ENGAGE 2024 SPEAKERS
Take a look through our 2024 roster of speakers for an exclusive inside-look at the contents of this year's Manufacturing Engage conference.
James Castro
Founder of Home By Dark
EMCEE
Tony Gunn
Director of Global Operations, MTDCNC
Manufacturing Movement
Step into the heart of the manufacturing renaissance with ‘The Manufacturing Movement’ session. Uncover the dynamic forces reshaping the industry landscape, from advancements in technology to shifting consumer demands. Explore strategies to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and embrace sustainability in manufacturing processes. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or an emerging entrepreneur, join us to be part of the movement shaping the future of manufacturing.
Frank Braski
Chief Evangelist, Softura
Maximizing Manufacturing Efficiency: The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Discover how cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, optimize production, and drive business growth. Join us as we explore the pivotal role AI plays in streamlining operations, improving quality control, and fostering innovation across the manufacturing landscape. Frank Braski, from Softura will delve into the transformative potential of AI in maximizing productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector and Chris Stephenson from alliantgroup will discuss the implications of AI with R&D tax incentives and cybersecurity concerns.
Frank Braski thrives on innovation, not just envisioning the future but creating impactful solutions in the present. His approach as a “Now”ist sets him apart from traditional futurists, ensuring immediate and tangible results. Known for his ability to blend visionary thinking with practical execution, Frank shares insights on how to disrupt the status quo creatively and effectively, transforming dreams into reality.
Chris Stephenson is the current Managing Director of Intelligent Automation, AI & Digital Services at alliantgroup and has over 25 years of entrepreneurial and consultative experience in various sectors. Chris, former managing principal of product automation at Grant Thornton, has been recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for leading integrations, acquisitions, and technological implementations.
Chris Stephenson
Managing Director, alliantrgroup
Maximizing Manufacturing Efficiency: The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Discover how cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, optimize production, and drive business growth. Join us as we explore the pivotal role AI plays in streamlining operations, improving quality control, and fostering innovation across the manufacturing landscape. Frank Braski, from Softura will delve into the transformative potential of AI in maximizing productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector and Chris Stephenson from alliantgroup will discuss the implications of AI with R&D tax incentives and cybersecurity concerns.
Frank Braski thrives on innovation, not just envisioning the future but creating impactful solutions in the present. His approach as a “Now”ist sets him apart from traditional futurists, ensuring immediate and tangible results. Known for his ability to blend visionary thinking with practical execution, Frank shares insights on how to disrupt the status quo creatively and effectively, transforming dreams into reality.
Chris Stephenson is the current Managing Director of Intelligent Automation, AI & Digital Services at alliantgroup and has over 25 years of entrepreneurial and consultative experience in various sectors. Chris, former managing principal of product automation at Grant Thornton, has been recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for leading integrations, acquisitions, and technological implementations.
Jenny Stupica
Workforce Development Director, NTMA
Workforce Innovation
Emphasizing the power of not just thinking outside the box but eliminating the box altogether in workforce development. This panel will share how companies can ignite change by leading the charge to tap into diverse talent pools, specifically focusing on veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and students. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies developed not only to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers from these often-underutilized groups but convey the life changing impact manufacturing can have on individuals and their families.
Ben Kohler
Executive Director, Next Frontier Advanced Manufacturing Institute
Workforce Innovation
Emphasizing the power of not just thinking outside the box but eliminating the box altogether in workforce development. This panel will share how companies can ignite change by leading the charge to tap into diverse talent pools, specifically focusing on veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and students. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies developed not only to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers from these often-underutilized groups but convey the life changing impact manufacturing can have on individuals and their families.
Brad Robeson
Owner/President, Clean Machine, LLC
Workforce Innovation
Emphasizing the power of not just thinking outside the box but eliminating the box altogether in workforce development. This panel will share how companies can ignite change by leading the charge to tap into diverse talent pools, specifically focusing on veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and students. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies developed not only to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers from these often-underutilized groups but convey the life changing impact manufacturing can have on individuals and their families.
Drew Crowe
Founder, New American Manufacturing Renaissance
Workforce Innovation
Emphasizing the power of not just thinking outside the box but eliminating the box altogether in workforce development. This panel will share how companies can ignite change by leading the charge to tap into diverse talent pools, specifically focusing on veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and students. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies developed not only to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers from these often-underutilized groups but convey the life changing impact manufacturing can have on individuals and their families.
Dave Capkovitz
Principle, EBITDA Growth Systems
Navigating Logistics & Transition Processes
Join us for an insightful session delving into the intricate world of succession planning. Explore the logistics and processes essential for ensuring a seamless transition within organizations. Discover how to cultivate a robust succession plan that propels your organization toward continued success, whether it’s leadership transition or selling your shop.
Dave Capkovitz is a Principal at EBITDA Growth Systems, and a scaling small business owner. He is a passionate business leader driven to help organizations grow in sales, profitability, teamwork, accountability, and efficiency.
Mike Watkins is a Principal at EBITDA Growth Systems and the author of the book, Scaling to Exit. Michael’s personal mission is to help organizations transform themselves into growing, profitable companies.
Mike Watkins
Principle, EBITDA Growth Systems
Navigating Logistics & Transition Processes
Join us for an insightful session delving into the intricate world of succession planning. Explore the logistics and processes essential for ensuring a seamless transition within organizations. Discover how to cultivate a robust succession plan that propels your organization toward continued success, whether it’s leadership transition or selling your shop.
Dave Capkovitz is a Principal at EBITDA Growth Systems, and a scaling small business owner. He is a passionate business leader driven to help organizations grow in sales, profitability, teamwork, accountability, and efficiency.
Mike Watkins is a Principal at EBITDA Growth Systems and the author of the book, Scaling to Exit. Michael’s personal mission is to help organizations transform themselves into growing, profitable companies.
Beth Ann Bovino
Chief Economist, U.S. Bank
Adapting to Change: Economic Trends Impacting Manufacturing
In this session, we delve into the dynamic landscape of manufacturing, exploring how current economic trends are affecting the industry. From globalization and technological advancements to shifting consumer demands, manufacturing faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities. Join us as we analyze the current economic climate and its implications for manufacturers worldwide. Through insightful analysis and real-world examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the key trends driving change in the manufacturing sector.
Beth Ann Bovino, in her economist role “explains both the current economic landscape but also provides preview of the economic environment that banks will be operating in the months and years to come,” she said. Her team focuses on economic conditions that are paramount to a bank’s bottom line, such as changes in the job market or interest rates that may impact household and businesses’ willingness to borrow and spend.
Doug Woods
President, AMT
Embracing Tomorrow: Traversing New Horizons with Emerging Technologies
Staying ahead means embracing the opportunities that tomorrow presents. With growth opportunities coming from the DoD, commercial sectors like aerospace, urban aircraft and electric vehicles, are you ready to adapt? Hear from Doug Woods, President of AMT, and Dan Janka, President of Mazak and Chairman of AMT, as they discuss the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the opportunities for technological advancement in the industry.
Douglas K. Woods joined AMT as its President in 2009. A lifelong manufacturing professional, Doug is dedicated to promoting the world’s most innovative manufacturing technology and positioning AMT as a leader on issues that impact the industry.
Dan Janka, President of Mazak, has a wealth of industry, which includes extensive technical and executive roles. An AMT member since 2005, he has been appointed chairman of the board for a second time. Janka’s deep industry knowledge continues to influence the manufacturing sector.
Dan Janka
President, Mazak
Embracing Tomorrow: Traversing New Horizons with Emerging Technologies
Staying ahead means embracing the opportunities that tomorrow presents. With growth opportunities coming from the DoD, commercial sectors like aerospace, urban aircraft and electric vehicles, are you ready to adapt? Hear from Doug Woods, President of AMT, and Dan Janka, President of Mazak and Chairman of AMT, as they discuss the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the opportunities for technological advancement in the industry.
Douglas K. Woods joined AMT as its President in 2009. A lifelong manufacturing professional, Doug is dedicated to promoting the world’s most innovative manufacturing technology and positioning AMT as a leader on issues that impact the industry.
Dan Janka, President of Mazak, has a wealth of industry, which includes extensive technical and executive roles. An AMT member since 2005, he has been appointed chairman of the board for a second time. Janka’s deep industry knowledge continues to influence the manufacturing sector.
Omar Nashashibi
Founder, The Franklin Partnership
Embracing Tomorrow: Traversing New Horizons with Emerging Technologies
The Federal Government in 2023 released over 3,000 final regulations costing small businesses hundreds of millions of dollars. In action by the U.S. Congress on the R&D tax added $250,000 in new tax liability to manufacturers. Elections have consequences and the outcomes for manufacturers matters. NTMA’s team from Washington, D.C., Caitlin Sickles with the Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell and Omar S. Nashashibi, from The Franklin Partnership will discuss how the election will impact the industry and which key factors will determine the outcome of the 2024 elections.
Omar Nashashibi is founding partner of The Franklin Partnership, Mr. Nashashibi works with members of Congress on behalf of his clients on a variety of issues from trade to federal funding opportunities to telecommunications.
–Caitlin Sickles is a partner for the Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell LLP. Her work includes message development and delivery, reputation management, and crisis communications.
Caitlin Sickles
Partner, Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell
Embracing Tomorrow: Traversing New Horizons with Emerging Technologies
The Federal Government in 2023 released over 3,000 final regulations costing small businesses hundreds of millions of dollars. In action by the U.S. Congress on the R&D tax added $250,000 in new tax liability to manufacturers. Elections have consequences and the outcomes for manufacturers matters. NTMA’s team from Washington, D.C., Caitlin Sickles with the Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell and Omar S. Nashashibi, from The Franklin Partnership will discuss how the election will impact the industry and which key factors will determine the outcome of the 2024 elections.
Omar Nashashibi is founding partner of The Franklin Partnership, Mr. Nashashibi works with members of Congress on behalf of his clients on a variety of issues from trade to federal funding opportunities to telecommunications.
–Caitlin Sickles is a partner for the Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell LLP. Her work includes message development and delivery, reputation management, and crisis communications.
Meaghan Ziemba
Founder, Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast
Committing to Change
“Committing to Change”, dive into the forefront of transformative change being seen within the manufacturing sector. Join us as we delve into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities reshaping the future of manufacturing as seen through the eyes of our panel of influencers.
Paul Van Metre
Co-Founder, ProShop ERP
Committing to Change
“Committing to Change”, dive into the forefront of transformative change being seen within the manufacturing sector. Join us as we delve into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities reshaping the future of manufacturing as seen through the eyes of our panel of influencers.
Registration and Travel Information
Travel Information
If flying into Nashville, the closest and most convenient airport will be Nashville International Airport.
- Distance to and from the hotel: 8.5 miles or about 15-20 minutes
- Estimated Taxi/Uber fare: $20-$30 (One Way)
Pricing
Early Bird Rate: $1395Early Bird Additional Attendee Rate: $1195First Time Attendee: $1095Spouse Rate: $895*Early Bird Deadline: Monday, September 16thStandard Rate: $1695Non Member Rate: $1945Registration
To Register, Please Click Here
For questions, please contact:
Kristen Hrusch
P: 216.264.2845
E: khrusch@ntma.orgHotel Information
Grand Hyatt Nashville
Click Here To Book
1000 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Negotiated NTMA Group Rate: $329 per night (+ tax)
Hotel Cutoff Date is Monday, September 16th. To make a reservation, please call: 615-622-1234; Reference NTMA Engage ConferenceManufacturing America's Future
Connect with industry peers in person | October 16th - October 19th, Nashville, TN
“Engage is an amazing opportunity to learn tools and techniques for improving my business. I am able to glean many ideas from the speakers and through networking that I can come back and implement”
-Matt Wardle, President - JD Machine
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