DIFM26
Manufacturing Conference
Welcome to DIFM26!
Where Strategy Meets Action, and Connections Spark Change
NWIRC presents Driving Impact for Manufacturers (DIFM26), our 2nd annual manufacturing conference. At last year’s event, the high-impact keynote; immersive business simulation; and interactive small-group breakout sessions proved that when manufacturers, workforce leaders, and economic development partners come together, transformation happens.
For 2026, we’re building on that momentum. You’ll find sessions that go beyond the buzzwords — tackling real challenges like leadership, retention, onboarding, operational excellence, and AI. And, you’ll connect with peers who are navigating the same pressures and possibilities you are.
Whether you’re scaling up, planning strategy, or investing in your team, DIFM26 is your space to recharge, rethink, and retool.
View Our DIFM26 Sponsors and Exhibitors
DIFM26 SCHEDULE
8:30am: Exhibits / Networking
Continental Breakfast
9:45am: Welcome
10:00am: Manufacturing Mindshare
11:15am: Breakout Session 1
12:00pm: Lunch & Resource Exhibits
1:00pm: Break-Out Session 2
2:00pm: Break-Out Session 3
3:00pm: Keynote: Garrison Wynn
Change is Mandatory…Stress is Optional!
What the Most Influential Leaders Do Differently
4:30pm: Networking Social & Prizes
KEYNOTE: Change is Mandatory…Stress is Optional! What the Most Influential Leaders Do Differently
In top performing organizations, great leadership isn’t optional…it’s contagious. This high-energy, research-based keynote blends humor (the funny kind) with proven tactics to help leaders communicate clearly, build trust quickly, and create a culture that sticks. Garrison Wynn shows how to reduce resistance to change, engage every generation, and attract the people you need now. Because culture isn’t what you believe or post on the wall, it’s what people feel at work. Expect practical tools, real-world insight, and a contagious spark that makes change easier, stress lower, and leadership more influential than ever.
ABOUT GARRISON WYNN
Garrison Wynn fuses comic timing and research to deliver motivational business expertise. For 30 years he has presented on five continents, to clients (such as Amazon, Caterpillar, US Steel Corp, Lockheed Martin, Sanofi, the NFL, and NASA) at corporate and association events. He is also an Amazon #1 bestselling author who has been featured in Forbes and Inc. Magazines. He became the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history where he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide and developed & marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.
Manufacturing Mindshare
In this fast-paced, team-driven challenge, manufacturers tackle challenges and questions across DIFM26’s core themes—from leadership and culture to operations and technology. Teams huddle, debate, and submit their best answer – each round ending with a debrief that connects ideas to real-world impact, provides insights, and deepens learning.
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BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
DIFM26 includes breakout sessions featuring expert speakers covering topics geared for a range of roles within your manufacturing company. The sessions will offer best-practices, collaborative discussions, and networking with peers.
Tracks include:
- Executive Leadership
- Cultivating Talent
- Engaging Operations
- Emerging Technology
RESOURCE EXHIBITS & NETWORKING SOCIAL HOUR
Visit resource exhibits offering information related to attracting, developing, and retaining employees, and more. Network with peers throughout the day and plan to stay for our networking social hour and prizes to wrap things up!
DIFM26 Sponsors and ExhibitorsRegistration is Open!