May 12, 2026
NEW THIS YEAR: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
*ALL TIMES IN EST*
10am-6:30pm (Center Concourse): Registration Open
3-5pm: Interactive Workshop #1 - Leadership Development
Inside High Performance - Human Dynamics that Drive Results
Facilitated by Mike Lee, Keynote Speaker
Room Location: TBD
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.
3-5pm: Interactive Workshop #2 - Sales Strategy and Lead Generation
From Potential Leads to Profitable Sales - The Power of Discovery
Facilitated by Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development
Room Location: TBD
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.
5-6:30pm: Welcome Reception, Supplier Trade Fair and Sponsor Expose
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.
6:30pm: Day Concludes
May 13, 2026: Morning Sessions
6:30am: Registration Opens
7-8am: "Business over Breakfast" Connections
All attendees will have the opportunity to engage with their peers during AMBA's returning "Business over Breakfast" connection opportunities. Room Location: Pantlind Ballroom.
8-8:30am: Welcome Kick-Off, Troy Nix
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.
8:30-9:30am: Keynote, Mark Scharenbroich
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.
9:30-10am (Center Concourse): Supplier Trade Fair, Networking Break and Sponsor Exposé
10-10:50am: Omar Nashashibi, Inside the Beltway Solutions
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.
10:50-11:15am: AMBA Member Recognition (Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom)
11:30-12:20pm: Breakout Sessions - Business Strategies
Topics and Presenters - Coming Soon!
May 13, 2026: Afternoon sessions
12:30pm-1:30pm: Networking Lunch or Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn* - Details TBD
Mark Scharenbroich
Room location: Imperial Ballroom
*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, first-year AMBA conference attendees and other up-and-coming leaders will have the opportunity to engage and connect with seasoned manufacturing professionals and executives. Designated seating will be reserved for those professionals looking to connect with one another.
1:40-2:30pm: Breakout Sessions - Technology Trends
Topics and Presenters - Coming Soon!
2:30-3pm (Center Concourse): Supplier Trade Fair, Networking Break and Sponsor Exposé
3-4pm: Keynote, Mike Lee
Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty
Room location: Ambassador Ballroom
Mike Lee introduces leaders and teams to a practical perspective on what it takes to lead with clarity, courage and resilience in today’s fast-paced, constantly shifting world. Lee will draw on elite performance mindsets, neuroscience and his own journey through adversity to show how cultivating presence unlocks better decision-making, deeper connection and sustained performance under pressure.
4-4:45pm: Awards Celebration
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.
4:45-6:30pm: Awards Reception
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.
6:30pm: Day Concludes
May 14, 2026
7am: Registration Open
7:30-8:30 (Center Concourse): Networking Breakfast amongst Exhibitors
8:30-9:45am: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Discussions
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
- Sales and Marketing
- Operations
- Workforce Development
9:55-10:40am: AI on the Shop Floor – The New Era of Workforce Efficiency
Room Location: Ambassador Ballroom
Moderator: Christina Fuges, MoldMaking Technology
Panelists: TBD
In AMBA’s 2026 Business Forecast Report, respondents again pointed to workforce development as a top issue facing the industry; in fact, over half of this year’s participants identified it as the top frustration faced by their facility. A pervasive, year-over-year issue, this challenge remains stubbornly in place, seemingly with no solution in sight. However, the tides may be changing.