The annual Manufacturing Summit, presented by BizTimes Media, features an exciting interactive discussion with chief executive officers of southeastern Wisconsin companies. The CEOs will share their companies’ best operational strategies and discuss their solutions for competing in a global marketplace.

Building Resilience Amid Uncertainty: Competing on a Global Stage
In today’s unpredictable economy, manufacturers must act decisively to stay competitive. Join us at the BizTimes Manufacturing Summit and walk away with insights into how industry leaders are taking control of what they can, investing for long-term gains and turning challenges into opportunities.

Main Panelists:

• Micaela Bomhack, President & CEO, Rite Hite
• Jag Reddy, President & CEO, Mayville Engineering Corp.
• Jake van der Kooy, CEO, Benz Metal Products
• Stacey Walthers Naffah, President & CEO, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.

How the new tax bill effects privately held business owners: Section 1202, ESOPs, cost segregation and more

Presenter:

• Blackhawk Capital Partners

A broader workforce – a better bottom line

Presenter:

• ENGAUGE Workforce Solutions

In this insightful session, representatives from Engauge Workforce Solutions will present innovative approaches to expanding your workforce while enhancing your company’s profitability. They will delve into practical methods and tools that have proven successful in addressing workforce shortages and driving business growth.

From campus to company: Unlocking A.I. solutions through academic partnership

Presenter:

• Jeremy Kedziora, Associate Professor, PieperPower Endowed Chair for Artificial Intelligence, Milwaukee School of Engineering 

Learn from Dr. Jeremy Kedziora how MSOE’s faculty and students can develop applied artificial intelligence (A.I.) solutions your company can use.

Strategic marketing for manufacturers: Thriving amidst economic change

Presenter:

• Justin Kerley, Owner, Top Floor

In an unpredictable economy, manufacturers can’t afford to take a passive approach to marketing. This session is designed to arm manufacturing leaders and marketers with actionable strategies to not just endure economic change—but to grow through it.

We’ll start by breaking down the power of a marketing SWOT, offering practical tools for assessing your position in the market and uncovering your true competitive edge. Then, we’ll dive into “downturn” proof marketing tactics that help keep your pipeline active and your brand resilient, even during slowdowns. Finally, you’ll walk away with strategies to deepen customer loyalty—because strong relationships are the most reliable engine for long-term success.

The One Big Beautiful Bill: What it means for manufacturers

Presenter:

• Todd Clemens, Principal, SVA Certified Public Accountants

The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law, bringing major tax changes that could reshape how you plan, invest, and grow your manufacturing business. What should you be doing right now? What moves will set you up for success in the months and years ahead?

Join SVA’s tax professionals as they break down the most impactful provisions of the bill and share practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

In this webinar, we’ll cover:

• Permanent 100% bonus depreciation and what qualifies
• Updates to R&D tax credits and how to take advantage
• New limitations and extensions for business deductions
• Entity structure and compensation considerations
• Strategic planning windows and deadlines you need to know

Whether you’re a business owner, CFO, or advisor, this session will provide clear takeaways to help you navigate the new law with confidence.

Carrots and sticks: How Washington is shaping manufacturing

Presenters:

• Brian Jacobsen, PhD, JD, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA, CBE, Chief Economist, Annex Wealth Management
• Brian Lamborne, JD, LLM, Senior Wealth Strategist, Annex Wealth Management

Policy changes are playing an increasingly active role in the manufacturing sector. This session will explore how tax policy, tariffs, regulatory shifts, and broader economic trends are reshaping the competitive landscape for manufacturers.

Culture as a strategic tool for performance and growth

Presenter:

• Carol Crawford, Talent & Culture Services Leader, WMEP

Workplace culture isn’t soft—it’s strategic. This session explores how small to mid-sized manufacturers are building strong cultures to boost employee engagement, retention, and operational effectiveness. Participants will hear real-world stories, learn proven frameworks, and leave with a culture action plan they can use right away.

Efficiency in the real world: Efficiency = sustainable value creation

Presenters:

• Joe Skelton, President, Nemesis Metals Inc
• Nate Hoffman, President/Founder, Carrus Group

Are you looking at your business the right way? To stay competitive, shift your focus from simply increasing output to holistically optimizing your processes, people, and technology. Join this informative session that reframes the conversation from “How can we produce more?” to “How can we produce smarter, with fewer wasted resources, higher quality, and stronger people?” You’ll walk away with tangible ideas you can implement in your business tomorrow to help you compete and win.

Succession & exit planning – Engineering outcomes, preserving legacy

Panelists:

• Bryan Beauchamp, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder, Partner, and Private Wealth Advisor at BMG
• Steve Beiser, MBA, CPWA®, CEPA®, Partner and Private Wealth Advisor at BMG
• Jack Enea, J.D., CPA, Partner at Husch Blackwell
• Jaclyn Ring, CMAP, MAMI, Director, M&A Broker at REAG

Successful transitions don’t happen by chance—they are engineered. The right succession and exit strategy ensure your business remains significant, ATTRACTIVE to buyers, and READY when the time comes. In this session, you will learn from industry experts on how to create a succession and exit planning framework that will provide clarity among stakeholders, eliminate silos, reduce friction, and optimize decision-making. Case studies will bring the strategies to life—from buy-sell agreements and tax mitigation to maximizing enterprise value.

Alignment isn’t a luxury—it’s the advantage.

Our expert panel—including private wealth advisors, an M&A broker, and a tax attorney/CPA with deep estate planning experience, will deliver practical, actionable insights to help you protect, grow, and ultimately transfer your business on your terms.

The program concludes with an engaging networking reception, featuring an open bar and a selection of light hors d’oeuvres. This is your chance to mingle with the speakers and fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build valuable professional connections in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.

• 2024 Manufacturing Summit
• 2023 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2022 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2021 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2020 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2019 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2018 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2017 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2016 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit