Innovation leads the discussion in Orlando

Cleveland, Ohio – It was all about innovation as more than 600 manufacturing industry leaders gathered for the fifth installment of The MFG Meeting, March 4 – 7, 2015, in Orlando, Florida.

The four-day event brought together manufacturers from three top industry associations, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) to learn, network and be inspired. Together, their members comprise more than 4,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors from all 50 states.

With a theme of “The Power of Manufacturing,” the conference focused on the design, insight, and people that are boosting the growth of manufacturing in the U.S.

“Once again, The MFG Meeting did not disappoint,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “With attendees from every industry including aerospace, defense, automotive, construction, energy, medical and many others, topics spanned a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies. Attendees felt the energy of new ideas and left ready to continue to drive American manufacturing and the economy forward.”

Over the course of the event, The MFG Meeting attendees were: 

• Challenged to think through opportunities for forward-thinking and market revolution with emissaries of blockbuster brands from Apple and Tesla to LEGO;
• Educated by a top financial consultant on the current economic landscape and the outlook for end markets both domestically and worldwide;
• Motivated to capture the secrets to success by a sales guru and co-star of a viral video sensation;
• Inspired by the latest in additive manufacturing technology and evolutionary creations like the Strati, the world’s first 3D-printed car; and
• Bolstered by networking opportunities with colleagues and friends – old and new – from the complete manufacturing chain.

“The MFG Meeting’s focus on innovation was great to see,” said NTMA President Dave Tilstone. “In manufacturing, though, we know that innovation needs investment. Following the conference, manufacturers should continue to focus on the need for government policies that allow companies to remain boldly forward-thinking.”

PMA President Bill Gaskin said, “The MFG Meeting was full of exciting new technologies. The programming allowed for discussion of the opportunities, but also the challenges faced by manufacturers today. As we consider advancements in technology, The MFG Meeting reminded attendees that we must also work together to address issues like the skilled worker shortage to avoid stumbling blocks on the path to continued growth.”

As an effort to address the need to recruit more manufacturing sector workers, more than 60 runners participated in the Second Miles for Manufacturing 5k Run/Walk - started by GIE Media magazines Today's Medical Developments, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, Today's Energy Solutions, and Today's Motor Vehicles. The event this time benefitted the Max S. Hayes High School in Cleveland, Ohio. The school offers customized learning programs including courses in CNC machining, CAD, and welding, along with courses in automotive repair and computer design.

Planning is already underway for the 2016 event scheduled for March 2 - 5, 2016, in Palm Desert, Calif. Stay up to date with the latest on The MFG Meeting on Twitter (@TheMFGMeeting / #MFGmtg), Facebook, and Linkedin.

Source: AMT, NTMA, and PMA