STEP Ahead strengthens the modern manufacturing workforce by supporting the workers leading the industry at every level – from the shop floor to the C-suite.
The STEP Ahead Awards recognize outstanding women and allies in manufacturing who are driving impact from the shop floor to the C-suite. These awardees serve as living proof of what’s possible in a manufacturing career. By celebrating their stories, we help reshape perceptions of the industry and showcase the wide array of talent that powers it.
The 2026 STEP Ahead Awards will take place in Washington, D.C.
Awardee Acceptance and Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
April 22-23, 2026: Leadership Program (Honorees, Emerging Leaders, Champions and Allies)
Salamander Washington, D.C.
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
April 23, 2026: Awards Gala
The Anthem
901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Awardee Resource
The 2026 Awardee Guide is your go to source for event information, including how to accept your award and what to anticipate at the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards.
Why STEP Ahead Exists
Manufacturers are facing a growing skills gap. STEP Ahead helps address this by shining a spotlight on the women and allies who are building strong teams and setting high standards of excellence across the industry. By celebrating role models and inspiring participants to pay it forward, STEP Ahead helps manufacturers:
- Strengthen retention of key talent
- Show future workers what success in manufacturing looks like
- Build a network of women and allies who shape strong, collaborative work environments
- Reinforce the value of peer support, mentorship and leadership at every level
About the STEP Ahead Awards
The STEP Ahead Awards honor exceptional individuals in manufacturing who lead by example and strengthen their workplaces. Each year, nearly a thousand nominations are submitted from across the country. From this highly competitive pool, just 100 Honorees, 30 Emerging Leaders and up to 15 Champions are recognized as standout leaders making a lasting impact.
Award recipients are invited to participate in a two-day leadership program before being celebrated at an evening gala alongside peers, family and colleagues. They also join a powerful network of more than 1,700 STEP Ahead alumni—leaders who are committed to paying it forward and inspiring the next generation.
2026 Awardee Agenda
- April 22-23, 2026: STEP Ahead Awards Leadership Program (for all Honorees, Emerging Leaders and Champions)
- April 23, 2026: STEP Ahead Awards Gala
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
11:15 am Registration Open | Ballroom Foyer
11:30 am Welcome Luncheon | Gallery Ballroom BC
12:30 pm The Power of Culture in Manufacturing | Grand Ballroom
1:00 pm Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Leadership | Grand Ballroom
2:00 pm Networking Break | Grand Foyer
2:30 pm Breakout Sessions
- Track A: Discover and Leverage Your Strengths| Gallery Ballroom A
Understanding what you naturally do best is the first step toward leading with confidence and authenticity. In this interactive session, you’ll work directly with your CliftonStrengths results to identify your top talents and learn how they influence your communication, collaboration and problem-solving. You’ll explore strategies to maximize your impact at work, leverage your strengths in team settings and confidently take on new opportunities. - Track B: EQ-i 2.0 | Grand Ballroom
Leadership starts with self-awareness. In this session, you’ll dive into your EQ-i 2.0 results to understand how your emotional intelligence shapes your interactions, decision-making and influence as a leader. You’ll explore your personal EQ profile, identify areas of strength and uncover opportunities for growth. Through interactive exercises and reflection, you’ll learn practical strategies to strengthen empathy, build stronger relationships and lead your team with clarity and confidence.
5:00 pm Mentorship | Grand Ballroom
5:00 pm Rosie Reports: Part I | Grand Ballroom
5:30 pm Welcome Reception and STEP Ahead Philanthropic Activity | Grand Foyer
6:30 pm Conclusion of Reception
Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:30 am Sunrise Yoga | Gallery Ballroom BC
6:30 am Morning Walk to the Jefferson Memorial | Meet in Salamander Lobby
8:00 am Networking Breakfast | Gallery Ballroom BC
8:30 am Paying it Forward | Grand Ballroom
9:30 am Confident Communication and Negotiation | Grand Ballroom
11:30 am Breakout Sessions
- Track A: Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Navigating Career Growth | Gallery Ballroom A
Everyone experiences self-doubt, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Learn how to reframe uncertainty, speak to your strengths and pursue advancement. - Track B: Leading Through Change and Uncertainty | Grand Ballroom
Gain tools for leading teams through transformation, technology adoption and market shifts. Learn how to communicate with transparency, sustain morale and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
12:15 pm Networking Lunch | Gallery Ballroom BC
1:00 pm Rosie Reports: Part II | Grand Ballroom
1:30 pm Executive Panel: The Ripple Effect of Support | Grand Ballroom
2:30 pm Closing | Grand Ballroom
3:00 pm Conclusion of Leadership Program
Awards Ceremony Programming
6:00 pm 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Gala | The Anthem
9:00 pm Conclusion of Awards Program
9:30 pm STEP Ahead Awards After Party | Salamander Washington D.C.
Hotel Information
The 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Awardees, as well as gala guests are welcome to stay at the Salamander Washington, D.C. We are pleased to share that hotel rooms for the special event are available at a discounted rate.
The discounted room rates are as follows:
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | Room rate $439 + tax
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | Room rate $439 + tax
- Thursday, April 23, 2026 | Room rate $439 + tax
The cut-off date for reservations at the negotiated 2026 STEP Ahead Awards rate is Monday, March 30, 2026; , however once the room block is filled (which may be before cut-off) room availability and group rate are not guaranteed.
To make your hotel arrangements at the Salamander in Washington, D.C. CLICK HERE, or call (877) 401-9818 and ask for the “2026 MI STEP Ahead Awards” group room rate. Registrants are responsible for making and cancelling their own hotel room reservations. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.
Hotel Cancellation Policy:
Reservations can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room revenue will be charged.
Hotel Information:
- Hotel Check-In: 4:00 PM
- Hotel Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Parking
The Salamander, Washington D.C. is the nearest hotel parking garage to the National Mall in Southwest D.C. Guests and non-guests of the hotel can enjoy all day parking in D.C. near the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and National Mall.
- Hotel valet parking is available for all guests 24-hours daily
- Guests may call for their vehicle at least 10 minutes prior to departure
- For more information on parking please call +1 (202) 787 6666.
Parking Rates:
- 0-2 hours ~ USD $44.00
- 2-8 hours ~ USD $56.00
- 8+ hours / daily and overnight parking ~ USD $79.00
Local Transportation Hubs:
Guests have convenient access to major transportation hubs including Ronald Reagan International Airport within a 12-minute drive, and Union Station within a 15-minute drive. Additionally, the local Washington, D.C. metro train stations are only blocks away, at the Smithsonian Station (2 blocks) and L’Enfant Plaza Station (3 blocks).
Health & Safety Information
Current CDC and local health guidelines will be followed and enforced, and the NAM/MI reserves the right to update health measures and attendance policies based on evolving health threats and guidance from Federal health agencies and local authorities. While we intend for the event to go forward as planned, the event may be impacted by future guidance from Federal and local authorities and protocols will be adjusted as warranted.
Vaccination Recommended
Full vaccination is recommended to attend the meeting, although proof of vaccination will not be required. All NAM/MI staff onsite are fully vaccinated.
Before Leaving Home
- Follow relevant guidance provided by the CDC (Center for Diseases Control).
- Adhere to government issued travel restrictions and guidance issued by the region you will be traveling to and the region you are traveling from.
- Stay at home if you feel sick and or if anyone in your household is sick.
On-site During the Event
- Adhere to guidance from local health authorities as implemented and shared by facility hosts.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- If you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms, please DO NOT attend sessions. Please let the STEP Ahead program host know.
Post-Event
Agree to notify the STEP Ahead program host at [email protected] if you test positive for COVID-19 up to 5 days after returning home for contact tracing purposes.
Secure Your 2026 Sponsorship Now!
Sponsorships for the leadership program and gala available: If you are interested in increasing your company presence at the STEP Ahead Awards, please contact Rachael Scheffler for opportunities at [email protected].
