Event Agenda
We have an exciting lineup of speakers and keynotes planned. Check out the schedule below for more details.
Day 1
Monday, June 1
Innovation Showcase
All times in CST
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Innovation Showcase
Designed as an interactive, exploratory experience, the Showcase will highlight emerging ideas at the intersection of manufacturing innovation and workforce development, with opportunities to engage, ask questions, and connect with peers from across industry and academia.
Speakers
Eric Genrich
Mayor, City of Green Bay
Thomas Gibson
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Wisconsin Digital Symposium
The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit is co‑located with the UW E‑Business Consortium Wisconsin Digital Symposium, which takes place June 1 at Lambeau Field, setting the stage with morning and early‑afternoon programming. A dedicated networking hour bridges the symposium to the manufacturing summit’s Innovation Showcase later that day.
8:00 am – 2:00 pm: Wisconsin Digital Symposium
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Networking and Transition to Innovation Showcase
Day 2
Tuesday, June 2
The Summit
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
All times in CST
8:00 am
All American Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM
Grand Opening and Welcomes
Speakers
Eric Wilcots
Interim Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Kyle Crum
Owner, Infinity EDM, LLC
Laila Merrifield
President, Wisconsin Technical College System
9:00 AM
Full-Plenum Keynote Morning Session
Importance of Manufacturing in the U.S. and WI’s Role
Speakers
Artie Starr
CEO, Harley-Davidson
Bob Buttermore
SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Rockwell Automation
9:45 AM
Full-Plenum Panel
Perspectives for New Manufacturing Frontiers and Workforce Excellence
Moderator
Angela O’Kray
Publisher, Insight on Business
Panelists
Scott Manley
EVP, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce WMC
Hank Kohl
CEO, MPE Inc.
Jill Gawrych,
CHRO, Springs Windows Fashions
10:30 AM
Track 1
The Human ROI: Upskilling for Industry 4.0
Track 2
Moving SMMs from AI Anxiety to ROI on the Shop Floor
Track 3
From City Hall to Shop Floor: Partnerships for America-Made Success
Track 4
Leading the Next Wave of American Innovation
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 pM
Full-Plenum Keynote Conversation
New Opportunities for Small & Mid-Sized Manufacturers in WI
1:45 pM
Full-Plenum Panel
Perspectives on New Manufacturing Frontiers and Workforce Excellence
Moderator
Ann Franz
CEO, North East Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA)
Panelists
Dale Kooyenga
President and CEO, MMAC Milwaukee
Tracey Piener,
President, Blackhawk Technical College
John Miller
Secretary & CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Liz Filter
President & CEO, VARC
2:30 pM
Track 5
Work, Learn, Lead: Flexible Education Models Across WI
Track 6
AI Powered Optimization of Business Operations and Supply Chain
Track 7
Navigating the PFAS Pivot in Manufacturing
Track 8
Manufacturer’s Guide to the Biohealth Ecosystem
Defense manufacturing 101 / Q&A
Join us for an open engagement session to discuss defense manufacturing and network with fellow industry professionals.
4:15 pM
Final Plenary Session
Futuring of WI Manufacturing and Outgoing Action
Speaker
Brian Thompson
Chief Innovation Officer, UW-Milwaukee
5:00 PM
Closing and Adjournment
Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit Closing and Call to Action
Followed by Light Refreshments
Speakers
Mike Alexander
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Craig Dickman
Managing Partner, Titletown Tech
Devesh Ranjan
Dean, University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering
Day 1
Monday, June 1
Innovation Showcase
All times in CST
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Innovation Showcase
Designed as an interactive, exploratory experience, the Showcase will highlight emerging ideas at the intersection of manufacturing innovation and workforce development, with opportunities to engage, ask questions, and connect with peers from across industry and academia.
Wisconsin Digital Symposium
The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit is co‑located with the UW E‑Business Consortium Wisconsin Digital Symposium, which takes place June 1 at Lambeau Field, setting the stage with morning and early‑afternoon programming. A dedicated networking hour bridges the symposium to the manufacturing summit’s Innovation Showcase later that day.
8:00 am – 2:00 pm: Wisconsin Digital Symposium
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Networking and Transition to Innovation Showcase
Day 2
Tuesday, June 2
The Summit
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
All times in CST
8:00 am
All American Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM
Grand Opening and Welcomes
9:00 AM
Plenary Keynote 1
Importance of Manufacturing in the U.S. and WI’s Role
9:45 AM
Plenary Fireside Chat
Perspectives for New Manufacturing Frontiers and Workforce Excellence
10:30 AM
Track 1
The Human ROI: Upskilling for Industry 4.0
Track 2
Moving SMMs from AI Anxiety to ROI on the Shop Floor
Track 3
From City Hall to Shop Floor: Partnerships for America-Made Success
Track 4
Leading the Next Wave of American Innovation
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 pM
Keynote 2
New Opportunities for Small & Medium‑Size Manufacturers Using the Example of Defense Manufacturing
1:45 pM
Plenary Panel
Economic Development Through Technology Adoption in Manufacturing and Workforce Needs
2:30 pM
Track 5
Work, Learn, Lead: Scalable Education Models Across WI
Track 6
Driving Margins with AI-Powered Optimization and Supply Chain
Track 7
Navigating the PFAS Pivot in Manufacturing
Track 8
A Manufacturer’s Guide to the Biohealth Ecosystem
4:15 pM
Final Plenary Session
Futuring Wisconsin Manufacturing: Outgoing Charge and Path Forward
5:00 PM
Closing and Adjournment
Followed by Light Refreshments
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, wi
June 1-2,
2026