Driving Impact for Manufacturers Conference

On March 25, 2025, NWIRC will launch the inaugural Driving Impact for Manufacturers (DIFM) as our signature annual conference. Our goal is to provide companies the opportunity to be part of an immersive experience, hear from national experts, forge connections, and harness resources – all to help develop a strong, engaged workforce and grow your business. This first annual conference is scheduled at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie PA. The event is geared for company owners, executives, managers, team leaders and really anyone who works in manufacturing or alongside the industry.

We already have an exciting lineup for 2025, including the interactive experience, ‘Ready or Not’, a manufacturing business simulation game. This collaborative experience develops strategic, analytical, and communication skills as participants make real business decisions acting in leadership positions within their team’s fictional manufacturing company. Participants bond with co-workers and regional peers from other companies to discuss a variety of business topics, from strategic planning and automation to employee development. It’s fun and offers camaraderie, but will also get you thinking about scenarios at your own company.

Driving Impact for Manufacturers (DIFM) 2025 will also feature Chris Czarnik, award-winning speaker and author. He has spent the last 20 years figuring out why people go to and leave organizations. As one of the most accomplished career coaches in the country, he has helped thousands of job seekers figure out how to identify organizations and jobs that are a great fit for them. As one CEO said, “If you are fishing for talent…he just spent the last 17 years with the fish!” His book, Winning the War for Talent, is used by more than 3,500 organizations across the country and Chris travels more than 200 days a year teaching individual companies to recruit, retain and develop great employees. He’ll be sharing an innovative approach to hiring and solutions for attracting and retaining employees.

Save the date! Registration opening soon!