All Events
January 2026 Back to Top
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any machining or job shop — yet most owners don’t get clear visibility until there’s already a problem. This session is built specifically for small manufacturing businesses (under $10M revenue, lean teams), and focuses on how to understand, track, and improve cash flow without needing an accounting background.
What We'll Cover:
- Why cash flow and profit aren’t the same — and how that difference affects your shop
- How to forecast cash easily (weekly or monthly)
- What metrics matter most
- Simple ways to get paid faster and delay outflows
- What to expect from your bookkeeper (and the questions to ask)
- Why accurate books are essential
Chris Thomas, Fractional CFO & Profit Accelerator, Blue Oak Consulting
Blue Oak Consulting delivers strategic financial leadership and actionable insight to manufacturing and industrial support businesses, including logistics, maintenance, and other service-driven sectors. We partner with business owners to create clarity, strengthen cash flow, and build long-term profitability.
Schedule:
8:30 AM Coffee, Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM Metroplex Manufacturing Leadership Summit
10:00 AM Metroplex Manufacturing Resource Expo
12:00 PM Event Close
Who should attend?
- Manufacturers, Manufacturing and Industry Leadership
- Financial and Economic Development Leadership
- Workforce Development Leadership
What to expect:
During the Summit, we will discuss real action items to build a more robust and resilient local manufacturing ecosystem and help our manufacturers survive in global uncertainty.
After the Summit discussion, stay for our Metroplex Manufacturing Resource Expo and meet organizations who can help you grow, navigate regulation, and save money.
Cost to Attend:
Both the Summit and the Resource Expo are free to attend for manufacturers (must give NAICS code at registration), municipalities, not-for-profits, ISDs, educators, and state and federal agencies.
For all others, attendance is $50.
Summit Seating is limited and first-come first-served, please register here asap. Feel free to share with your networks. When Summit fills, we will open Expo-Only tickets.
Want a table for the expo? Resource orgs – there are still tables left, free with admission! Reply to this email to request a spot. Exhibitor list is being updated here.
February 2026 Back to Top
Meet the New NTMA Board Chairman: An Evening with Eric Hagopian
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet and hear from Eric Hagopian, the newly appointed Chairman of the National NTMA Board. This special evening offers members a chance to connect directly with our new leadership and gain insight into the strategic vision and goals for the upcoming year.
Eric will share his priorities for NTMA (national organization), discuss key initiatives on the horizon, and answer your questions about the future direction of NTMA. This is your chance to engage in meaningful dialogue with our board leadership and understand how these goals will benefit our members.
April 2026 Back to Top
SAVE THE DATE!
A gathering the best and brightest up-and-coming industry leaders to network, share knowledge and brainstorm about tomorrow’s manufacturing industry. This event targets the leaders of the next generation, and showcases new technologies and processes. Help them build and grow their relationships with these industry influencers and be top of their mind.
September 2026 Back to Top
Achieve the Impossible at IMTS 2026
Achieve the impossible at IMTS 2026. IMTS 2026 will be held September 14-19, 2026 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Manufacturers achieve the impossible at IMTS by pushing the boundaries of innovation, forming lasting connections, and discovering advancements redefining manufacturing.
The Largest Manufacturing Show in the Western Hemisphere
As the largest trade show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show draws the innovators, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology together to connect, be inspired, and find new solutions.