Event Agenda

Learn how Wisconsin manufacturers are shifting from degree-based hiring to skills-based talent development. Explore practical approaches—from K–12 pipeline programs to production-ready training—including apprenticeships, modular learning, and internal workforce systems that help attract, develop, and retain talent.

Featured:

• Dr. Tracy Pierner, President, Blackhawk Technical College
• David Polk (Moderator), Director, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
• Cyndi Pavelski, Career Readiness Consultant, Inspire WI
• Eric Bohling, Senior Human Resource Manager, Plexus Corp.
• Alberto Rodriguez, Program Director, Electrical Engineering Technology, Madison College
• Stephanie Reisner, President & CEO, GPS Education Partners
• Josh Coates, Director of Faith Technologies University, FTI
• Scott Ross, Director, Workforce Management, FTI

Tap into the near-term power of AI in manufacturing. Industry leaders will share real examples of how they’re improving operational efficiency and supply chain performance, along with practical strategies you can use to identify opportunities and implement AI effectively.

Featured:

• Laura Albert, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Development, UW–Madison College of Engineering
• Mike Kukiela, Senior VP of Operations, Schneider Logistics, Inc
• Jenny Patzlaff (Moderator), Supply Chain Practice Director, UW E-Business Consortium
• Kelly Williams, Partnership & Growth Navigator, TitletownTech
• Ryan Veleke, VP – Artificial Intelligence, Data and Application Development, Plexus Corp.
• Colton Vollmer, Sr. Director of Global Supply Chain, Generac

Tackle the PFAS challenge with confidence. Walk through recent legislative changes, hear how manufacturers are adjusting materials and processes, and explore detection technologies that are helping companies manage risk and advance sustainability goals.

Featured:

• Graham Peaslee, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame
• David E. Garlie, Chief Technology Officer, Cross Plains Solutions 
• Christy Remucal, Professor, UW–Madison
• Lane Ruhland, Founding Attorney, Ruhland Law and Strategy, LLC    
• Marty Ochs, Executive Director, Green Bay Innovation Group

Step into Wisconsin’s fast-growing biohealth space. Hear how the new U.S. Economic Development Administration Biohealth Tech Hub is expanding opportunities for manufacturers and learn from industry and corporate leaders how strategic partnerships in biohealth can fuel innovation and business growth.

Featured:

• Sean Palecek, Professor, UW–Madison
• Kris Saha, Professor, UW–Madison
• Carrie Weikel Delaplane, Associate Dean, School of STEM, Madison College
• Ben Kinney, Automation Engineering Manager, Catalent
• Chris Bartley, Interim Director and Managing Director of Operations, Waisman Biomanufacturing
• Jessica Martin Eckerly, CEO & Co-Founder, Forward BIOLABS
• Sam Rikkers (moderator), Deputy Secretary & COO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Wendy Harris, Regional Innovation Officer, Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub

This interactive session pairs a fast-paced “Defense Manufacturing 101” overview with direct access to regional experts driving innovation, procurement, and commercialization. Ask questions, make connections, and leave with a clearer path to entering and growing in the defense market.

Featured:

• Rob Panos, Vice President, Sagamore Institute; Midwest Defense Forum (MDF)
• Dave Temeles, President, Third Coast Federal, Inc.; Midwest Defense Accelerator (MDX)
• Dave Schroeder, Director, National Security Initiatives, UW–Madison; Research Director, Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC)
• John Garnetti, Managing Director, Office of Business Engagement (OBE), UW–Madison
• Margaret Ramey, Director, Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC)
• Todd Strother, Senior Technology Consultant, Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC)
• Aina Vilumsons, President & Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – Wisconsin APEX Accelerator