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Signals, Strategy, and What’s Next for Manufacturing: The MFG Meeting 2026 Recap
What happens when AI stops being a buzzword and starts delivering real value? At The MFG Meeting 2026, industry leaders explored that question – alongside economic signals, leadership shifts, and new growth opportunities in defense and biomanufacturing. Here’s a quick look at the insights you don’t want to miss.
New AMT Board of Directors Announced at The MFG Meeting 2026
AMT has elected its 2026-2027 board of directors to guide the organization and industry through a period of accelerating demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities. Newly elected are Steve Carlson, Milton Guerry, and Jim King.
Ride the Waves of Change at The MFG Meeting 2027
Join us at The MFG Meeting 2027, April 13-15th, in Maui, Hawaii, and say aloha to candid, high‑value conversations on strategy, market shifts, and what’s next. This vibrant paradise destination will help cut through the noise and spark real insight and connection. Save the date for MFG Meeting 2027 now.
Tariffs: What Comes Next Matters More Than What Just Happened
A temporary 10% global duty has gone into effect following the Supreme Court's strike down of reciprocal tariffs. While this replacement creates short-term complexity, an emerging "durable framework" of new Section 301 investigations will likely establish more permanent trade barriers later this year.
News You Can Use
Connect with the right people the first time. IMTS Exhibitor Passport allows you to quickly and easily deliver your marketing message to a targeted audience of manufacturing technology buyers. Get the best price before the early bird rate ends on April 30, 2026.
Digital tools and advanced manufacturing capabilities help defense suppliers improve visibility, scale production, and strengthen the broader industrial base.
Mexico deepens its industrial ecosystem across automotive, metals, semiconductors, and clean energy as Brazil pursues billion-dollar greenfield projects in automotive, biofuels, and consumer goods.
A legacy of leadership and advocacy took center stage at The MFG Meeting 2026, highlighting how long‑term commitment and clear vision continue to shape momentum in U.S. manufacturing.
Thanks to last year’s TurboQuant algorithm – which compresses AI memory requirements by up to six times – DDR5 memory kits are finally seeing significant price drops.
By the Numbers
The initial estimate of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025 showed a slight decline in economic activity, but the actual growth was about half of what was expected. This brings total growth in 2025 to 2.1%, down from the 2.8% growth in 2024 and 2.9% in 2023.
This downward revision makes the exceptional rebound in demand for manufacturing technology in Q4 2025 all the more remarkable, and a third GDP estimate for that quarter will be released on April 9. The advanced GDP estimate of Q1 2026 will be released on April 30. Check back for AMT’s analysis and what it could mean for manufacturing technology demand in the remainder of 2026.
Upcoming Events
April 14, 2026: AMT Spring Economic Update Webinar
April 21, 2026: AMT Webinar, Presented by K&L Gates: Navigating the Ever-Evolving Trade Landscape
May 5, 2026: AMT Meetup in Chicago, Illinois
May 7, 2026: AMT Meetup in Cincinnati, Ohio
September 14-19, 2026: IMTS 2026 in Chicago, Illinois
Spring Forward With Updates From ARM, Haimer, Hwacheon, Meltio, and More
This edition of AMT Member News is packed with new partnerships, acquisitions, and leadership moves across the ARM Institute, Haimer USA, Hwacheon, Limble, Lyndex-Nikken, Scotchman Industries, and Star SU – and that's just the start.
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here.
