The Maryland MEP Manufacturing Workforce Summit 2026 is a high-impact, in-person event designed for manufacturing leaders who are ready to tackle workforce challenges head-on. This half-day summit brings together industry peers, experts, and solution providers to explore what’s next for manufacturing talent in Maryland.
Participants will gain practical insights and real-world perspectives on how manufacturers are adapting to a rapidly evolving workforce landscape—today and in the years ahead.
What to expect:
- Interactive learning experiences focused on actionable workforce strategies manufacturers can apply immediately
- Peer-to-peer networking with manufacturing executives, HR professionals, and workforce leaders
- Forward-looking discussions on emerging tools, technologies, and innovative approaches shaping the future of manufacturing work
Key focus areas include:
- Talent attraction and retention in a competitive labor market
- Building strong company culture and effective leadership
- Workforce development, training, and upskilling strategies
- Leveraging technology to support modern workforce needs
Designed to be practical, engaging, and relevant, the Manufacturing Workforce Summit equips attendees with ideas, connections, and strategies to strengthen their workforce and position their organization for long-term success.
DATE & TIME:
April 15, 2026
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
LOCATION:
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
7795 Arundel Mills Blvd, Hanover, MD 21076
CAPACITY:
Registration is limited to 250 attendees.
For sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
COST:
$150 / ticket: Manufacturers
$250 / ticket: Non-Manufacturers
CONTACT:
For more information, please contact:
Samantha Calvo
This is an opportunity for professionals to come together and collaborate on the pressing workforce issues within the manufacturing sector.
7:30 - 8:30 AM | Registration & Networking
8:30 - 9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and change quickly, with more tools available every day to help HR professionals in their daily jobs. These technologies can often be confusing and overwhelming for HR professionals and business leaders, and it is critical to understand which tools are most effective, and how to maximize the return on investment. In this session, participants will get real world insights on the following:
- What AI Tools are available for HR Professionals
- How to use these tools wisely (maximize effectiveness and minimize risk)
- How you can test if AI is working for you
Speaker: Eric Dunleavy, Vice President of Employment and Litigation Services, DCI Consulting
Technology and automation change the day-to-day work on the plant floor. This session will explore workforce shifts that are happening due the adoption of robotics and automation and how those shifts are influencing the design of entry-level roles and the skills required to succeed.
- Understand how technology is changing the skillsets that are needed in manufacturing
- Case studies of how manufacturers are bridging these skills gaps
10:00 - 10:30 AM | Break / Networking / Sponsor Exhibits
Recruiting, onboarding, and training the modern workforce remains one of the most pressing challenges facing manufacturers today. With evolving employee expectations, increased competition for talent, and rapid technological change, traditional workforce strategies are no longer enough.
In this interactive panel session, industry leaders, workforce development experts, and manufacturing practitioners will share practical, real-world strategies for building and sustaining a strong talent pipeline. Panelists will explore:
- Identifying and recruiting untapped talent pools (students, career changers, veterans, second-chance hiring, etc.)
- Strengthening employer branding and workplace culture to attract and retain top talent
- Modern onboarding strategies that improve early engagement and reduce turnover
- Innovative training models including apprenticeships, work-based learning, AI-enabled training tools, and upskilling initiatives
- Retention strategies that drive long-term engagement and career progression
Jaime Andrews, Director of Human Resources, Platform Aerospace
Margaret Welliver, Human Resources Manager, Shelter Systems
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Manufacturing Roundtable Discussion: Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices
12:15 - 1:30 PM | Lunch / Networking / Conclusion
Sponsorship Opportunities
are available!
For all sponsorship requests or inquiries, please contact Samantha Calvo at scalvo@mdmep.org.
