DIFM25: Rundown of Breakout Sessions

Driving Impact for Manufacturers 2025 (DIFM25) is a conference coming to the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie PA on March 25, 2025. The day will be jammed packed, including an an immersive manufacturing business simulation and keynote expert on talent attraction, engagement, and retention. Scheduled in the mix are some dynamic breakout sessions that are sure to spark interest among different roles at your company.

Review the sessions below to start thinking about what you might like to hear within these four different tracks:

Track 1: Developing Leaders

Strategic Planning: Are you running the business or is the business running you?:

Many leaders get caught up in day-to-day activities and don’t take the time to decide and plan on what’s next. Setting goals and creating a plan to reach those goals are critical for business and employee growth.

Developing Leadership Pipelines in Manufacturing:

Imagine your manufacturing operation thriving for generations to come—prepared to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and maintain profitability, no matter what. Succession planning isn’t just a safety net; it’s the strategic advantage that separates forward-thinking organizations from the rest.

Track 2: Cultivating Talent

Enhancing the Onboarding Process for Your Organization’s (and New Employee) Success:

Best practices to transform your onboarding process to ensure new hires feel welcome, supported, and ready to contribute from day one.

Becoming an Employer of Choice:

Viking Plastics has transformed its workplace culture by investing in employee development, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and implementing continuous improvement practices. Hear how the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation has created a thriving and engaged workforce, and drives business success.

Track 3: Engaging Operations

Engaging Employees in the Gemba Walk:

Engaging employees in the Gemba fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement by connecting team members directly to the workplace processes and challenges.

Investing in your Maintenance Management:

Oftentimes, maintenance is viewed as a black hole that burns money. Reality is that the lack of investment into the maintenance department actually increases total operating costs and decreases profitability. Understand the true cost of maintenance and the value your maintenance team brings to the facility.

Track 4: Working Smart

Cybersecurity: Empower Employees as the First Line of Defense:

Train and engage your team to recognize and respond to potential threats, fostering a culture of security awareness across your organization. Empower your employees to be the first line of defense against cyber threats.

The Effects of AI on HR:

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming human resources by streamlining processes, improving decision-making, and boosting employee engagement.

Get registered for DIFM25 at www.nwirc.org/drivingimpact2025.