Hundreds Headed to Nashville This Fall for National Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT

22 Ago 2016, 00:00 AM CDT

“MFGredefined” theme takes center stage at conference for
manufacturing industry leaders

CLEVELAND–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#gendergap–In just a little over a month, hundreds of women in manufacturing from
around the country will make their way to Music City for the sixth
annual Women in Manufacturing™ (WiM) SUMMIT, a national three-day
networking and educational event. From September 19 – 21, 2016,
Nashville will play host to this one-of-a-kind conference, specifically
designed to support, promote and inspire women who have chosen a career
in the manufacturing industry. Attendees will experience inspiring
keynote presentations, participate in industry roundtable discussions,
see first-hand innovative manufacturing processes, connect and
collaborate with peers, and much more.

Registration is currently open on the WiM
website.

The SUMMIT program theme this year is “MFGredefined” and the agenda was
planned with an eye toward the future of manufacturing and the women who
will make up its workforce.

“The concept of “MFGredefined” was inspired by our Hear Her Story
series, which features remarkable WiM women from every part of the
manufacturing industry,” said Allison Grealis, president and founder of
WiM. “A few key words pop up in nearly every story – for example,
‘innovative’, ‘diverse’, ‘challenging’ and ‘rewarding.’ Women working in
manufacturing are defying stereotypes, taking leadership roles and
finding success. This year’s SUMMIT is all about celebrating the women
who are championing all that the industry has to offer.”

Among the highlights of the SUMMIT will be presentations by high-profile
women from top-tier companies, including:

Wamwari Waichungo, PhD, vice president, global scientific &
regulatory affairs, The Coca-Cola Company
Emily Smith, senior product manager, Etsy Manufacturing
Amy Elliot, PhD, research scientist, Oak Ridge National Labs
Amy Meyer, vice president, operating system & supply chain, The
Kohler Company

A full list of speakers is available on the WiM
website.

The conference kicks off with optional plant tours at some of
Nashville’s most advanced manufacturing facilities, including General
Motors, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., the Tennessee Bun Co., Nissan and
Lochinvar. Plant tours are always a highlight of the event, and plant
tour selection is included in the SUMMIT registration on the WiM
website.

Also, for the first time ever, attendees of this year’s SUMMIT will have
the opportunity to participate in the award-winning Minute Mentoring®
program, where manufacturing industry leaders and rising stars will come
together for rapid-fire, small group advice sessions. Taking a cue from
speed-dating, Mentors will impart their tips for success to a small
group of Mentees during a ten-minute meeting before moving on to the
next Mentee group. During this rewarding workshop, participants will
share their advice and experiences while developing their own careers
and pursuing their leadership goals.

“Our partnership with Minute Mentoring® is an exciting addition to our
SUMMIT program this year,” said Sheila LaMothe, 2016 WiM Board
Chairperson. “One of the things we hear most frequently from our members
is a desire for more mentoring opportunities. This unique event will
provide a lively, interactive element and facilitate meaningful
conversations that will benefit Mentors and Mentees alike.”

“It’s difficult to be what you can’t see,” added Grealis. “However, that
statement shouldn’t apply to manufacturing. This year’s SUMMIT will
focus on the many women who make manufacturing work. By shining a light
on their accomplishments and giving them an opportunity to share their
stories, attendees will leave motivated to elevate their own careers.”

Generous sponsor support has enabled this year’s conference to be the
largest yet, with a record-setting attendance goal of 350 attendees.
Sponsors include Precision Metalforming Association, Foley & Lardner
LLP, BMO Harris Bank, RTH Group, Zurich Insurance, Ingersoll Rand,
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl., Alliance for American
Manufacturing, Stamtec, Amazon Fulfillment, Plante Moran, Barilla,
TRUMPF Inc., Pridgeon & Clay, Stifel Marcin, Zierick, and others.
A limited number of sponsor slots are still available. Learn more by
contacting Hayley Milloy at 216-503-5700 or hmilloy@womeninmfg.org.

Stay connected with WiM for updates regarding this year’s program by
visiting the WiM
website and following WiM on Twitter – @WomeninMfg, #WiMSUMMIT,
#MFGredefined.

Contacts

Women in Manufacturing
Hayley Milloy, 216-503-5700
hmilloy@womeninmfg.org