Assertiveness Skills for Managers and Supervisors
Facilitated by Kelly McDaniel, President, DeLisaGroup
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. This three-hour session will include a panel of seasoned mold manufacturing executives, who will share their personal leadership experiences, management strategies, best practices learned and the bottom-line impact of thoughtful learning and leadership.
Topics to be covered will include:
The Promise
Jason Hewlett
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. According to Jason Hewlett, the answer lies with igniting the “inner icon” in each team member, showing them the very real value in defining and developing their “signature service moves,” raising their commitment and showcasing their promise for legendary people skills. With humor, heart and absolute clarity, Hewlett brings the legends of stage, music and comedy to life so that leaders and teams can discover their own signature moves and redefine their promise and commitment to their companies and customers alike.
“No Excuses” Break Through Fear and Adversity to Play a Bigger Game in Business and Life
David Atkins
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. Through vision, mindset and a sense of urgency, motivational speaker David Atkins inspires audiences to join ‘the few’ as he coaches attendees on how to break through these barriers with the P3 Framework - a model that speaks to the inner core. Audience members will leave the session equipped with the tools necessary to face their fears head-on and energized with a “no excuses” mindset to accomplish their goals.
Conference Kick-Off
Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director
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 the role that continual improvement plays in becoming a better leader, a better manager and better organizational contributor. Join Nix as he highlights the best practices in powering 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.
Navigating the 2024 November Election – Tax Policy, Tariffs and More
Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership
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. Attendees of this session will receive exclusive insight into the anticipated state of R&D and business tax rates, tariffs on imports, developments at OSHA and how companies can plan around possible election scenarios. This is a must-attend session that will help U.S. mold manufacturing executives navigate the uncertainty and provide direct access to a Washington insider.
A Fireside Chat - Washington and the U.S. Industrial Base
Moderator: Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director
Panelists: Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC and Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc.
The Defense Department, U.S. Congress and even the White House are raising alarm over the preparedness of the American defense and commercial industrial base as geopolitical tensions increase. Join AMBA’s Troy Nix as he moderates a panel with Laurie Harbour of Harbour Results, Inc. and AMBA’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C., Omar S. Nashashibi with The Franklin Partnership, LLC, about conversations they are having with government officials on downstream supply base readiness and what AMBA members can do to help meet the growing need for the U.S. to increase domestic sourcing.
ITR Economics – Practical Application of Data
Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director and Troy Roberts, Tolerance Tool, LLC
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. Nix and Roberts will identify how the individual aspects of these quarterly economic reports – such as business cycles for key industry sectors and a Rate-of-Change model – can be leveraged in real-life scenarios by executives and managements teams to impact operations and profitability.
General Session: Lessons in Mentorship
Moderator: Christina Fuges, Moldmaking Technology
Panelists: Camille Sackett, Accede Mold and Tool; John Berg, Dynamic Tool Corp.; Scott Smith, Tessy Tooling; Hillary Thomas, Westminster Tool
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. Their insights and experiences will shed light on how mentorship "as an attitude" plays a role in both personal and professional development, as well as the larger role it plays in the industry’s progression and workforce development efforts.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Are You Protected? Managing Cyber Risk in Today’s Digital Age
Presenters: Jon Benedict, Federated Insurance, and Thomas Symons, Paragon D&E
Cyber-crime is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic exposures in business today. Hardly a day goes by that a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to hackers doesn’t occur. Join Jonathon Benedict, Federated Insurance, as he reviews several layers of risk management that will help reduce a potential exposure for any size mold manufacturer, as well as coverage options available to transfer the risk to an insurance carrier. Thomas Symons, IT director, Paragon D&E, will follow Benedict with a detailed overview of how his organization has implemented risk mitigation policies, procedures and controls company-wide, while utilizing its cybersecurity program as an asset to attract and retain business.
Practical Preparation for Automation in the Tooling Industry
Presenters: Ed and Roger Bassous, R.E.R. Software
Although many associate automation with expensive technology, lengthy training and equipment installations, the success of automation implementation ultimately resides with a company-wide focus on continuous improvement and developing effective processes. Join Ed and Roger Bassous, R.E.R. Software, as they demonstrate how small, practical adjustments and improvements can prepare mold manufacturers for larger automation implementation, while significantly improving operational efficiencies across multiple departments. During this presentation, attendees will hear supporting examples of process improvements that can be put into action immediately, specifically within the areas of moldmaking, engineering, machining and more.
Preparing for an Economic Slowdown
Presenter: Todd Rammler, Michigan CFO and Troy Roberts, LLC
While economists are lightening up on predictions of a recession in 2024, there is still plenty of uncertainty, particularly due to the lingering effects of inflation and the arrival of an election year. Whether it’s the general economy, or an unexpected slowdown in a specific area of business, preparation and decisiveness can help minimize the financial impact.
In this session, Todd Rammler with Michigan CFO Associates will address the following topics to help owners, executives and management teams prepare to survive and thrive when the unexpected happens:
Rammler will be joined by Troy Roberts, Tolerance Tool, LLC , who will share his own experiences in managing issues presented during difficult economic conditions.
Solutions to Toolmaking Labor Shortages: Metal 3D Printing for Tooling Automation
Presenter: Ethan Rejto, Mantle 3D
As the highest percentage of OEMs look to reshore manufacturing in 18 years, demand for domestic tooling continues to increase, even as the toolmakers themselves navigate significant labor shortages. This is why U.S. mold manufacturers embracing technology to expand capacity and resolve their labor challenges are thriving and securing their future. Join Ethan Rejto, Mantle 3D, as he delves into how the current labor shortage and other industry-specific challenges can be mitigated through the use and application of metal 3D printing technologies. Rejto will highlight detailed case studies comparing toolmaking with metal 3D printing to traditional processes, with an emphasis on the number of steps and active labor hours involved.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Automating the Sales Process for Greater Business Efficiency
Presented by Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development
According to a McKinsey study from 2020, more than 30% of sales activities can be automated to improve efficiency and effectiveness. With the advancements in available technologies since then, that could not be more true today. To benefit from this emerging opportunity, sales organizations must rethink their technology platforms to ensure that sales teams and automation solutions work hand in hand. In this presentation, attendees will learn the fundamentals behind creating automated elements within their sales process and the importance of a structured sales enablement strategy that will drive adoption, reduce time to on-board new hires and increase overall team effectiveness to support revenue growth.
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
Today, employee retention is one of the biggest hurdles mold manufacturers face in the current business environment. As inflation raged and wage demands intensified over the last few years, the line between offering higher pay and letting people go has continued to blur for many employers. But for a few AMBA members, the deciding factor hasn’t been all about the cash. Join this panel of AMBA members as they discuss employee retention strategies that rely less on financially driven incentives and more on employee development, growth and opportunity.
High-Performing, Flourishing Culture: An Organization’s Greatest Competitive Advantage
Presented by Matt Lesser, Uniquely Normal
Organizational culture is one of the greatest competitive advantages that organizations can leverage to attract, keep, motivate and engage their teams; however, many organizations fail to make it a priority. The process of building organizational culture—especially healthy, high-performing, flourishing culture—requires intentional, purposeful planning, as well as process implementation and focused execution. Join Matt Lesser, founder and CEO, Uniquely Normal, as he unpacks how a simple tool and an hour of time can help build a cultural foundation the leads to high-performing teams.
Marketing in 2024: Making Your Website Work for You
Jimmy Renallo, Creative Technology Corporation owner and President
Manufacturers today are living in the fast-moving, digital world of 2024, which means that prospects are able to use the supercomputers in their pockets to look up a prospective vendor and that company’s offerings in a matter of seconds. Because first impressions are made even more quickly in today’s digital age, company websites have become one of the most pivotal digital marketing tools that can make or break a relationship with a potential client. Learn how to make this first impression as positive as it can be by joining Jimmy Renallo, Creative Technology Corporation, as he reviews how a company can improve its digital presence so that U.S. mold manufacturers can stand out amongst domestic and foreign competition.
Lunch and Learn – Discovering Your Signature Move (Cost: $65/attendee)
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.
Topical Rounds (Attendees Choose One of Four)
Kick off AMBA Conference 2024 with Topical Rounds, a new, 75-minute session where attendees will choose one of four topics related to U.S. mold manufacturing operations and discuss related challenges, best practices and new technologies with peers.
Profitability and Financial Structures
During this roundtable discussion, participants will dive into the nuances of job profitability and its relationship with financial structures. In a roundtable discussion format, attendees will discuss different ways to evaluate job profitability, share which methods of accounting they use to assess profitability and manufacturing variances throughout the job and examine how information is shared for the betterment of the organization. Mike Devereux, a CPA and partner with Wipfli, will facilitate, guide and contribute to the discussion.
People Management - A Tactical Deep Dive
People-related challenges are often the most costly and stressful aspect of business management. In this 75-minute topical round session, Matt Lesser, Founder and CEO, Uniquely Normal, will facilitate a deep dive into foundational pillars that leaders can leverage to solve organization-wide challenges. Through peer connection and an application of practical tools and proven methodologies, Lesser will lead attendees through table discussions designed to reflect on how organizational excellence, employee empowerment and empathetic perspectives can increase employee engagement, lower turnover and improve the bottom line.
Operations Strategies - ERP Systems and Automation Implementation
Implementing new systems, technologies and processes can be the primary roadblock to company progress. During this roundtable discussion, Ed and Roger Bassous, R.E.R. Software, will ask participants to share with one another recent examples of ERP/MES implementation, process improvements, new technology use and more. Attendees will walk away with examples of how other shops are becoming more competitive and a better understanding of how data and technology can be leveraged to advance their businesses.
Customer Acquisition and Sales Strategies
Acquiring new customer and meeting current customer demand continue to top the list of challenges for U.S. mold manufacturers in 2024. Attendees will share with one another the tactics their teams are utilizing to get their foot in the door and secure new business, domestic and abroad. Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development, will provide insight and guidance into the discussion on how sales teams and managers can take advantage of and convert new sales opportunities more efficiently and profitably.
Supplier Trade Fair and Networking Breaks
Browse the tabletops, meet with industry suppliers exhibiting at AMBA Conference 2024 and network with other conference attendees.
Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
This session is back by popular demand! Growing peer-to-peer networks is a primary component of AMBA Conference 2024. Attendees will have the chance to interact with peer groups during this session on topics that are unique to their job functions in their specific groups. Driven by past attendee feedback, these focused sessions have been highly requested and are expected to be one of the biggest hits of this year’s conference. They are a perfect way for professionals to find new ideas, expand their professional networks and explore new methods of improvement. Areas covered will be operations, owners/presidents/CEOs, sales and marketing and workforce development.
New this year - breakfast will be available to AMBA Conference 2024 attendees as a "grab-and-go" option during these peer exchanges.