AMT Announces Agenda for The MFG Meeting 2026: Focus on Intelligent Manufacturing and Economic Forecasts

Manufacturing technology executives will convene in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this upcoming March for The MFG Meeting 2026. Organized by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the annual event is scheduled for March 10-12, 2026, and will focus on the convergence of technology trends, rapid product evolution, and strategies for modern manufacturing adaptation.

The 2026 gathering aims to provide a platform for networking and peer-to-peer engagement while addressing critical shifts in the industrial landscape. The agenda features a roster of industry experts covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial connectivity to economic forecasting and national security.

Key Speakers and Strategic Insights

The program is headlined by Kaihan Krippendorff, founder of Outthinker. Krippendorff is scheduled to present "The Proximity Revolution: Competition, Collaboration, and Creation in the Age of Intelligent Manufacturing." His session will examine the factors reshaping competitive advantages in the sector and the push for manufacturing technology providers to develop integrated solutions.

To address financial planning and market analysis, Connor Lokar, senior forecaster at ITR Economics, will provide an outlook for 2026 and early 2027. Lokar’s presentation will analyze leading indicators, industrial production trends, and sector-specific risks to assist business leaders in navigating the current business cycle.

Innovation and Industrial Connectivity

The conference will also cover technical advancements in industrial operations. Douglas Woods, president of AMT, will speak on "Bridging the Physical and the Digital: MTConnect, USD, and the Future of Industrial AI," outlining the future trajectory of industrial connectivity.

Additional notable sessions include:

A Fireside Chat on Leadership: Featuring Veronica Daigle (President, Red Cell’s National Security Practice) and Brennan Grignon (CEO, Vantive AI). Drawing on experience from the U.S. Department of Defense, they will discuss the intersection of national security, technology, and manufacturing innovation.
Advanced Manufacturing Keynote: Julie Lenzer, chief innovation officer at the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, will address industrial competitiveness and innovation.

The MFG Meeting is designed specifically for manufacturing technology executives seeking strategic insight into the changing market. Registration for the March 2026 event is currently open.