Driving Innovation and Growth
INDUSTRY FOCUS SERIES: MANUFACTURING SECTOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION, GROWTH & GLOBALIZATION
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Digital, Automated and Resilient:
The Next Chapter of Manufacturing
ABOUT OUR HOST
AMADA America, Inc.’s Solution Center in Schaumburg is a 133,000 sq. ft. facility set on 10.5 acres—a stunningly designed example of Amada’s commitment to redefine performance and reliability while giving you a voice in the process. It showcases the latest advances in automation, laser cutting, press brakes, punching, robotic bending and much more—all resulting from AMADA’s global position as a single-source provider for the manufacturing industry. This high-tech, global-class campus provides a resource for research and technical training, access to innovation and engineering, a venue for gaining insight into the latest technologies, and an opportunity to see those technologies at work in real time.
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), founded in 1902, specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow's Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. About Our Sponsors
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB), the parent company of Old National Bank, is a leading Midwest-based regional bank with approximately $72 billion in total assets as of year-end 2025 and by asset size among the top 40 banks in the United States. Founded in 1834, Old National has built its franchise on a relationship-driven banking model, focusing on long-term partnerships with middle-market and commercial clients. The bank provides a full suite of capabilities, including commercial banking, treasury management, capital markets, and wealth management, enabling it to deliver sophisticated solutions with a high-touch, client-centric approach.
Wipfli LLP ranks among the top 20 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation with over 2,400 associates, 48 offices in the United States and two offices in India. Wipfli is also a member of Allinial Global, an accounting firm association of legally independent accounting and consulting firms with offices in North America and throughout the world through international members and partnerships. We enjoy a solid reputation as industry experts and as a trusted business advisor to more than 100,000 clients including: Manufacturing and distribution, contractors and developers, real estate, health care organizations, financial institutions, financial services, nonprofits, private equity, agribusiness, tribal gaming, technology, units of government, dealerships and individuals.
Global Midwest Alliance is a business-led, region-wide. not-for-profit educational organization providing high impact industry programs that foster collaboration, innovation and investment. A recognized leader in economic development in the Midwest, the Alliance aligns and integrates resources throughout the Midwest helping businesses to grow by leveraging existing resources to develop new products and find customers throughout the world. The Alliance is the Private Sector Liaison Office for the World Bank and a member of Global CONNECT. Through these and other affiliations, the Alliance facilitates access to global business opportunities for Midwest business through 155 groups in 98 countries around the world.
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October 1, 2026
7:30 - 11:30 a.m.
AMADA Solution Center
180 Amada Court
Schaumburg, IL 60173
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, companies are increasingly focused on turning automation, digital technologies, data, and AI into measurable performance improvements. Industry leading manufacturers are prioritizing practical, scalable approaches to automation and digital integration that improve productivity, flexibility, and resilience on the shop floor.
Please join Global Midwest Alliance, its host, AMADA America, Inc., and sponsors, The Association for Manufacturing Technology, Old National Bank, the Technology & Manufacturing Association, and Wipfli, at this exclusive event where we explore, discuss and learn how manufacturers are responding to today’s industry challenges and positioning themselves for success in the future.
Our keynote presentation will provide an industry outlook and trends shaping the industry, while our moderator- and audience-led panels will drive discussions focused on real-world challenges and solutions. Learn how manufacturers are applying automation and digital strategy to improve operational performance, while exploring perspectives from both industry experts and peer manufacturers.
Following the formal program, attendees are invited to participate in a guided walking tour of the host facility. The tour will highlight manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and production processes discussed during the session, providing a hands-on look at how these strategies are implemented on the shop floor.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This exclusive program is intentionally interactive, pairing in-depth industry insights with audience discussion designed to foster meaningful peer exchange. It is designed for professionals involved in:
- Manufacturing leadership and executive management;
- Operations, engineering, and plant management;
- Automation, digital, and technology strategy;
- Finance, supply chain, and business strategy; and
- Financial and consulting partners who help enable these strategies.
To preserve the quality of discussion and peer exchange, participation is limited to the first 95 registrants. Please REGISTER on or before September 29, 2026.
AGENDA
Registration, Breakfast and Qualified Introductions
Welcome Remarks and Introductions
Keynote Presentation
Moderator-Led Panel Discussion
Coffee and Networking Break
Audience-Led Panel Discussion
Wrap Up
Walking Tour of AMADA America, Inc.’s Facility