Keynotes focus on the future of U.S. manufacturing

Manufacturing USA, a network of 17 innovation institutes and their ecosystems of industry, academia, and government dedicated to securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing, will present two keynote sessions at SOUTHTEC that share a roadmap for resiliency in U.S. manufacturing.

The first keynote, “Manufacturing USA: A Growing National Resource for All Manufacturers,” will take place on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. EDT. Panelists representing Manufacturing USA will share how attendees can leverage the growing network of institutes and more effectively compete and succeed in an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape.

The second keynote, “Manufacturing USA Modern Makers: Empowering Stories for the Future Advanced Manufacturing Workforce,” will take place on Thursday, October 26, at 1 p.m. EDT. Attendees will hear first-hand accounts about the exciting high-tech jobs and diverse career paths in manufacturing from four of 16 inaugural Manufacturing USA Modern Makers. Modern Makers are individuals whose sense of purpose embodies the Manufacturing USA mission to secure the future of U.S. manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration.

“We are thrilled to shine a light on Manufacturing USA and the Modern Makers this year at SOUTHTEC,” said Bob Willig, CEO & Executive Director of SME, a national nonprofit leading the industrial ecosystem by elevating manufacturers, academia, professionals, and their communities. “These programs are designed to showcase the country’s manufacturing innovation, and SOUTHTEC is the perfect forum to engage with attendees in meaningful ways to help them be more competitive and prepared for the future.”

SOUTHTEC is the single best source to discover the next evolution of industry, drawing manufacturing suppliers, distributors and equipment builders from across North America and around the world. This year’s event highlights workforce development, which includes Manufacturing USA’s impactful innovation and leadership.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to highlight the resources available to manufacturers through involvement with Manufacturing USA,” said Mike Molnar, Director of the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing, which coordinates Manufacturing USA.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. Together we share one common belief: Manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity. SME accelerates new technology adoption and inspires and builds North America’s talent and capabilities in order to advance manufacturing as a diverse, thriving and valued ecosystem that drives competitiveness, resiliency and national security. We believe in technology's power and humanity's innovation to advance our society and meet many national challenges. We design new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of innovation and growth. Learn more at SME.org, or follow SME on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Manufacturing USA^®

Manufacturing USA was created in 2014 to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. Manufacturing USA Institutes convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Learn more at www.manufacturingusa.com

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