As the nature of work changes, new and evolving issues are impacting the well-being of organizations across the state. Overall employee engagement is at an all-time low. Factors that play a critical role such as stress, burnout, trust, employee wellbeing and leadership competency will be evaluated and discussed to assist in the optimization of communication, building trust, and enriching the employee experience. Kathleen Schulz of Gallagher will lead the discussion on best practices to avoid burnout and foster employee wellbeing.

Eroding margins and supply chain challenges are having significant impacts on the manufacturing industry — from mounting pricing pressure and operation shutdowns, to supply gaps and operational risks. Margins are seeing pressure from inflation, labor shortages and supply chain interruptions.  The key to ebbing potential supply chain threats, if not avoiding them altogether, is to consider supply chain management as a part of your business’s entire risk management plan. Whether your business is in the throes of a messy manufacturing and supply chain ordeal or worried about a future debacle, Rehmann’s Tom Shemanski will provide the ingredients to build out a strong plan that helps fight against supply chain shortages and de-escalate their effects.

When small to mid-sized manufacturers hear industry 4.0 for IIOT, data analytics and machine connectivity - the immediate hesitation is on the cost, manpower and the outsourcing of large amounts of resources to create a new path forward following the i4.0 potential. Bearex’s Thomas Jurasek & Andrew Gissal will share their insight on how to solve the gaps and inefficiencies often encountered when considering or implementing new technologies in this space. Their expertise has developed through extensive time on the shop floor and review of tried-and-true solutions available to industry professionals.

Competition for qualified employees is fiercer than ever. HR departments are overwhelmed and business leaders are frustrated they can’t find enough workers to get orders out the door. Companies need creativity and flexibility to attract the right type of employees. Join Revel’s Jason Piasecki to learn the secrets manufacturers are using to strengthen their brand to compete for talent and win in today’s ultra-competitive job market.

Get insights into the minds of today's workforce by taking a deep dive into data sourced directly from Michigan manufacturing employees. Sigred Solutions’ Mike Dergis reveals key findings and uncovers what drives today's post-pandemic workers. Employers will get a clearer understanding of what matters to their workforce and insightful tips for limiting the impact of “Quiet Quitting”, evasive employee engagement and retaining talent.

How can manufacturing professionals pivot from constantly reacting to the vanishing workforce? By understanding the why — Why employees are leaving. Why employees are choosing to stay. Once the why is understood, there is an increase in your chances of higher employee retention. Nathan Leaman of Frontline Training Solutions an Express Employment Professionals Company will offer tools to stop the constant reactionary cycle and detail 12 proven methods of successful employee retention and growth.

The key to your organization’s success is the willingness to change as processes and time dictate. In Michigan, industry leaders are aware that i4.0 is beneficial to the ongoing digital transformation taking place industrywide. Understanding these emerging manufacturing trends and the available technologies will create a competitive advantage for companies that have been open to the shift needed to unlock these new values. Automation Alley’s, Tom Kelly will showcase the benefits and needed organizational culture shifts required for future competitiveness and an organization positioned for success.

Businesses are finding themselves at a crossroads where a re-evaluation is needed for recruiting, retaining and engaging a dedicated workforce. The lingering effects of the pandemic and the increasingly competitive labor market have baffled businesses as to what is working market-wide and what needs to change. Join this manufacturing panel lead by Clayton & McKervey's, Bryan Powrozek to gain insight into how business must adapt to a shifting job market and what tools are needed to address recruiting, retaining and engaging talent.

Want to build a culture of excellence? It starts with the hardest role in manufacturing. Don’t miss this engaging session with DISHER’s Shawn O’Farrell as he shares why it is pivotal to provide your frontline leaders with the tools they need to succeed. Participants will learn key principles on how to enable their frontline leaders to improve through training, personal responsibility and a culture of continuous feedback.