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
Dive deep into how AI is revolutionizing talent management by powering smarter recruitment and acquisition strategies. Industry leaders share real-world breakthroughs in AI-driven candidate sourcing, automated screening, skills matching, and bias reduction.
- Walk away ready to activate AI tools
- Learn about internal / external AI-powered talent marketplaces
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
As technology continues to evolve and improve, manufacturers are tapping into new methods of training like Augmented Reality, Digital Work Instructions and more. See how 2 Maryland manufacturers are leveraging Augmented Reality to improve training outcomes, enhance the learning process and achieve results.
- Learn about AR tools for training and maintenance
Recruiting, Onboarding and Training the modern workforce continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing manufacturers today. In this session, hear from an interactive panel of speakers discussion strategies for establishing a strong talent pipeline, case studies on onboarding and training for roles in the organization.
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.
