SAVE THE DATE!

2024 State of Manufacturing Conference & Expo

Sponsored by PNC Bank

Join us Tuesday, September 24th for the 2024 State of Manufacturing Conference & Expo at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center, sponsored by PNC Bank. An all-star lineup of panels and presentations will bring together industry thought leaders to explore the pressing issues manufacturers face in Central Texas.

Drinks, food and door prizes included! We expect the conference and the expo to sell out.  

EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday, September 24th
8:00AM to 5:00PM

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center 
1900 University Ave
Austin, TX 78705
 

Special Thank You to our Headline Sponsor

8:00am | Exhibitor Welcome and Breakfast in Expo Hall, sponsored by Regions Bank

Registration Opens for Conference

9:00am to 4:00pm | Expo Hall Open!

Special thank you to our Sustaining Sponsors: East/West Manufacturing, INSURICA, and ITC Tax!

9:00 am | Welcome Address 

Special thank you to our Headline Sponsor, PNC Bank!

9:10 am | Opening Presentation: Aaron Demerson, Texas Economic Development Corporation

9:30 am | Election Year Policy Projections from the Texas Tribune 

Our opening session will feature Texas Tribune’s News & Politics Editor and Incoming Editor-in-Chief Matthew Watkins. He will provide a nonpartisan perspective on the potential economic impact of the upcoming elections and how this may impact he economy in general, and considerations for manufacturers. He will cover where we are, where we’re potentially headed, and dive into the various political outcomes as we approach the November elections.
 

10:00am | Women’s Manufacturing Networking Group 

Join us for a breakout brunch in Classroom 116 to connect with Women in Manufacturing! 

10:25 am | The Case for Robotics - Hype and Reality Panel

AI, autonomy, robotics … all terms that have become part of the manufacturing lexicon this year … but how is this actually being deployed in today's modern manufacturing process? Our panel will discuss the hype and cut to the real world applications and the promise of what the future of robotics will bring. Featuring Derek Black (ARM Automation), Jake St. John (Wilder Systems), Oluseun Taiwo (Solideon), and moderated by Harvey Williams (Plug and Play). Special thank you to our Program Sponsor, Astute Electronics!

11:00am to 2:00pm | FREE Headshot Station Open! 

11:15 am | Break —Network and visit the expo

11:30am | KEYNOTE: Tony Gunn, MDT CNC (plated lunch served for conference)

Tony loves everything about manufacturing, constantly travels, and never stops smiling and laughing! Joining MTDCNC in 2020 after decades of experience in manufacturing, his vast knowledge has assisted thousands in making decisions on technology investments. Tony is passionate about educating, learning, and showcasing technologies across social media. A best selling author and host of The Gunn Show Podcast, he spends his time highlighting innovation in the CNC world through MTDCNC, manufacturing's #1 news channel. Join us as he brings his energy and enthusiasm for manufacturing to the stage! Special thank you to our Headline Sponsor, PNC Bank!

12:30 pm | Break —Network and visit the expo

12:45 pm | Texas Energy Forward Panel

Climate events and economic growth are increasingly causing energy reliability issues in Texas. Texas energy demand is expected to double in the next decade. This panel session will discuss the future of energy in Texas, including the recent passing of The ADVANCE Act which will advance nuclear energy as an alternative energy source. Topics will include how Texas is addressing reliable, sustainable, affordable on-demand energy requirements for the continued growth.  Featuring Michael Enger (Austin Energy), Seth Kraal (Jacobs), and moderated by AJ Bingham (the Bingham Group). Special thank you to our Program Sponsor, Jacobs!

12:45pm | The Case for U.S. - Mexico Partnership (breakout session)

As the manufacturing reshoring trend continues, nearshoring with our largest trading partner, Mexico, is on the rise. In this panel we will hear from economic and policy experts from both sides of the border on policy, the business environment, and resources available when considering expanding business operations in Mexico. Featuring Luis Torres (Dallas Fed), Deputy Secretary Emmanual Loo (Ministry of Economy Nuevo Leon), David Marquez (Bexar County Economic and Community Development), and moderated by Glenn Hamer (TAB).

1:45 pm | The Future of Water in Texas (breakout session)

Texas faces an unprecedented water crisis due to an aging infrastructure, climate change, and an explosion in population and economic growth. This session will lay out the issues as well as what it will take to address the situation, and the costs and funding required to ensure Texas has sufficient water resources in the future. Discussion led by Jeremy Mazur, Texas2036. 

1:45pm | Industry Spotlight: DoD Contracting 

In this session we will have a panel discussion with several ARMA members who are defense industry manufacturers. The discussion will include topics such as DoD's innovation initiative, DoD contracting, and security requirements, including CMMC and ITAR updates.  Featuring Florian Aigrain (Acutronic Group) and Brandon Cates (Ametrine), moderated by Dr. Casey Perley (Army Futures Command). Special thank you to our Program Sponsor, TMAC!

2:50pm | Development Panel: Considerations & Lessons Learned from Relocation/Expansion

Are you considering relocating or expanding your current manufacturing facility? Hear from a panel of manufacturers who have gone through the process and gain insight into the factors that were important to them in choosing a new location, as well as the things they wish they would have known after the fact.  Featuring Brad Locke (Wondercide), Jason Jowers (TEL), Joe Calhoun (Paradigm Manufacturing), and moderated by Kip Maxwell (MW Builders). 

3:50pm | Conference Closing

4:00pm | Happy Hour in Expo Hall: Raffle, Prizes, Drinks, and More!

Everyone is welcome to join us in the Expo Hall to close out the day for a Happy Hour! We will have drinks, appetizers, and lots of prizes. Special thank you to our Happy Hour Sponsor, ABM!

5:00pm | Exhibitor Move-out

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Conference Ticket (Member) | $170
Conference Ticket (Non-Member) | $230
Conference Table Sponsor (10 seats) | $2000
Expo Attendee (view exhibitors) | FREE 

Expo Attendees
Tickets to walk the expo floor and view exhibitor tables are FREE, but still requires registration. Expo Attendee tickets include admission to walk the trade show floor and view all exhibitor tables, as well as attend the Happy Hour at the end of the event. 

Conference Attendees
Conference tickets include admission to the conference portion of the event taking place from 9:30am-3pm, plated lunch, admission to walk the expo floor, and admission to the Happy Hour taking place after the event. 

Table sponsor tickets include 10 of the Conference Tickets listed above, plus logo recognition on reserved table.