The North Carolina Manufacturing Conference, MFGCON

The North Carolina Manufacturing Conference, MFGCON, is an annual event where Industry experts and manufacturing peers collaborate to present informative sessions for manufacturers. Attendees receive ideas and resources for market expansion, workforce solutions, leadership excellence, culture transformation, innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing, strategic business growth and process and quality optimization. You can expect to receive resources, practical peer advice and industry knowledge to implement for immediate results.
 
The manufacturing conference is also the perfect opportunity for networking with vendors and manufacturers from across the state.

 

Agenda

May 13, 2024

1 p.m.	Registration
1:30 p.m.	Opening remarks
2 p.m.	Opening keynote
3 p.m.	Three concurrent breakout sessions
4 p.m.	NCMEP Manufacturing Leadership Awards ceremony
4:30-6 p.m.	Celebration of North Carolina manufacturing reception and vendor trade show

 

May 14, 2024

7 a.m.	Registration
7:30 a.m.	Breakfast available
8 a.m.	Opening remarks
8:15 a.m.	General sessions:
	– Topic 1: Supplier Matching
	– Topic 2: AI in Manufacturing
9:30 a.m.	Three concurrent breakout sessions
10:30 a.m.	Networking break and exhibits
11 a.m.	Three concurrent breakout sessions
Noon	Lunch
12:30 p.m.	Keynote speaker
1:30 p.m.	Closing comments and door prizes

 

Workforce + Leadership Excellence Sessions

Partnering for a Successful Apprenticeship Program
Jay Simmons – Apprenticeship Program Manager, Machine Specialties
 
An Innovative Model for Addressing Skilled Labor Shortage
Bill McBrayer – Human Resources, Safety, Health and Environmental Manager, Lexington Home Brands
 
Sustainability and the Circular Economy Panel
Roland Butzke – Enterprise Account Executive, Sustainable Energy Management, Siemens Industry, Inc.
Matthew Flowers – Corporate Purchasing Manager, Unifi; Kevin Martin, Executive Director, Carolina Utility Customers Association (Moderator)
 

Operational Excellence

 
Journey to Manufacturing Excellence
Ryan Biddix – Continuous Improvement Manager, Teijin – Lenoir; Tracy Gray, Plant Manager, Teijin Automotive Systems – Lenoir and Mark Parsons, Operations Manager, Teijin – Lenoir
 
GE Aerospace’s Key to Manufacturing Success – Exceeding Customer Expectations Through Learning and Consensus
Ed Zimmerman – Leap Manufacturing Program Leader, GE Aerospace
 
Navigating the Digital Transformation Journey
Scott DuPre – Sales Consultant, Vision 33 
 

Technology, Innovation and Strategic Growth

 
Food Safety and Security and Cybersecurity for Manufacturing Firms
Eric Hobbs – President, Technology Associates; Michael Druga, President and CEO, SinnovaTek and Tyler Brown, VP of Manufacturing, SinnovaTek and FirstWave Innovations
 
Using TWI (Training Within Industry) as a Foundation for Standardized Work
Dan Grimsley – Corporate Learning and Development Manager, Chatsworth Products, Inc.
 
Utilizing Kata for Improvement
Brandon Bunn – Kaizen Promotion Officer, NC Correction Enterprises
 

Early Registration Discount

Special pricing end April 5, 2024
Manufacturers: $249 (after April 5- $349)
Non-Manufacturers: $399 (after April 5 – $499)

 
Discounts are also available for organizations registered on ManufacturedNC.com, NCMEP Partners and attendees of manufacturing companies who provide speakers at the conference. Contact Susan Barber, or call 919.513.6119, for more information.
 

Hotel Information