
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Alyssa Tracey (MEDC) works with businesses of all sizes to deliver the services and support they need to grow and succeed. Attend this session to tap into resources to help you forge partnerships, enter or expand into international markets, access business incentives and navigate capital access programs.
Morning Keynote
Empowering Teams and Customers through Strategic Training Initiatives
Discover how strategic training initiatives can drive success within your organization and with your customers. Join Patrick Curry and Gary Bruff as they share insights from Fullerton Tool’s talent journey, including the creation of Fullerton Tool University (FTU), an internal training program designed to develop future talent and foster retention through clearly defined career paths, and FAST Academy, an innovative program that equips customers with the knowledge to effectively utilize advanced performance tooling while unlocking cost-saving opportunities. With over 50 years of combined manufacturing experience, Gary and Patrick will explore how investing in talent and customer education strengthens culture, enhances partnerships and boosts market share.
Key Regulatory Changes for Manufacturers in 2025
As the lunch speaker for the 2025 MMA Operations Conference, Mark Knoth, leader of Kerr Russell’s Labor & Employment practice group, will break down the most significant legal changes impacting manufacturers and how businesses can stay ahead. Covering topics such as safety regulations, the Federal Minimum Wage Act, NLRB rulings, paid leave policies, non-compete restrictions, supply chain challenges, tariffs and immigration reform, Knoth will highlight real-world case studies and strategies to help employers adapt. Attendees will gain actionable insights to navigate these evolving regulations and keep their operations on track.
Pitch Event
Industry 4.0 Technology Pitch Event
The Industry 4.0 Accelerator will be presenting four unique technology solutions addressing some of the most common and challenging productivity issues facing manufacturers. The panelist companies include Azumuta, FleetGlue, Peer Robotics and Ubivis.
Generative AI Basics and Breakthroughs in the Industry
Rehmann’s James Carpp introduces manufacturers to the transformative potential of generative AI. This session offers a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence, covering general, narrow and generative AI, and demonstrates how to use AI tools to enhance productivity without advanced programming skills. Participants will learn practical strategies for crafting effective prompts, responsibly integrating AI into workflows and addressing key considerations like intellectual property, data privacy and security. Leave with actionable insights and ready-to-use prompts to drive immediate improvements in your manufacturing operations.
Turning Supply Chain Transparency into a Competitive Advantage
Explore how supply chain transparency can mitigate risks and serve as a competitive advantage in today’s evolving market. Rebekah McCarter from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center will lead a dynamic panel discussion with Michigan manufacturers, addressing strategies like leveraging traceability, dual sourcing and reshoring to navigate challenges. Participants will gain insights into using supply chain visibility to meet market demands, enhance resilience and uncover new business opportunities.
Grow Profitability with Cost and Margin Intelligence
Explore how manufacturers can eliminate guesswork in critical decision-making by unlocking the power of cost and margin intelligence. This session highlights challenges such as determining when to replace equipment, evaluating quotes, identifying OEE performance issues and deciding whether to make or buy. Through real-world case studies, Plante Moran’s Jon Wood and Stewart Zellars demonstrate how to integrate data from diverse sources, correct inaccuracies in master data and develop actionable dashboards. Participants will gain insights into leveraging analytics to empower decision-makers, drive competitive advantage and achieve sustained profitability.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Financial Performance in Manufacturing
Uncover strategies to elevate both operational efficiency and financial performance within manufacturing. Patrick Connally and Joshua Steger of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) will share insights into streamlining operations, integrating productivity-boosting technologies and implementing financial management techniques that drive profitability. Through real-world examples and case studies from leading manufacturers, participants will gain practical tools to optimize their processes and achieve sustained success.
The Talent Attraction Blueprint
Jason Piasecki of Revel will share strategies for developing an employer brand that attracts top talent in today’s competitive manufacturing landscape. This session provides insights into crafting a brand that reflects company culture, highlights the Employee Value Proposition and aligns with workforce expectations. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to build a compelling employer brand that resonates with the modern workforce and positions their organization as an employer of choice.
Successful Leadership Strategies for Future-Proofing Your Team
Wipfli’s Tom Cox explores the leadership strategies essential for navigating today’s unprecedented talent challenges. With manufacturers competing for talent across industries, this session examines the expectations of Millennials and Gen X, and the steps leaders must take to build engaged, productive teams. Participants will gain insights into the heart of effective leadership and discover strategies to create a more sustainable and resilient organization.
Best Practices in Autonomous Material Handling
One hot topic being discussed among manufacturing operations leaders is how to capitalize on automation in material handling. Traditional systems are susceptible to workforce shortages and in-plant monitoring disruptions. Joe LaRussa and two representatives from the I4.0 Accelerator’s portfolio companies will discuss available solutions for these issues and also touch on implementation do's and don’ts, cultural acceptance and the impact on required skills. This interactive panel will give audience members a chance to ask questions and share challenges so they can be addressed with shopfloor-ready solutions that bring quick return on investment.
Leading vs. Managing: The Journey from Directive Oversight to Inspired Leadership
Explore the critical distinctions between managing and leading in today’s dynamic workplace. This session, led by Three Rivers Corporation’s Jon Lynch, delves into how leadership transcends directive oversight by fostering growth, psychological safety and meaningful collaboration. Jon will share how civility, storytelling and empathy drive transformative change while building resilient teams. Participants will gain insights into creating environments where employees thrive through open communication, respect and inspired leadership, ensuring long-term organizational success.
How Renewable Energy Solutions Transformed Our Manufacturing Operations
Nexteer Automotive’s Eric Smith and NorthStar Clean Energy’s Ryan Kiley will share a comprehensive business case study on implementing a 25-acre solar field with 17,000 panels at Nexteer’s energy-intensive manufacturing facility in Saginaw. Motivated by rising energy costs and sustainability goals, this project stabilized energy expenses while reducing carbon emissions. Participants will gain insights into every stage, from decision-making and engineering design to construction and post-solar site management. Through real-world data analysis and collaboration experiences with solar service providers, this session offers practical guidance for manufacturers exploring onsite renewable energy solutions.
Happy Hour
Join Shopware, Human Element and MMA at Lansing Brewing Company after the Operations Conference to connect, exchange insights and explore new strategies for digital growth and revenue expansion opportunities.
Learn more and RSVP.
2025 Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities and More!
Sponsorship opportunities are available throughout the year. Increase your engagement with Michigan manufacturers through sponsorship, advertising and more. Work with MMA’s team to create your customized brand strategy. Learn more.
Get More!
Ashley Wakefield
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8523
E-mail wakefield@mimfg.org