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The MMA Workforce Solutions Summit is a full day event dedicated to strengthening Michigan’s manufacturing workforce through engaging discussions, tailored breakout sessions and actionable strategies.
Building on years of advocating for talent resources for Michigan manufacturers, this summit will explore how employers can develop resilient talent pipelines, cultivate collaborative networks and support a thriving workforce ecosystem.
Industry leaders, workforce experts, educators and community partners from across the state will come together to share real-world insights and innovative approaches to talent attraction, development and retention.
Pricing & Details
Date, Location and Time
Thursday, August 27, 2026
FireKeepers Casino Hotel,
Battle Creek
Pricing
- $200/person for MMA Industry & Associate Members
- $300/person for MMA Insurance and Future members
- Save $25/person* when 3 or more registrations are purchased at one time
Early Bird Special!
Save $25* when you
register by July 3!
**offers can be combined
Register Today
Hotel Block
A room block is available at FireKeepers Casino & Hotel. Use this link to reserve at the special MMA rate. The Group Code is 082626MMAS and is eligible for a one night stay on 8/26/26. The room block closes 8/11/26 at 5:00 p.m.
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Breakfast and Registration
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8:00 a.m.
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Breakfast and Registration
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Welcome
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8:45 a.m.
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Welcome
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Morning Keynote
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8:50 a.m.
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AI Won’t Fix Your Workforce. This Will.
Julie Mann • Lead With Collective
Jesse Flores • SuperWebPros
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Break
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9:35 a.m.
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Networking Break
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Breakout Session #1
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9:45 a.m.
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Engineering the Future Workforce through Industry Collaboration
Adebayo “Bayo” Ogundipe • Grand Valley State University
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Human-Centered Leadership in an AI-Driven Manufacturing Environment
Ryan Pohl • Praeco Skills
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Building Manufacturing Talent from Within
Stephanie Rosenberg • Chatfield Global
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Break
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10:45 a.m.
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Networking Break
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Breakout Session #2
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11:15 a.m.
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Building Stronger Talent Pipelines through Digital Credentialing
Jenny Geno, Hemlock Semiconductor
Brian Pyles, Strategic Advisor for CTE and Workforce Development
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From Classroom to Career: Strengthening the Future Manufacturing Workforce
Rich Nave • Luminous Group
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The Cost of Bad Leadership and What To Do About It
Ryan Williams • Frontline Training Solutions
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Lunch
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12:15 p.m.
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Networking Lunch
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Breakout Session #3
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1:45 p.m.
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Attract, Engage and Retain for Success
Denise Cowburn • Tooling U-SME Society of Manufacturing Engineers
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To be announced
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Creating Shared Ownership in Talent Development
Lisa Sabourin • ASE
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Break
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2:45 p.m.
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Networking Break
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Happy Hour
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3:15 p.m.
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Details to be provided
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AI Won’t Fix Your Workforce. This Will.
Manufacturers across Michigan are investing in artificial intelligence to strengthen operations and address workforce pressures, yet many organizations are still searching for measurable results. In this session, Julie Mann (Lead With Collective) and Jesse Flores (SuperWebPros), co-founders of Compound and co-authors of Co-Intelligent Co-Operation, share a practical 6-step framework for integrating AI. Attendees will learn why operational design rather than technology alone creates the foundation for sustainable workforce transformation.
Engineering the Future Workforce through Industry Collaboration
As Michigan manufacturers continue to adapt to rapid technological advancement and evolving workforce demands, strong partnerships between industry and higher education are becoming increasingly important to long-term competitiveness. In this session, Adebayo “Bayo” Ogundipe and Dawne Bell will explore how Grand Valley State University is collaborating with manufacturers across the state to strengthen engineering and technical talent. Attendees will also gain insight into the university’s future Blue Dot Tech Hub in downtown Grand Rapids, designed to serve as a collaborative innovation center connecting manufacturers, educators and emerging talent.
Human-Centered Leadership in an AI-Driven Manufacturing Environment
As manufacturing continues to evolve through automation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, organizations are recognizing that technology alone cannot drive long-term success. Ryan Pohl of Praeco Skills LLC will introduce attendees to the concept of Industry 5.0 — a human-centered approach to integrating technology that strengthens employee engagement, communication and leadership alongside operational performance. Participants will explore how manufacturers can lead teams through AI adoption and digital transformation while building trust, increasing accountability and improving adaptability across the workforce.
Building Manufacturing Talent from Within
Manufacturers across Michigan are facing increasing workforce pressures as experienced employees retire and competition for skilled talent continues to grow. In this session, Chatfield Global’s Stephanie Rosenberg will explore how manufacturers can strengthen workforce resilience by developing talent from within their own organizations. Using a real-world manufacturing case study, attendees will learn how structured cross-training and employee development strategies can help reduce reliance on external hiring, strengthen succession planning and build long-term bench strength across critical functions.
The Cost of Bad Leadership and What To Do About It
Poor leadership impacts more than workplace morale — it ultimately affects your bottom line. Ryan Williams of Frontline Training Solutions will examine the real business costs associated with ineffective leadership and explore why many leadership development efforts fail to create lasting change. Attendees will gain practical insight into how organizations can take a more intentional and strategic approach to identifying leadership gaps, addressing challenges earlier and building stronger leaders over time.
Building Stronger Talent Pipelines through Digital Credentialing
In this session, Hemlock Semiconductor’s Jenny Geno and Dr. Brian Pyles, Strategic Advisor for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, will explore how digital badges and stackable micro-credentials can help manufacturers create stronger internal talent pathways while building earlier connections with future employees. Attendees will learn how verified credentialing programs can support succession planning, upskilling and workforce readiness while also strengthening employer branding and community engagement.
From Classroom to Career:
Strengthening the Future Manufacturing Workforce
As manufacturers continue to face growing shortages in engineering and technical talent, many organizations are recognizing the value of engaging future employees long before traditional recruiting begins. The Luminous Group’s Rich Nave will lead a panel discussion with Caster Concepts’ Elmer Lee and FIRST Robotics student leaders Evelyn Lee and Sayan Shah as they share industry and student perspectives on mentorship, STEM education and the role manufacturers can play in developing the next generation of talent. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for partnering with schools, community organizations and industry programs to build stronger workforce pipelines for the future.
Attract, Engage and Retain for Success
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, securing and retaining top talent is essential for long-term success. During this session, Tooling U-SME’s Denise Cowburn will delve into effective strategies to attract, engage, retain and ultimately repeat the cycle of building a high-performing workforce.
Creating Shared Ownership in Talent Development
Talent development cannot rest on the shoulders of a single person or department. In this session, ASE’s Lisa Sabourin will explore how HR and operations leaders can build a stronger, more collaborative approach to workforce development through a “network + toolbox” model that encourages shared ownership and stronger execution across the organization. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees will examine the broader talent development ecosystem, including the role employees, managers, HR teams, and operations leaders each play in supporting workforce growth.
Get More Workforce Solutions from MMA
Collaborative Network
Through connection, collaboration and community, MMA has created the Workforce Solutions Collaborative Network framework in communities across the state. Have a hand in growing your future workforce — learn more.
Employee Training and Development
Navigate the gaps between workforce supply and demand with MMA’s quality and experienced partners. Develop the strongest and most competitive manufacturing workforce in the world — learn more.
Get More!
Ashley Wakefield
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8523
E-mail wakefield@mimfg.org