2026 Agenda

NEW THIS YEAR: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS

*ALL TIMES IN EST*

Inside High Performance - Human Dynamics that Drive Results 

Facilitated by Mike Lee, Keynote Speaker

Room Location: Governors

Drawing on cutting-edge insights from human behavior and performance science, Mike Lee will equip attendees with practical frameworks to handle stress more skillfully and make decisions with greater clarity and confidence. 

From Potential Leads to Profitable Sales - The Power of Discovery

Facilitated by Keith Bradt, Kallan Sales Development

Room Location: Vandenberg A/B 

Join AMBA sales and marketing professionals for an in-depth, two-hour workshop on how a strategic sales approach can transform potential leads into bottom-line profit. Attendees will explore the key qualification fundamentals that can help sales teams better evaluate business opportunities. 

Join attendees for a welcome reception and supplier trade fair at the conference location in the Center Concourse. Attendees also will have an opportunity to participate in the third annual Sponsor Exposé with conference exhibitors. 

All attendees will have the opportunity to engage with their peers during AMBA's returning "Business over Breakfast" connection opportunities. Room Location: Pantlind Ballroom.

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Troy Nix is the executive director of the AMBA and serves as the emcee for AMBA Conference 2026. Known for his spirit, enthusiasm and belief in American manufacturing, Nix delivers an opening address that never fails to spark emotion in each attendee’s inner core. 

Nice Bike: Creating Authentic Connections  

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom 

Mark Scharenbroich, known for his "Nice Bike" message, inspires audience members to be more engaged and passionate about connecting with others through three strong actions: acknowledge, honor and connect.

The Latest in Washington: The White House, Congress and AMBA

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

In this session, Omar S. Nashashibi, Inside the Beltway Solutions, LLC, will update the AMBA on the latest with tariffs on molds and other products made of steel, the impact of the Supreme Court’s review of the global reciprocal tariffs, trade discussions with Mexico over Chinese transshipments in North America, and the latest legislative and regulatory developments.

Build the Team, Power the Future: Talent in Action

Presenters: Matt Walters, Dynamic Group; Andy Janik, Sullivan Tool

Room Location: Governors 

From Data to Dollars: Turning Real-Time Insights into Margin Growth

Presenters: Mike Devereux, Wipfli; Jason Sandhu, Elba Tool

Room Location: Vandenberg A/B 

Calibrating Your Culture for the AI Coworker 

Presenters: Vince Sassano, Strategic Performance Company; Marion Wells, Human Asset Management

Room Location: Emerald A/B 

Networking Lunch and Emerging Leader Connections (Networking Lunch Only)

Room location: Pantlind Ballroom

Join other industry professionals for conversation and sharing over lunch. 

Lunch and Learn* 

The Leader’s Advantage: Building a Culture of Connection

Presenter: Mark Scharenbroich

Room location: Imperial Ballroom

The best leaders don’t just manage processes—they build relationships. In this engaging luncheon presentation, Emmy Award-winning speaker and author of Nice Bike – Making Meaningful Connections on the Road of Life, Mark Scharenbroich, shares stories and insights on how great leaders create cultures where people feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

*This is a ticket-only event.

From Quote to Cut - Real-World AI Applications in Mold Shops

Presenter: Ralph Picko, Cimatron; Steve Michon, Zero Tolerance; Evan Michon, Zero Tolerance

Room Location: Governors 

Scaling with AI: Building Durable, Data-Driven Organizations

Presenter: Derek Moeller, CognitionWorks

Room Location: Vandenberg A/B 

A Birds Eye View of the Automation Journey

Presenter: Michael Thiessen, Tebis

Room Location: Emerald A/B

Breakout Discussion: Sales and Marketing - Technology Investment, Implementation and ROI

Room Location: Pearl

Peak Performance in an Age of Distraction

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

In today's "do more with less", hustle-and-grind culture, attention spans are at an all-time low when focus has never been more paramount. This creates the biggest barrier to sustaining peak performance, and creates a constant battleground in one's mind for the present moment.

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

During this awards celebration, AMBA will honor the 2026 Mold Builder of the Year and the 2026 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year, sponsored by Progressive Components. Additionally, AMBA will celebrate the third annual winner of the Rising Star of the Year award, sponsored by INCOE. 

Room location: Center Concourse

Join attendees and the winners of the AMBA Mold Builder of the Year Award, Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award in the Center Concourse for an Awards Reception at the conclusion of the Awards Celebration.

Attendees will have the chance to discuss challenges and solutions with functional area peers during these roundtable discussions.

Funcational Areas and Room Locations (TBD)

• Owners, Presidents and CEO's (Room Location: Vandenberg A)
• Sales and Marketing (Room Location: Vandenberg B)
• Operations (Room Location: Emerald A)
• Workforce Development (Room Location: Emerald B)

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

Moderator: Christina Fuges, MoldMaking Technology 

Panelists:  Tucker Stolberg, Tolerance Tool; Marion Wells, Human Asset Management; Vince Sassano, Strategic Performance Company

AI is everywhere - but just because it’s easily accessible doesn’t mean that manufacturers are ready for its implementation. During this panel session, AMBA members and industry suppliers will answer the question, “What does it actually take to be ready?”