Agenda

*ALL TIMES IN EST*

Assertiveness Skills for Managers and Supervisors

Facilitated by Kelly McDaniel, President, DeLisaGroup

Room Location: Emerald A/B

During this interactive workshop, emerging AMBA professionals will join their peers to tackle strategies related to the toughest of supervisory problems: coaching others for accountability and meeting team member needs, even in relationships where they don’t have authority. 

Kick-off AMBA Conference 2024 with Topical Rounds, a new, 75-minute session where attendees will choose from topics related to U.S. mold manufacturing operations and discuss related challenges, best practices and new technologies with peers.

Room Locations

• Workforce Management and Employee Retention Strategies: Kendall
• Profitability and Financial Structures: Haldane
• Customer Acquisition and Sales Strategies: Grand View A/B
• Operations Strategies: Berkey

Join attendees for a welcome reception at the conference location.

Room location: Pantlind Ballroom

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

Room location: Vandenburg

Executives and management professionals will have the opportunity to grab a to-go breakfast and join Mike Devereux, Wipfli, LLP, and Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, to discuss trending topics relevant to the U.S. mold manufacturing industry.

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Troy Nix is the executive director of the AMBA and serves as the master of ceremonies for AMBA Conference 2024. 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. This year’s message will focus on Nix’s personal life experiences and the best practices that can power personal and professional growth. Nix’s tag line “America Is What America Makes” is an essential ideal that motivates those attending the conference to strive for excellence.

The Promise

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom 

In a world where consumer expectations are at an all-time high and online reviews can make or break a reputation, organizations are eager to learn how they can improve the customer experience and attract new business. 

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Every presidential election year brings with it uncertainty over the direction Washington will take regarding policy that will affect U.S. manufacturers. AMBA’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C., Omar S. Nashashibi, will address this uncertainty through a timely update on the state of tariffs on China, the ways in which elections are already impacting tax policy and whether the outcomes of November 2024 will prompt a change in direction for regulators.  

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Join Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director, as he moderates a panel with AMBA's lobbyist, Omar Nashashibi with the Franklin Partnership, LLC, and Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc., on the conversations they're having with government officials on downstream supply base readiness and the implications for U.S. mold builders.

Are You Protected? Managing Cyber Risk in Today’s Digital Age

Presenters:  Aldi Dushku, Federated Insurance, Thomas Symons, Paragon D&E

Room Location: Berkey

Practical Preparation for Automation in the Tooling Industry

Presenters: Ed and Roger Bassous, R.E.R. Software

Room Location: Haldane

Preparing for an Economic Slowdown

Presenter: Todd Rammler, Michigan CFO and Troy Roberts, Tolerance Tool, LLC

Room Location: Grand View A/B

Solutions to Toolmaking Labor Shortages: Metal 3D Printing for Tooling Automation

Presenter: Ethan Rejto, Mantle 3D

Room Location: Kendall

Lunch and Learn - Discovering Your Signature Move (Optional)

Room location: Imperial Ballroom

During this deep-dive session, Jason Hewlett will explore the ways in which leaders and team members can discover their individuality and contribute to the customer experience through the development of their “signature move.” This is a ticket-only event.

Networking Lunch and Meet the Mentor for AMBA's Emerging Leaders (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 industry mentors and other up-and-coming professionals during the Thursday Networking Lunch. Designated seating will be reserved for those professionals looking to learn from one another and connect.

Automating the Sales Process for Greater Business Efficiency

Presenter: Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development

Room Location: Haldane

It's Not All about the Money - Strategies to Keep Your People

Panelists: Matt Walters, Dynamic Group, Baylee Boyer, Hanson International and Todd Steging, Prestige Mold

Room Location: Grand View A/B

Marketing in 2024: Making Your Website Work for You 

Jimmy Renallo, Creative Technology Corporation

Room Location: Kendall

Strategies for Developing a High-Performing Team

Presenter: Matt Lesser, Uniquely Normal

Room Location: Berkey

Room location: Ambassador Ballroom

Join Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director, and Troy Roberts, Tolerance Tool, as they explore how AMBA members can utilize the ITR Economics Program (AMBA’s newest members-only resource) to forecast industry conditions and improve business stability.

“No Excuses” Break Through Fear and Adversity to Play a Bigger Game in Business and Life

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

Fear and adversity – and how they are addressed – often make the difference between those that are truly successful and those that are not. These challenges are faced each and every day, professionally and personally; however, only a select few know how to overcome them.  

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

During this awards dinner and presentation, AMBA will honor the 2024 Mold Builder of the Year and the 2024 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year, sponsored by Progressive Components. Additionally, AMBA will celebrate the winner of the inaugural Rising Star Award.

Attendees will have the chance to grab breakfast to-go on their way to peer group interactions, which will focus on topics unique to their job functions in their specific groups.  

Room Locations

• Owners, Presidents and CEO's: Grand View A/B
• Sales and Marketing: Haldane
• Operations: Berkey
• Workforce Development: Kendall

Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom

AMBA members will take the stage on the final day of AMBA Conference 2024 to share the lessons they’ve learned as both mentees and mentors. 

Join AMBA members for a local plant tour at Byrne Tool + Design following AMBA Conference 2024.* This is a ticket-only event. Sponsored by Boride Engineered Abrasives, Crystallume, Progressive Components and Wipfli.