WMEP announced it will pause the Manufacturing Matters! Conference in 2026 due to ongoing uncertainty about funding.
The 2025 conference drew more than 450 to Brookfield in April.
The U.S. Department of Commerce stopped funding 10 Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs in March, but later reinstated the funding. While Wisconsin was not part of the group that had funding stopped, the move created uncertainty for MEPs across the United States because the current U.S. administration has expressed a desire to end federal funding.
“While this marks a pause for the event, WMEP remains fully committed to our mission of helping Wisconsin manufacturers succeed,” said Chris Baichoo, CEO of WMEP. “Our team continues to actively serve the manufacturing community through our full suite of solutions focused on Growth, Operations, and People.“
Baichoo said in an email that if funding is discontinued, the organization intends to continue independently.
The Wisconsin MEP Network — which includes the WMEP and the Manufacturing Outreach Center at UW-Stout — has created more than $2.5 billion in impact and helped to create or retain 3,962 jobs, according to WMEP officials. WMEP worked with 310 manufacturers and has reached an additional 400 through webinars, information sessions and other less formal offerings.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is a key strategic partner and provides funding and all manufacturers pay for services.
