Programming for AMBA Conference 2026 is in progress. All topics and presenters are subject to change.
Inside High Performance: Human Dynamics that Drive Results
Mike Lee, Keynote Speaker
In this immersive two-hour workshop, Mike Lee will help participants uncover the human dynamics that fuel stronger connections, deeper engagement and more impactful leadership across teams and organizations. Drawing on cutting-edge insights from human behavior and performance science, he equips attendees with practical frameworks to handle stress more skillfully and make decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, attendees will leave the workshop with the tools to elevate personal effectiveness, enhance team dynamics and sustain high performance over time.
From Potential Leads to Profitable Sales - The Power of Discovery
Keith Bradt, Kallen Sales Development
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. Through a practical “Green, Yellow, Red” framework, session participants will better understand how to examine leads and assess alignment, risk and strategic fit. Attendees will leave the session with a structured, repeatable discovery framework that will help protect pipeline quality, improve win rates and help them move from a transactional selling strategy to a focus on forming long-term, strategic partnerships.
Nice Bike: Creating Authentic Connections
Mark Scharenbroich, Keynote Speaker
Mix thousands and thousands of black leather, bandana-wearing, tattoo-bearing Harley-Davidson riders with a 100th Anniversary and one beige rental car and the end result will be the perfect metaphor for connecting with others: “Nice Bike.” Nice Bike acts as a powerful catalyst to help build stronger, more unified teams. The message inspires audience members to be more engaged and passionate about connecting with others through three strong actions: acknowledge, honor and connect.
Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty
Mike Lee, Keynote Speaker
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. Drawing on elite performance mindsets, neuroscience and his own journey through adversity, he shows how cultivating presence unlocks better decision-making, deeper connection and sustained performance under pressure. Audience members will walk away with tools to strengthen their resilience in the face of uncertainty, increase self-awareness, enhance team performance and transform how they show up as leaders, teammates and change-makers.
Conference Kick-Off
Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director
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. 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 Latest in Washington: The White House, Congress and AMBA
Omar Nashashibi, Inside the Beltway Solutions
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.
AI on the Shop Floor – The New Era of Workforce Efficiency
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.
Join AMBA members as they discuss shifting their focus to the new technologies on the horizon – most particularly, artificial intelligence platforms, tools and resources. Panelists will discuss the ways in which these technologies can be leveraged on the shop floor to reduce reliance on trained labor, document tribal knowledge and drive shop-wide efficiencies.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS - BUSINESS STRATEGIES
Topics and Presenters - Coming Soon!
BREAKOUT SESSIONS - TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
Topics and Presenters - Coming Soon!
Topic TBD
(Cost: $65/attendee)
Room Location: Imperial Ballroom
Peer Networking Exchanges
Room Locations: TBD
Attendees will have the chance to discuss challenges and solutions with functional area peers during these roundtable discussions.