Agenda + Speakers

Agenda for All Access Pass Attendees

Includes Breakfast, Learning Sessions, Tradeshow, Luncheon, and Networking After-Party

• 8:00 AM Check-in & Registration Opens Lobby
  • 8:30 AM Breakfast Buffet Opens Ballroom sponsored by Zions Bank
• 9:00 AM Welcome & 1st Keynote
  • Tariffs, Taxes, & Talent & The Future of Manufacturing with Robert Spendlove, Sr. Economist – An eye-opening keynote on the economic trends and policy decisions that will impact manufacturers most in the coming decade. From supply chains to workforce dynamics, Robert Spendlove breaks down complex data into actionable intelligence for industry leaders.
• 10:00 AM Trade Show Opens
• 10:30 AM Breakout Sessions 1A, 1B, 1C
  • Beyond the Bank: Non-Traditional Sources of Funding for Manufacturers – Explore how manufacturers are diversifying their capital strategies. This panel highlights grants, venture investment, tax incentives, supply-chain financing, and other creative funding mechanisms that can help manufacturers scale without relying solely on traditional bank loans.
  • Circular Manufacturing, Designing Waste Out of Your Process – Learn how leading manufacturers are reimagining processes, supply chains, and product life cycles to minimize waste and maximize value. This panel highlights innovative strategies and technologies that move operations closer to zero-waste goals.
  • The Talent Crunch: What Are Manufacturers Doing to Solve It? – Hear firsthand how manufacturers are addressing one of their biggest obstacles to growth: finding and keeping skilled talent. This discussion highlights creative approaches to attracting new workers, strengthening pipelines, and retaining experienced employees.
    • Tradeshow Floor Networking
• 12:15 PM Lunch Buffet Opens Ballroom – Lunch sponsored by Bank of America and Strategic Tax Solutions
  • 12:30 PM Lunch –  How We Scaled: Insights from Industry Leaders  –  Do you ever wonder, “How did they do that?”  Well now you have the rare opportunity to personally interact and find out how some of Idaho’s top manufacturers have scaled up from idea or acquisition to see phenomenal growth.  During lunch, you’ll hear from a powerhouse lineup of manufacturing leaders who have successfully navigated growth, scaling, and change. Hear firsthand how leading manufacturers overcame operational, financial, and workforce challenges on the path to sustainable growth. Discover the key decisions, pivots, and practices that fueled their expansion.
    • Kim Reeves, CEO & Co-Founder, Legacy Innovations – Bringing a celebrated track record in business growth and innovation, Kim will share practical strategies for scaling operations, overcoming challenges, and adapting processes as your enterprise grows.
    • Michael Murgoitio, President, Timber Creek Recycling – Blending operational know-how with sustainability leadership, Michael will highlight how circular economy principles and environmental stewardship can be transformed into competitive advantage.
    • Greg Blake, President, JTS | Mission Critical Group – Greg will add his perspective as a leader on seeing opportunity and being ready to walk through that door when it opens. The company has seen an astounding 100% growth in just two years and in part by being deeply invested in building partnerships throughout Idaho’s manufacturing ecosystem. 
    • Tradeshow Floor Networking

• 2:15 PM Breakout Sessions 2A, 2B, 2C
  • Unlocking Hidden Savings: Cost Reduction Strategies for Manufacturers – In today’s competitive landscape, manufacturers must identify every opportunity to cut costs without compromising quality or growth. focused on uncovering impactful savings strategies across key operational areas. During this interactive session, industry experts will explore real-world strategies that have helped manufacturers significantly boost their bottom line including Supply Chain Savings Strategies, R&D Tax Credits, Foreign Trade Zone, and Leveraging Lean & Other Systems to save millions. 
  • Tech Talk: Automation, Robotics, and AI – A dynamic conversation on how manufacturers are using cutting-edge technologies to boost productivity, improve quality, and solve workforce challenges. Panelists will share practical examples and lessons learned from implementing automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence on the shop floor.
  • Managing Change for People, Processes, and Technology – Manufacturing is evolving, with automation, supply chain, and upskilling reshaping the manufacturing landscape. This panel will discuss how to manage change in a way that bridges the gap between innovation and implementation — ensuring that people, processes, and technologies evolve together in a sustainable and inclusive way.
    • Tradeshow Floor Networking
• 4:00 PM After-Party Networking sponsored by Columbia Bank
  • Wrap up your conference day with a relaxed and fun Networking After-Party! Enjoy a casual atmosphere with appetizers, complimentary drink tickets, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow attendees. Test your skills at cornhole, jenga, and other friendly games while you mix, mingle, and unwind. It’s the perfect way to deepen conversations from the day, make new contacts, and recharge for what’s ahead.
  • Tradeshow Closes