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Insights and Sunshine: Soak Them Up at The MFG Meeting

Feb 03, 2026

Who understands manufacturing technology better than anyone? You – and your peers. The leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives who manage the companies that make, sell, service, and support manufacturing technology know the industry inside and out. Hosted by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, The MFG Meeting will bring these influential leaders together on March 10-12, 2026, in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to gain insights, share ideas, and make connections.

The MFG Meeting will provide executives from across the manufacturing ecosystem with industry-tailored intelligence to tackle today’s most pressing business challenges. Attendees will develop actionable strategies that uncover opportunity, anticipate change, and drive long-term business growth.

There is no trade show, no sales floor, and no traditional educational tracks. Instead, three days are dedicated to highly respected, forward-thinking speakers, leading economists, and industry leaders ready to connect. This is the only meeting in the country developed specifically to bring together high-level manufacturing technology executives for meaningful networking and strategic discussions. Business happens here.

Tracking Trends

From industrial artificial intelligence and automation to global trade and politics, The MFG Meeting offers valuable perspectives to help manufacturing leaders capitalize on emerging opportunities in the industry. A diverse array of speakers will share insights and information that can be easily put into action. Speaker highlights include:

  • Customers expect personalized, intelligent, and immediate solutions. In a keynote presentation, Kaihan Krippendorff, the founder of Outthinker, will reveal how manufacturing leaders can move from selling machines to selling outcomes by embracing digital transformation and integrating AI solutions.

  • Managing risk and anticipating economic shifts are vital for business success. Connor Lokar, senior forecaster with ITR Economics, will help attendees understand the economic outlook for 2026 and early 2027.

  • Advanced biomanufacturing’s $260 billion market is poised to grow as cell and gene therapies scale through manufacturing technologies. With decades of experience in automation and technology commercialization, technology translator and activator Julie Lenzer will illuminate challenges and opportunities in this industry.

Relaxing and Connecting

Business leaders from throughout the United States and around the world know that The MFG Meeting offers an unparalleled opportunity to form bonds with executive-level peers in a resort environment. When the stress of everyday meetings, presentations, and responsibilities is stripped away, manufacturing leaders have the opportunity to really connect and learn from each other. This is networking, but with a lot less work (and a great beach view).

“AMT’s MFG Meeting offers a valuable combination of professional presentations and a more casual environment,” explains Andy Chu, vice presidentofSupertec Machinery Inc.“This encourages me to open up and have meaningful conversations with industry peers, where we can exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities impacting U.S. manufacturing.”

Tiffany Bryson,head of industrial partnerships – Americas at Blaser Swisslube Inc., echoes that sentiment. “MFG provides us with access to leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in a relaxed setting. Since it’s based in a resort-like environment, attendees slow down, open up, and build deeper relationships faster,” she says.

Welcoming Guests

In keeping with its relaxed atmosphere, The MFG Meeting welcomes spouses and families to join executives for a vacation featuring all the best of old Florida charm. The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa offers luxury amenities, including a tropical lagoon outdoor pool, a full-service spa with a private pool, and pickleball and tennis courts.

The custom MFG Meeting guest program will include a 90-minute sightseeing cruise down Fort Lauderdale’s New River, the “Venice of America.” Guests will sail through Millionaire’s Row, seeing the homes of the rich and famous and spectacular mega yachts. The following day, guests will enjoy a trip to the famous Las Olas Boulevard, where they will experience exceptional dining and retail options, world-class art galleries, and unique boutiques.

Register now for The MFG Meeting to gain executive insights and future-ready strategies.

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Author
Bill Herman
Vice President, Membership
Recent intelligence News
The manufacturing industry lost a trusted leader, mentor, and friend when Ron Karaisz passed away on Jan. 8, 2026. AMT remembers his many contributions to the industry and celebrates his legacy of leadership and generosity.
Manufacturing technology executives from across the industry will gather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for The MFG Meeting on March 10-12. This annual meeting focuses on the technology trends driving modern manufacturing and how industry leaders can adapt.
Industry trend tracking, event improvement, key membership and restructuring updates, and more from the frontlines of AMT. Get the latest highlights from the Automation in Manufacturing, Economics & Statistics, Global, and Technology Issues committees now.
As the leader of a small CNC machinery company serving other small businesses, Joe Kane, the CEO of Rollomatic, leverages his AMT membership to make connections, plan strategically, and gain access to new customers.
An active AMT member, Mackenzie Zanello Haug is the Midwest sales representative for MP Systems. She has not stopped networking and collaborating since her first day in the manufacturing industry, which began at IMTS.
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