Agenda

*ALL TIMES IN EST*

The Brain Science Behind Achievement 

Facilitated by Joe Roberts, Keynote Speaker

Room Location: Emerald A/B

Facilitated by Joe Roberts, inspirational keynote speaker and four-time author, this powerful, hands-on workshop will equip emerging leadership with the same systems and brain science leveraged by Roberts to walk across North America during the Push for Change campaign.

Kick-off AMBA Conference 2025 with Topical Rounds, returning roundtable discussions where attendees will choose from topics related to U.S. mold manufacturing operations and discuss related challenges, best practices and new technologies with peers.

Topics

• Financial Performance Strategies 
• Best Practices in Cybersecurity Measures 
• Retention Strategies in the Workforce 
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives 

All sponsors are invited to join AMBA staff for an update on the current state of the AMBA, along with expectations and opportunities available to partners.

Join attendees for a welcome reception at the conference location.

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

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Troy Nix is the executive director of the AMBA and serves as the master of ceremonies for AMBA Conference 2025. 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. 

Breakthrough Innovation: How to Unleash Your Hidden Ingenuity

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom 

The manufacturing industry lives on innovation and ingenuity; but what about those who don’t consider themselves "the creative ones?" During this inspiring keynote, attendees will learn how EVERYONE can unleash their hidden ingenuity. 

Opportunity in Uncertainty: Navigating Changes in Today’s Global Supply Chain

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

In his first few months in office, President Trump has shaken supply chains around the world and has begun creating opportunity for American manufacturers. During this presentation, Omar Nashashibi, founder of AMBA’s lobbying partner Inside Beltway in Washington. D.C, will report on how the tariff actions and trade negotiations the White House is undertaking impacts U.S. mold manufacturers.

Guidance for the (Legally Compliant) Deployment of AI Tools

Presenters:  Kris Chandler, Benesh

Room Location: TBD

Point-of-Entry Opportunities - EDM and Aerospace

Presenters: Ed Balleck, EDMToday

Room Location: TBD

Optimizing Lead Generation for the Modern Sales Era

Presenter: Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development

Room Location: TBD

Lunch and Learn*  - Unleashing Your Hidden Ingenuity

Presented by Bill Stainton

Room location: Imperial Ballroom

In this roll-up-your-sleeves, hands-on session, attendees will take the techniques and ideas presented during Bill Stainton’s keynote and apply them directly to their business! Together, attendees will explore strategies to identify and tackle their biggest challenges. 

*This is a ticket-only event.

Networking Lunch and Emerging Leader Connections (Networking Lunch Only)

Room location: Pantlind Ballroom

Join other industry professionals for conversation and sharing over lunch. During the Networking Lunch, AMBA's Emerging Leaders will have the opportunity to engage and connect with other up-and-coming professionals. Designated seating will be reserved for those professionals looking to learn from one another.

How to Maximize the Value of Your Business (and Why it Matters)

Presenter: Sean LaFortune, Wipfli

Room Location: TBD

Breaking through the Noise: AI Tools for Improved Process and Marketing Efficiency

Presenter: Shelly Otenbaker, WayPoint Marketing Communications

Room Location: TBD

The Automation Curve - Valuable Processes for the Shop Floor

Presenter: Jake Roher, Wipfli

Room Location: TBD

Continuous Improvement Strategies at Work - Metrics & More 

Presenters: Julie Lavanway and Baylee Boyer, Hanson International, and Kimberly Wojtkowiak, Crescent Industries

Room Location: TBD

Preparing for Economic Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 and Beyond

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

2025 and beyond will present opportunities, as well as challenges, to U.S. mold manufacturing executives. During this session, Michael Fuez, ITR Economics, will discuss the timing and actions necessary to navigate the twin challenges of inflation and interest rates as the U.S. mold building industry prepares for what’s coming this year and beyond.  

Breaking Through Adversity – the Power of Purpose and Possibility 

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

In this impactful keynote, Joe Roberts, leadership coach, motivational speaker and author, takes his audience through a journey on how to build the resiliency needed to succeed in the face of adversity and change.  

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

During this awards celebration, AMBA will honor the 2025 Mold Builder of the Year and the 2025 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year, sponsored by Progressive Components. Additionally, AMBA will celebrate the winner of the  Rising Star Award, returning this year.

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

Room Locations

• Owners, Presidents and CEO's: TBD
• Sales and Marketing: TBD
• Operations: TBD
• Workforce Development: TBD

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

During this panel discussion, AMBA members will discuss how they balance the necessity of workforce growth and new employee training with the challenges that new, unseasoned employees pose to executives’ ability to run their companies efficiently and profitably.