Women in Manufacturing (WiM), the only national trade association focused on supporting women in industrial careers, has hosted its annual SUMMIT since 2010 in an effort to bring together members from all spheres of the manufacturing sector to grow through actionable education and networking connections. WiM’s 11th annual SUMMIT conference event is being held from October 4-6, 2021, and will take place both virtually and in-person in Cleveland, Ohio. Registration is now open.
“The SUMMIT is a direct reflection of WiM’s goal to support, promote, and inspire women in the manufacturing industry through resources and mentorship,” said Allison Grealis, president and founder of WiM. “The event continues to grow! Last year we had nearly 700 professionals representing about 200 companies and 12 countries; this year we will likely have even more.”
This year’s SUMMIT includes professional development sessions on driving equity in decision-making, plant tours of leading manufacturing facilities like Vitamix and Nordson, and keynote speakers such as Lara Abrash, chair and CEO of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
To answer industry-wide questions about the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business, the SUMMIT will cover topics like navigating and managing a supply chain despite obstacles, launching a product line in a pandemic, and talent acquisition during turbulent times when “you don’t know what’s next,” said Grealis.
Offering a broad range of sessions for women and their male allies across all sectors of industry, the event also includes topical conversations on making diversity and inclusion happen in your workplace, mastering win-win negotiations in five easy steps, and succession and liquidity options. Industry professionals Michele Kaiser, business unit manager at John Deere, and Nicole Smith, chief of the exploration systems office at the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center, will also host interactive sessions.
This year’s theme, “Manufacturing Heroes,” will focus on resilience, courage, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Health and safety measures are in place for in-person attendees and registration is available for the 2021 SUMMIT until September 24.
This article was sponsored by Women In Manufacturing, a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association offering networking opportunities and mentoring programs.
