2026 Evansville Region MFG Summit Sessions
Leadership Engagement & Development: Implementing the JET Leadership Challenge
Breakout Session #1
Summary
Nix Companies case study on implementing leadership development systems internally and driving engagement across teams.
Driving Daily Excellence: How JET's WAR Process Accelerates Operational Performance
Breakout Session #1
Summary
The Walk About Review (WAR) is a structured leadership process that creates a two-way flow of communication, allowing information to move up through the organization while support and resources flow down to frontline teams. It helps identify challenges, remove barriers, develop leaders' problem-solving skills, and ensure teams receive the support they need to succeed.
Lean Case Study: What Worked, What Didn’t, and Lessons Learned
Breakout Session #1
Summary
Real-world lean improvement case study focused on operational challenges, implementation, and measurable results.
Building Resilient Logistics & Supply Chain Networks
Breakout Session #1
Summary
Discussion on freight market challenges, transportation strategy, supply chain resilience, AI-assisted optimization, and national logistics trends. Explore how manufacturers are adapting logistics and supply chain strategies, consolidating resources, and building more flexible regional transportation networks in an evolving manufacturing environment.
Talent Talk: Attract and Retain Top Manufacturing Talent in Southern Indiana
Breakout Session #1
Summary
Southern Indiana manufacturers face a unique challenge: competing for talent against major metros while offering a different value proposition — lower cost of living, tight-knit communities, and a stronger quality of life. This session covers practical strategies for attracting candidates to the region and techniques for recognizing, rewarding, and retaining top performers. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to build a workforce that's ready to stay and grow with their company.
CONNECT: Building the Future Workforce, One Internship at a Time
Breakout Session #1
Summary
Jasper Engines & Transmissions is investing in the future workforce through CONNECT, an innovative internship program that provides participants with a comprehensive, real-world learning experience beyond traditional internships. Through hands-on learning, Lean principles education, life skills development, community service opportunities, and structured mentorship, interns gain valuable tools for both personal and professional growth. Attendees will learn how CONNECT is developing future leaders and creating a lasting impact that prepares young professionals for success in any career path they choose.
Data Journey & AI in Manufacturing: Practical Applications & Lessons Learned
Breakout Session #1
Summary
A discussion on Astrazeneca's Mount Vernon data journey to create a foundation for how manufacturing is implementing AI, automation, and other digital tools in real-world manufacturing environments, including practical applications, lessons learned, and key considerations for successful adoption.
Creating Manufacturing Career Pathways: Vincennes University & SoINFAME
Breakout Session #1
HOLD- Safety
Breakout Session #1
HOLD- Quality
Breakout Session #1
No Session- Event Participant
Breakout Session #1
Leadership Engagement & Development: Implementing the JET Leadership Challenge
Breakout Session #2
Summary
Nix Companies case study on implementing leadership development systems internally and driving engagement across teams.
Driving Daily Excellence: How JET's WAR Process Accelerates Operational Performance
Breakout Session #2
Summary
The Walk About Review (WAR) is a structured leadership process that creates a two-way flow of communication, allowing information to move up through the organization while support and resources flow down to frontline teams. It helps identify challenges, remove barriers, develop leaders' problem-solving skills, and ensure teams receive the support they need to succeed.
Lean Case Study: What Worked, What Didn’t, and Lessons Learned
Breakout Session #2
Summary
Real-world lean improvement case study focused on operational challenges, implementation, and measurable results.
Building Resilient Logistics & Supply Chain Networks
Breakout Session #2
Summary
Discussion on freight market challenges, transportation strategy, supply chain resilience, AI-assisted optimization, and national logistics trends. Explore how manufacturers are adapting logistics and supply chain strategies, consolidating resources, and building more flexible regional transportation networks in an evolving manufacturing environment.
Talent Talk: Attract and Retain Top Manufacturing Talent in Southern Indiana
Breakout Session #2
Summary
Southern Indiana manufacturers face a unique challenge: competing for talent against major metros while offering a different value proposition — lower cost of living, tight-knit communities, and a stronger quality of life. This session covers practical strategies for attracting candidates to the region and techniques for recognizing, rewarding, and retaining top performers. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to build a workforce that's ready to stay and grow with their company.
CONNECT: Building the Future Workforce, One Internship at a Time
Breakout Session #2
Summary
Jasper Engines & Transmissions is investing in the future workforce through CONNECT, an innovative internship program that provides participants with a comprehensive, real-world learning experience beyond traditional internships. Through hands-on learning, Lean principles education, life skills development, community service opportunities, and structured mentorship, interns gain valuable tools for both personal and professional growth. Attendees will learn how CONNECT is developing future leaders and creating a lasting impact that prepares young professionals for success in any career path they choose.
Data Journey & AI in Manufacturing: Practical Applications & Lessons Learned
Breakout Session #2
Summary
A discussion on Astrazeneca's Mount Vernon data journey to create a foundation for how manufacturing is implementing AI, automation, and other digital tools in real-world manufacturing environments, including practical applications, lessons learned, and key considerations for successful adoption.
Creating Manufacturing Career Pathways: Vincennes University & SoINFAME
Breakout Session #2
HOLD- Safety
Breakout Session #2
HOLD- Quality
Breakout Session #2
No Session- Event Participant
Breakout Session #2
Powered By GrowthZone