Manufacturing Conference

Agenda

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Registration, Breakfast, Networking, Booths

• 9:00 AM - 9:05 AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks

  Opening remarks by Corridor Media Group CEO & President, John Lohman

• 9:05 AM - 9:10 AM - Sponsor Welcome, Keynote introduction

• 9:10 AM -9:40 AM - Morning Keynote

  Topic: Smart Manufacturing Report

  Speaker: Dr. Suj Chandrasekhar

• 9:40 AM -10:20 AM - Panel

  Topic: Culture implementation & success

  Speaker: Rue Patel

• 10:20 AM -10:40 AM - Networking Break & Booths

• 10:40 AM - 11:20 AM - Breakouts

  Breakout 1: TBA
  Breakout 2: TBA
  Breakout 3: TBA

• 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM - LUNCH, Networking Break & Booths

• 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Lunch Keynote

  Topic: Future Workforce/IMP live recording

  Speaker: Leisa Fox

• 12:30 PM - 1:10 PM - Breakouts

  Breakout 4: TBA
  Breakout 5: TBA
  Breakout 6: TBA

• 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM - Networking Break & Booths

• 1:40 PM - 2:25 PM - Panel

  Topic: Responding to Tariffs

  Speaker: Jen Neumann

• 2:25 PM - 2:55 PM - Afternoon Keynote

  TBA

• 2:55 PM - 3:00 PM - Conclusion

• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Raffles & Networking

FAQs

• When and where is the Manufacturing Conference?

  August 28, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
  The Hotel at Kirkwood
  7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW
  Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

• What does the Manufacturing Conference include?

  Access to all in-person event programming, vendor booth, featuring speakers, and panelists. Breakfast and lunch.

• When does registration end?

  *Ticket sales close exactly one week prior to the event on Aug. 21.
  *All dietary restrictions must be submitted a week prior to the event. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

• What is your refund & cancellation policy?

  If you are unable to attend the event you have purchased a ticket for, refunds can be processed, less the transaction fee, up to one week before the event on Aug. 28. Event attendees are locked in on Aug. 29, and refunds cannot be given after that date. Please reach out to Jean Suckow to request a refund at [email protected] or by calling the QCBJ Office at 319-665-6397.

  In cases of inclement weather, Corridor Media Group (CBJ & QCBJ) will assess the situation and will alert all attendees if the event will be postponed or canceled. Refunds will not be offered if the postponed event is held. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, they may be exchanged for a different event of the same value, free of charge, subject to availability.

• I’ve purchased a ticket(s), do I receive a physical one?

  No. There are no physical tickets. Attendees are asked to check-in at the registration table prior to the event.

• What companies/organizations can I expect to connect with at the conference?

  Accel Group
  Aerotek
  Baker Group
  Bankers Trust
  Capitol Data Analytics
  CIRAS
  City of Cedar Rapids
  Colewell Automation
  Corridor Business Journal
  Corridor Media Group
  Cottingham & Butler
  Creative Planning
  de Novo Marketing
  Derby Supply Chain Solutions
  Don Hummer Trucking
  dphilms
  Douglas Machine and Engineering LLC
  Eagle Point Solar
  Eide Bailly
  Empeople Credit Union
  EOS Worldwide
  Esco Group
  Factor Technology Solutions
  Farmers State Bank
  Federal Credit Advisors
  Folience Inc.
  Fox Growth Strategies
  Fusion Inc
  George Evans Corp
  Grace Technologies
  Greater Iowa City, Inc.
  Greg’s Lawn & Landscaping
  Hawkeye Fire and Safety
  Honkamp
  IFP Motion Solutions Inc
  Information Technology Solutions
  Iowa Association of Business and Industry
  Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
  Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
  J-TEC Associates
  Kirkwood Community College
  Koch CFO Services LLC
  KT Pacer
  Kuder
  Life Line Emergency Vehicles
  Lomont Molding LLC
  MercyCare
  Mindset Innovations Consulting
  Miron Construction
  Mount Mercy University
  NIS
  Palmer Group
  PCT Ebeam and Integration
  Point Builders
  Profit Quiver
  PTS LLC
  QC Kinetix
  Quad Cities Regional Business Journal
  River Cities Engineering
  Rue Works
  Russell
  Service Master
  Storop
  Strategic Insights, Inc.
  SubZero Group
  Timberline Manufacturing Company
  U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing
  UMB Bank
  University of Iowa Center for Advancement
  University of Iowa Health Care
  US Bank
  Van Meter
  Woodruff Construction
  World Class Industries
  Worthington Partnership LLC

  **This is a working list and may not reflect the full list of attendees

• Have questions about sponsorship and/or booth opportunities?

  Contact Lauren Grask at [email protected].

• What is the QCBJ?

  The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal (QCBJ) covers news that is of interest, use and importance for anyone who does business in the Quad Cities. QCBJ is not part of a chain. The newspaper is owned and operated independently by John and Aspen Lohman.

  A portion of each issue is dedicated to one sector of the business community. Among many other focus issues, these topics range from diversity to small business, to politics & elections and banking. We also publish a host of supplemental materials.

• Where can I get more information?

  For editorial information, contact the newsroom ([email protected])
  For subscription information, contact Jean Suckow ([email protected])
  For advertising information, contact Marsha Luedtke ([email protected]) or John VandeMoortel ([email protected])