What Are We Looking For?
The Manufacturing Institute’s 2025 Workforce Summit will spotlight innovative, employer-led workforce solutions that address the industry’s most pressing challenges. We are seeking proposals for breakout sessions that showcase proven strategies, such as:
- Upskilling programs and frontline leadership training models
- Cutting-edge training approaches for new technology adoption
- Creative recruitment strategies and skills-based hiring
- Impactful community partnerships for recruitment, training, and retention
- Building strong workplace culture
Who Should Apply?
Manufacturing team members, workforce development professionals, education and training providers, philanthropy leaders, government officials, and community-based organizations should consider applying. Submissions must feature employer-driven workforce solutions – sales presentations will not be accepted.
A limited number of breakout sessions will be available for sponsorship by vendors or service providers. If you are interested in learning about opportunities to sponsor this event, please contact Rachael Scheffler, Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, at [email protected].
Session Length and Format
All breakout sessions are strongly encouraged to be 60 minutes in length, with a minimum of 45 minutes, and will take place on October 21st or 22nd. Sessions should include time for audience Q&A.
To ensure a dynamic and engaging agenda, the 2025 Workforce Summit will feature an Indicator System to help attendees identify and attend based on the level of expertise and engagement for each session. Speakers are encouraged to carefully consider the breadth and depth of their topic. Before submitting your proposal, it is essential to clearly define the session’s complexity and target audience, ensuring a well-rounded mix of foundational, practical, and expert-level insights that deliver meaningful value to all attendees.
Each session will be categorized using an icon on the agenda to indicate the expected level of knowledge and involvement:
- Level One – Foundational: Introductory concepts and essential insights for those beginning their journey in workforce development or new to the Manufacturing Institutes’ initiatives.
- Level Two – Practical: Actionable strategies, real-world applications, and proven case studies for professionals with some experience in workforce initiatives.
- Level Three – Advanced: Strategic discussions designed for seasoned industry leaders. Deep dives into workforce challenges, data-driven insights and proven models for experienced industry professionals.
Speaker Benefits
- Discounted Summit Access – Enjoy full access to the Workforce Summit at a significantly reduced rate.
- Visibility & Recognition – Your name, company, and session details will be featured on the conference website, newsletters and social media.
- Customizable Social Media Graphics – Gain access to branded speaker graphics to promote your participation on your own platforms.
- Industry Leadership Spotlight – Showcase your organization’s expertise and workforce development successes by sharing best practices with industry leaders.
Evaluation Process
All submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Clarity & Quality – Is the proposal well-structured, clearly written, and compelling?
- Relevance – Does the topic address pressing workforce development challenges faced by manufacturers?
- Practical Application – Can other manufacturers and communities replicate or adapt the strategies presented?
- Speaker Expertise – Does the speaker have the experience and qualifications to provide valuable insights?
- Alignment with Conference Theme – Does the session connect to ‘Manufacturing America’s Talent’?
Unique and Relevant Topics
Real-World Challenges and Solutions
Collaboration and Partnership-Building in Real‑Time
Current and Future-Looking Strategies
One of a Kind
