Manufacturing Conference
This year’s Manufacturing Conference will be held in Cedar Rapids at The Hotel at Kirkwood.
This event engages local manufacturers in their biggest challenges and opportunities, inviting industry leaders to network, learn about best practices, and build a stronger talent pipeline.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in networking and a trade show featuring new manufacturing technology and services.
Date & Time
Have Questions?
Want to sponsor this event?
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: TBA11:20 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: TBA1:10 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
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Suj Chandrasekhar
Strategic Insights, Inc.
Stacey Weismiller
U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Morning Panel: Workplace Culture Implementation & Success
Rue Patel
Tom Pientok
John Ooms
Amber Urek
Karl Swanson
Live Podcast Recording: Future Workforce with the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Leisa Fox
Steve Coleman
Dawn Ealy
Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold
Afternoon Panel: Responding to Tariffs
Jen Neumann
Todd Shores
Carl Kirpes
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 52404What 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
Baker Group
Bankers Trust
Capitol Data Analytics
CIRAS
City of Cedar Rapids
Colewell Automation
Corridor Business Journal
Corridor Media Group
Creative Planning
de Novo Marketing
Don Hummer Trucking
Eagle Point Solar
EOS Worldwide
Esco Group
Factor Technology Solutions
Farmer’s State Bank
Folience Inc.
Fox Growth Strategies
George Evans Corp
Greater Iowa City, Inc.
Greg’s Lawn & Landscaping
Hawkeye Fire and Safety
Honkamp
IFP Motion Solutions Inc
Information Technology Solutions
Iowa Iowa Association of Business and Industry
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
J-TEC Associates
Kirkwood Community College
KT Pacer
Kuder
Lomont Molding LLC
MercyCare
Mindset Innovations Consulting
Mount Mercy University
Palmer Group
PCT Ebeam and Integration
Point Builders
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
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
University of Iowa Health Care
US Bank
Van Meter
Woodruff Construction
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])
Sponsors
