Sponsorship

Annual STEP Ahead Awards Sponsorship Opportunities

Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Over the next decade, the manufacturing industry will need to fill millions of jobs. The companies that win won’t just be the ones that make the best products. They’ll be the ones that attract, retain and inspire the best people. 

That’s why the STEP Ahead Awards and Leadership Conference, hosted by the Manufacturing Institute, exists. Every year, we recognize more than 130 leaders, women and allies who are redefining what leadership in manufacturing looks like. These are the people who are innovating, mentoring, breaking barriers and transforming their companies from the inside out. They represent a variety of manufacturers, from small to large.  

But STEP Ahead isn’t just about recognition. It’s about changing the culture of manufacturing. To close the skills gap and stay competitive, we must make the industry a place where everyone can thrive. That means equipping women and allies to lead boldly, create workplaces where people feel valued and inspire the next generation to see manufacturing as a career worth pursuing.  

The STEP Ahead Leadership Conference hosted annually in Washington, D.C., brings together leaders from across the country to connect, share and learn from each other. It’s a catalyst for action. Participants leave with new tools, new networks and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue driving changes in their organizations and across the industry. The STEP Ahead Awards is the culminating event of the experience where the MI hosts over 800 guests who attend to recognize the outstanding contributions of women and allies, celebrating their achievements and inspiring others to follow their lead. Manufacturing executives from the C-Suite to key leaders throughout the organization attend along with industry leaders and other distinguished guests who convene for an evening recognizing the very best talent in manufacturing. 

When you invest in STEP Ahead, you’re investing in people; the leaders who will close the skills gap and build stronger companies. For explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Rachael Scheffler, Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, at [email protected]. 

Engagement Opportunities

STEP Ahead Ally | $50,000

  • One STEP Ahead Awards table (10 guests). 
  • Verbal, onstage recognition by MI leadership during the gala, plus acknowledgement in pre- and post-event published content.
  • Logo visibility on signage, event materials, electronic monitors, onstage screens, on your sponsored table and on the STEP Ahead Awards website. 
  • Recognition as a welcome reception co-host at the Leadership Conference, with the option to deliver brief remarks during the reception.  
  • One STEP Ahead Awards table (10 guests).  
  • Logo recognition onstage, on electronic displays, on your sponsored table and on the STEP Ahead Awards website. 

Friends of Rosie | $25,000

  • One STEP Ahead Awards table (10 guests).  
  • Logo recognition onstage, on electronic displays, on your sponsored table and on the STEP Ahead Awards website. 

Supporter | $15,000

  • One STEP Ahead Awards table (10 guests). 
  • Logo recognition on your sponsored table. 

A La Carte Sponsorship Options: 

Contact

For companies interested in sponsoring the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, please contact: