Industrial Machine Trader is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Industrial Machine Trader is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology will host The MFG Meeting from March 10–12, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bringing together senior leaders from across the manufacturing technology ecosystem for strategic discussions and industry-focused insights.
Designed for executives involved in the production, distribution, service, and support of manufacturing technology, the event will focus on business trends, economic outlooks, and emerging technologies shaping the industry. The meeting will be held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.
Unlike traditional industry conferences, The MFG Meeting does not feature a trade show floor, product demonstrations, or parallel educational tracks. Instead, the three-day program centers on curated presentations from economists, industry experts, and thought leaders, along with structured opportunities for executive-level networking.
According to AMT, the goal is to provide manufacturing leaders with actionable intelligence to address current challenges, anticipate market shifts, and identify opportunities for long-term growth.
The 2026 agenda will address a range of topics affecting manufacturing technology, including artificial intelligence, automation, global trade, and economic conditions. Scheduled speakers include:
Kaihan Krippendorff, founder of Outthinker, who will deliver a keynote on digital transformation and the shift from equipment sales to outcome-based solutions using AI and data integration.
Connor Lokar, senior forecaster at ITR Economics, who will present an outlook for the U.S. economy covering 2026 and early 2027, with a focus on risk management and market cycles.
Julie Lenzer, chief innovation officer at the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, who will discuss opportunities and challenges in advanced biomanufacturing, a sector projected to expand as cell and gene therapies scale through manufacturing technologies.
The MFG Meeting is structured to encourage interaction among executive peers in a less formal environment. By hosting the event in a resort setting, AMT aims to foster deeper discussions and relationship-building outside of traditional conference settings.
Industry participants have cited the format as conducive to open dialogue and perspective-sharing on issues impacting U.S. manufacturing.
In keeping with its destination-based format, The MFG Meeting allows spouses and family members to attend. A guest program will be offered alongside the executive sessions, featuring activities that highlight the Fort Lauderdale area.
Planned events include a sightseeing cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s New River and an excursion to Las Olas Boulevard, known for its dining, retail, and cultural attractions. Resort amenities include beach access, a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and recreational facilities.