One day. Thousands of connections. Real takeaways for Wisconsin manufacturers. Manufacturing First is Wisconsin’s premier one-day expo and conference designed to bring the manufacturing community together—from executives and engineers to operations, safety, HR, and emerging talent.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Resch Expo Center | Green Bay
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
7–8 a.m. Registration, Breakfast & Networking
8–9:45 a.m. Welcome & Keynote Presentations
9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
10–10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions
11:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Breakout Sessions
12–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30–2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions
3:30 p.m. Power Hour Drawing
Sponsorship Information:
sales@insightonbusiness.com
General Event Information:
events@insightonbusiness.com
Wisconsin native Phil Gwoke opens Manufacturing First with a keynote focused on one of the most consistently cited challenges facing manufacturers in Northeast Wisconsin: leading across generations.
As CEO of BridgeWorks, Gwoke helps organizations better understand not just how generations differ, but why. His work centers on recognizing the strengths each generation brings to the workplace and creating leadership approaches that build trust, clarity, and connection. This keynote is designed to equip leaders with practical tools for navigating diverse teams spanning Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z — while reinforcing the value of every generational perspective.
“You’re going to feel proud to be part of your generation, whatever it is. It’s practical, it’s insightful, and you’re going to laugh. It will be fun.” — Phil Gwoke
After the keynote, attendees can choose from breakout sessions offering focused, practical insights in smaller settings. New this year, sessions are organized into themed tracks to help attendees navigate by interest while encouraging cross-topic exploration. Breakouts run alongside the Exhibit Hall, giving attendees and exhibitors ongoing opportunities for learning, networking, and discovery. Titles and speakers will be announced as confirmed.
Scaling AI in Manufacturing: A Practical Maturity Model Approach
TRACK SPONSOR
Panel Discussion: Growth Challenges & Opportunities in Manufacturing
Driving Results with the Right Partner
Psychological Safety: Beyond the PPE
Fundamentals of the Future: Where Technology Meets Workforce
The People Problem No One Talks About: Why Your Best Hires Aren’t Always on Paper
TRACK SPONSOR
Safety
Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Good Human Work, Anovia Health, OSMS
The First 7 Days After Injury: Where Work Comp Claims Are Won or Lost
Protecting What You’ve Built: Understanding Everyday Legal Risks for Manufacturers
Business Transition Planning – Various Transition Options and How to Choose the Right One
Strengthening Safety Across Your Workforce: Practical Strategies for Today’s Manufacturing Environment
Building Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Leaders: Developing Supervisors for Growth and Retention
NFPA 70B and Electrical Preventable Maintenance
TRACK SPONSOR
Automation in Hiring
The Growth Engine Framework: From Campaign Chaos to Revenue Engine
Sponsorship is the highest-impact way to align your brand with Wisconsin manufacturing. Beyond a single day of visibility, sponsors gain year-round exposure, thought leadership platforms, and direct access to the executives, decision-makers, and emerging talent shaping the region’s industry.
Sponsor benefits (vary by level):
Sponsors also help strengthen Northeast Wisconsin’s manufacturing community, support workforce development, and elevate the future of manufacturing in the region.
Click here for more detailed information on sponsorship opportunities or contact sales@insightonbusiness.com.
Manufacturing First is built for real conversations, not quick handoffs. Meet face-to-face with buyers actively seeking solutions across manufacturing, automation, safety, workforce, and technology, with dedicated time in the schedule for discussions, reconnection, and new lead generation.
What sets this expo apart:
Exhibit benefits:
The Manufacturing First event will take place on Wednesday, October 28th.
Manufacturing First is Wisconsin’s largest manufacturing networking and business event, brought together 1,097 attendees and 204 exhibitors in 2025.
Common attendee roles include:
Strong representation from organizations that serve the manufacturing sector, including:
Post-event survey results consistently highlight the value of the event. Attendees shared that:
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