The 2021 Celebration of Manufacturing & Expo from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is back in person!

Our 2021 Celebration of Manufacturing Expo & Dinner celebrates the region’s DNA – our manufacturing industry. Our history in the industry is robust, resilient, and brimming with pride. Our future looks just as bright – with more innovation, creation and dedication to the craft. Celebrate both our region’s manufacturing history as well as our future at our Expo & Dinner.

Expo  |  4-5:45pm  |  Exhibition Hall – Embassy Suites

Our Expo is a prime space for connection. Manufacturers are encouraged to exhibit to showcase their skills, new products, or collaboration opportunities. This Business-To-Business Expo is a great way to connect with fellow manufacturers while celebrating your craft. Those who support or service the manufacturing industry are also invited to exhibit.

The Expo is open to the public – no ticket is required.

Dinner  |  6-8pm  |  Ziok Ballroom – Embassy Suites

Our Celebration of Manufacturing Dinner will feature Keynote Speaker David Boulay, President, IMEC.

Keynote:

Global trends like Industry 4.0 and the workforce skills gap are rapidly changing the manufacturing landscape. This is happening while we are witnessing slower productivity growth in small and mid-sized manufacturers. Together, we will take a look at contributing factors leading to this change and best practices to help increase competitiveness and growth in productivity for manufacturers including accelerating technology adaption, identifying and implementing productivity improvements, and overcoming organizational growth barriers.

About David Boulay:

Dave’s leadership has developed from diverse settings that extend from a family-owned business, to manufacturing, universities and non-profits. These various experiences help guide IMEC’s public-private partnership’s strategic direction to serve as a catalyst for small and mid-sized company competitiveness.

Dave grew up in a family-owned business where he learned first-hand about the trial, challenges, and pride that he sees in the owners and leaders of companies IMEC works with today. He recognizes their situations, understands their challenges and has the tools and knowledge to help accomplish their goals. Dave has also had the good fortune to work in various manufacturing roles from food plant sanitation to maintenance supervision to production, plant manager and business unit manager in companies such as Frito-Lay and Pillsbury. Through these experiences, Dave learned how company success is reliant on the skills and talents of its’ workforce.

His Ph.D. included a primary focus on high performance work practices in small and mid-sized companies and career pathways for workers. He brings a diverse blend of expertise in performance management, small business development, and organizational growth strategies to IMEC. Dave has helped create and implement several initiatives to increase the flow of state and federal funding to manufacturers for projects, update worker skills, and help smaller manufacturers adopt new technology and business practices and to improve energy efficiency.

Dinner Registration required. Individual registrations & tables available!

Pricing

COVID-19 Information

The health and safety of our community is our first priority. All events will follow health and wellness guidelines set forth by the local health department and state government.

At this time, all guests must wear a face covering when not eating or drinking. Anyone who is ill, has a fever, has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or is showing symptoms is asked to please not attend.

Contact: The Rockford Chamber of Commerce