Manufacturing First Expo & Conference

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.

Event Information

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Resch Expo Center | Green Bay
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sponsorship Information:
sales@insightonbusiness.com

General Event Information:
events@insightonbusiness.com

Get Tickets

Exhibitor Registration

Click for more sponsorship and exhibitor information.

Keynote Speakers

Phil Gwoke

CEO, BridgeWorks | Writer & Market Researcher

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

Breakout Sessions

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.

Growth & Strategy

Workforce, Culture & Leadership

Operations, Technology & Innovation

Safety, Risk & Workforce Development

Presenting Sponsor

In Partnership With

Keynote Sponsors

Track Sponsor

Education Sponsors

Moraine Park Economic and Workforce Development

Gold Sponsors

Power-Up Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

VIP Lounge Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Business After Hour Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Sponsorship Information

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):

Pre-event promotion via email, social, direct mail, and Insight on Business
On-site recognition through signage, programs, stage mentions, and booths
Speaking opportunities, including keynote introductions and breakout sessions
Print ads in Insight on Business and the event program
Year-round logo placement on manufacturingfirst.com

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.

Exhibitor Information

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:

Curated, manufacturing-focused audience (networking is the #1 attendee-rated benefit)
Dedicated time for exhibitor interaction and candid, comfortable conversations
First-come, first-served booth placement with sponsor and member priority

Exhibit benefits: