2026 STEP Ahead Awards Communications Toolkit
On March 9, the Manufacturing Institute will announce publicly the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Honorees, Emerging Leaders and Champions through a nationally distributed press release, on our social media channels and on our website.
Please join us in spreading the word on March 9. We kindly request you DO NOT publicly announce your Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion until after the nationally distributed press release on March 9.
To make it as easy as possible to join the conversation and celebrate your awardee’s success, this communications kit includes a sample press release, social graphics and social media copy to help prepare for the upcoming public announcement. Use the tools below to help us elevate and celebrate their accomplishments to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Key Dates
March 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. EST: Nationally distributed press release announcing the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Honorees, Emerging Leaders and Champions. Please DO NOT publish a press release prior to national distribution.
April 22–23, 2026: 2026 STEP Ahead Leadership Conference
April 23, 2026: STEP Ahead Awards Gala
Key Resources
Learn more about the STEP Ahead Awards here and the STEP Ahead initiative here.
Press Release
On March 9 at 9:30 a.m. EST, the Manufacturing Institute will distribute a press release nationwide that will also be published on our website and press page. We will also share it on our social media channels and encourage you to share it on your channels and with your networks.
If you wish to create your own press release, you may use this template. You may use the quote from Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead, even if you do not follow this template.
[COMPANY] EMPLOYEE(S) HONORED WITH 2026 STEP AHEAD AWARD FROM THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE
[CITY], March 9, 2026: The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced that [NAME(S) OF PERSON(S), TITLE] has been recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [HONOREE/EMERGING LEADER/CHAMPION]. [NAME] is/are among 145 recipients to be honored.
[QUOTE FROM COMPANY EXECUTIVE]
[SHORT BIO ABOUT HONREE/EMERGING LEADER/CHAMPION(S)]
[NAME] will be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026.
The STEP Ahead Awards are a key component of the MI’s STEP Ahead initiative, a leading program dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce through leadership development and recognition.
The STEP Ahead Awards shine a spotlight on the people powering manufacturing success, those whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. As manufacturers work to attract, retain and advance talent in a rapidly evolving industry, programs like STEP Ahead play a critical role in elevating role models and demonstrating what leadership in manufacturing looks like today.
“Manufacturing’s future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams and drive results by building strong workplace cultures,” said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. “The STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities, and whose leadership helps the next generation see a place for themselves in manufacturing.”
These prestigious annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
###
ABOUT COMPANY
[Sentence about company.] For more information, please visit [www.companywebsite.com].
ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE
The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for today and tomorrow to create a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. Through this work, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry.
For more information, please visit: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/
Social Media
Starting on March 9, join the online conversation to highlight the achievements of exceptional leaders who are leading the manufacturing industry. Use the hashtag #MFGLeaders across your social media channels and tag the MI—handles below. We encourage you to also engage with and share the MI’s social content.
STEP Ahead: @stepaheadawards
The Manufacturing Institute: @the-manufacturing-institute-mi
Facebook: @TheMfgInstitute
Instagram: @TheMfgInstitute
Graphics for Social Media
Use the links below to download personalized graphics and logos for social media. The logos provided in this communications kit may not be edited or modified. Any use must also include proper recognition for the MI. Please contact [email protected] for any specific questions.
Awardee Social Copy
X: Thank you to @TheMFGInstitute for recognizing me as a 2026 STEP Ahead [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion] and thank you [@COMPANY] for the nomination. I look forward to celebrating #MFGLeaders on April 23! [LINK TO NATIONAL/COMPANY PRESS RELEASE]
Facebook/LinkedIn: As a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion] presented by #STEPAhead, an initiative of [TAG] the Manufacturing Institute, I am honored to be recognized as a leader from [TAG COMPANY].
[INSERT PERSONAL NOTE: FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU TO BE A MANUFACTURING LEADER / PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY]
I’m grateful to be part of the Manufacturing Institute’s mission to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce. Together, we’re shaping the future of manufacturing!
[LINK TO NATIONAL/COMPANY PRESS RELEASE]
#STEPAhead #STEPAheadAwards #Manufacturing #Leadership
Instagram: I am honored to be recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion]!
[INSERT PERSONAL NOTE: FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU TO BE A MANUFACTURING LEADER / PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY]
I’m looking forward to being a part of this network to inspire individuals who are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and opening doors for the next generation of #MFGLeaders. @themfginstitute #STEPAhead#STEPAheadAwards #Manufacturing
Company Social Copy
Twitter: We are proud to announce [NAME OF AWARDEE] has been named a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion] by @TheMFGInstitute. We look forward to continuing to support efforts to recognize and uplift #MFGLeaders. #STEPAhead
Facebook/LinkedIn: Today, our very own [NAME OF HONOREE/EMERGING LEADER] was named a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion] by [TAG] the Manufacturing Institute. Their dedication, leadership, and passion for advancing manufacturing continues to inspire us all.
We are proud to recognize and uplift #MFGLeaders. Join us in congratulating [AWARDEE NAME, TAG ON LINKEDIN] on this well-deserved honor! [LINK TO NATIONAL/COMPANY PRESS RELEASE] #STEPAhead #STEPAheadAwards #Manufacturing #Leadership
Instagram: Congratulations to our very own [NAME OF AWARDEE] for being named a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards [Honoree/Emerging Leader/Champion]. At [COMPANY NAME], we’re committed to supporting @themfginstitute in recognizing #MFGLeaders who are impacting the industry at every level. #STEPAhead
Join us in congratulating[NAME OF AWARDEE] on this incredible achievement!
Questions or Comments?
Is there something missing from this toolkit you would find helpful? Reach out to [email protected] to share your ideas!
