The Manufacturing Exchange

Manufacturing is at a crossroads. From supply chain volatility to workforce shortages and complex handoffs from engineering to production, the gaps are widening and the need for bold solutions has never been greater.

Join us for a half-day workshop designed to equip you with forward-thinking strategies from four of our industry’s most influential voices. Get a rare inside look at one of the Midwest’s most advanced manufacturing facilities. You’ll see how Fathom’s engineering-first, white-glove approach transforms the contract manufacturing experience.

We’ve designed this event to bring together the best and brightest minds in manufacturing, intimate small-group discussions on key topics, a unique facility tour and networking opportunities – all in a knowledge-filled, half-day package. The Manufacturing Exchange offers a wealth of value to anyone who is committed to making a difference in manufacturing.

3:00 – 4:30 PM – Facility tours and breakout sessions
4:30 – 5:30 PM – Panel discussion on the main stage, ice cold beer and hors d’oeuvres
5:30 – 6:00 PM – Networking and wrap-up

Here’s what we’ve prepared for you:

Breakout Sessions //Participate in discussions about key topics like talent and recruitment and sourcing and supply chain challenges. Exchange ideas and experiences with our experts and your peers in relaxed, small group settings.

Panel Discussion // This session will be hosted by leading voices in the manufacturing industry and will feature executives from leading Milwaukee manufacturers. It will also be a live recording of Chris Luecke’s Manufacturing Happy Hour.

Facility Tour // Did you know that Fathom offers more manufacturing technologies than any other U.S. contract manufacturer? This isn’t your typical factory tour. It’s a rare opportunity to see parts at each stage of their production journey and learn from the people who make them. Don’t miss it!

Networking // Grab an ice-cold beer and some delectable Milwaukee treats and network with your peers and our special guests. It’s another awesome opportunity to share ideas and experiences.

FACILITATORS: Chris Luecke and Jake Hall

As the global manufacturing environment becomes increasingly volatile, new strategies are needed to navigate it successfully. The ideas discussed in this breakout will help you achieve smoother sailing with your overseas manufacturing projects.

• OEM and supplier collaboration
• De-risking sourcing
• Reshoring
• Tariffs

FACILITATORS: Jim Mayer and Meaghan Ziemba

Older workers are retiring. Young people are avoiding manufacturing as a career. During this breakout, you’ll learn about strategies that are working to help close the manufacturing employment gap.

• Attracting youth to manufacturing
• AI technology
• Culture
• The future workforce

LIVE MANUFACTURING HAPPY HOUR PODCAST WITH: Chris Luecke and special guests

Our diverse panel of experts will explore the many gaps that are challenging our industry today:

• The loss of engineering talent to downsizing
• Attracting young people to manufacturing
• Gaps in technology adoption that limit growth opportunities
• Gaps in supply chain resilience
• Strategy gaps that prevent companies from competing effectively
• And more

Our panelists include leading voices in the Milwaukee manufacturing space and all four of our industry experts. You’ll take away ideas and strategies you can use to attack these challenges head-on.

BONUS: You’ll be part of a live taping of Chris Luecke’s Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast. You’ll also get to enjoy cold beer and tasty hors d’oeuvres during our Manufacturing Exchange happy hour!

During a guided tour of our Hartland facility, you’ll stop at eight workstations, where you’ll explore cutting-edge processes, from additive manufacturing and CNC machining to finishing and assembly. They will be explained by the experts who run them every day.

You’ll also have a unique opportunity to follow the journey of real-life parts from concept to completion, giving you a deeper understanding of the end-to-end processes we manage at our flagship manufacturing facility.

• Learn how engineering expertise helps our customers bridge the gap between design intent and production reality
• Experience our comprehensive design-to-production process in action
• Gain practical engineering insights into manufacturing and finishing processes

You’ll leave this workshop energized with ideas and strategies you can use to make a difference in your manufacturing environment, including:

• Fresh insights into the forces and trends redefining manufacturing
• New options for flexible sourcing in an uncertain global environment
• An expanded understanding of the design-to-production process and how to streamline it
• New connections with peers who share your challenges and vision

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to arm yourself with knowledge and ideas that can help you mitigate the challenges you face and uncover new opportunities for growth.