The Lineup…
Keynote Speaker
Mitchell Weiss
Mitch Weiss is the Richard L. Menschel Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. He created and teaches the school's course on Public Entrepreneurship—on public leaders and private entrepreneurs who invent a difference in the world. He is the faculty chair of the first year of the MBA program, where for many years he taught The Entrepreneurial Manager. He has twice been honored with the Apgar Award for Innovation in Teaching and is a Greenhill Award recipient. He helped build the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School and is a senior advisor to the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Mitch's work and the Public Entrepreneurship course has been referenced in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Politico, and other outlets. He is the author of We the Possibility from Harvard Business Review Press (2021). Mitch has been named one of the 100 most influential academics in government.
Breakout Sessions
New for 2026!
Attendees will select their breakout sessions day of the event. When attending the event, look for the QR Code displayed throughout the event to select their breakout session.
Breakout Session Topics
Still on the (De)fense
You've heard about the defense supply chain opportunity before. Maybe you've even taken some steps. But if you're still on the outside looking in, something isn't clicking and this session is here to be honest about why. Breaking into defense isn't just about knowing the process. It's about knowing where manufacturers like you are getting stuck and closing those gaps before they cost you another contract cycle. This year, we're cutting straight to it. General Dynamics Mission Systems and General Dynamics Electric Boat aren't waiting. The opportunities are moving through the supply chain right now, and the manufacturers who understand how to position themselves, who to contact, and what primes are genuinely looking for are the ones capturing them. Is that you yet? In this session, you'll get the unfiltered picture; how the supply chain really moves, what cybersecurity requirements are non-negotiable in 2026, and what separates the manufacturers who keep getting looked over from the ones who become long-term partners. We'll also walk through the resources available to close your gaps fast, including APEX support, grants, and access to cybersecurity experts who can help you meet prime requirements.
Invest "Smart", Grow Strong
You've heard about additive manufacturing, automation, AI, advanced inspection, and digital manufacturing systems. But knowing the technology exists and knowing which investment is right for your business are two very different things. This session cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, structured process for making smart technology decisions that move the needle. Massachusetts manufacturers are being pulled in every direction when it comes to emerging technology. The real challenge isn't awareness, it's knowing where to start, what to prioritize, and how to fund it without putting your business at risk. That's exactly what this session is designed to solve. Through MassMEP's proven technology roadmapping process, you'll work through a framework built specifically for manufacturers like you. Industry-specific examples drawn directly from your peers will ground the conversation in real-world context, making it immediately applicable to your operation. You'll also hear from the experts on how to align your financial strategy with your technology roadmap because the best plan in the world only works if the numbers support it. This session is about more than technology. It's about building a future for your company right here in Massachusetts.
Harvesting Your AI Advantage
You've identified the low-hanging fruit, now it's time to harvest. This session is designed for manufacturers who have moved past curiosity and are ready to operationalize AI across their shop floor, quality systems, and supply chain. From computer vision catching defects in real time to predictive maintenance slashing unplanned downtime, we'll dig into what it takes to scale a successful pilot into a measurable, repeatable business process, without disrupting production or overwhelming your team. We'll tackle the hard questions: how do you integrate AI into existing workflows, get buy-in from the floor up, and measure success in a way that resonates with both leadership and operators? Whether you're running a 20-person job shop or a multi-site operation, you'll leave with practical tools for turning AI momentum into lasting competitive advantage.
Generations To Strength
Your most experienced employees hold knowledge that no manual can capture. Your newest employees bring fresh perspectives and digital fluency that can transform your operation. The question isn't which generation is right, it's how do you get all four working together in a way that sticks? For Massachusetts manufacturers, the pressure is real. Retirements are accelerating, new talent is harder to retain, and the technology on your shop floor is changing faster than ever. This session brings manufacturing leaders together to share what's working, not textbook theory, but honest, practical insights from people managing these same challenges every day. You'll explore how to create an environment where knowledge flows naturally across generations, where experienced employees feel valued as mentors rather than relics, and where newer employees feel heard rather than just trained. We'll dig into how multi-generational collaboration strengthens succession planning, keeps critical skills inside your organization, and builds the kind of team culture where safety, quality, and productivity aren't just metrics they're shared values. And because knowing is only half the battle, you'll leave with a 90-day action commitment that is a concrete, actionable plan you can bring back to your team and start using immediately.
Access To Capital
You have the vision. Maybe you've already identified the equipment you need, the capacity you want to add, or the next level you're ready to reach. The question isn't whether growth is possible, it's how do you fund it without taking on more risk than your business can carry? Whether you're a 20-person shop looking to add a critical piece of equipment or a 100-person operation planning a significant expansion, the resources in this room were designed with businesses exactly like yours in mind. Bank of America will walk you through flexible financing options including conventional lending and equipment financing, practical tools that can put new capabilities within reach faster than you might expect. SBA experts will share how programs like MARC and 504 can offer more favorable terms than traditional lending, meaning lower barriers, better rates, and a structure built to support manufacturers who are investing in their future. And Massachusetts' Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) will show you how grant programs like MMAP and M2I2 can offset your investment costs directly because the best dollar you'll ever spend on growth is one you didn't have to borrow. Together, these resources create a powerful, layered approach to funding that reduces your risk, protects your cash flow, and opens doors that may have felt out of reach before today.
