Forming Our Future
Schedule
Day 1 - Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Registration Opens
First Timers FOF 101
- By Invitation Only
- All first-time attendees are invited to sit down the PMA’s President, David Klotz, and current officers to review the conference agenda, discuss what can be expected over the next few days and most importantly, discuss tips on how to get the most value out of your investment to attend Forming Our Future!
First Timers Reception
- By Invitation Only
- All first-time attendees and their spouses and guests are invited to this welcome reception to connect with other first timers as well as members of PMA’s Executive Board of Directors and their spouses.
Early Arrivals Reception
All Forming Our Future participants, including spouses and guests, are invited to this reception to get together with old friends and meet new connections. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and great conversation in a relaxed and informal setting before the conference officially begins the following day.Executive Board Dinner
- Executive Board Members Only
Day 2 - Thursday, March 6, 2025
Registration Open
2024/2025 PMA Executive Board & Board of Advisors Breakfast & Meeting
Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.Past Chairs and First Ladies/Gent Luncheon
- By Invitation Only
Forming Our Future General Session to Commence
Opening Remarks
Opening Keynote – The Encore Experience: Reconnecting to Purpose, Performing with Passion, and Delivering More, Together!
Gregory Offner
Author, Workforce Strategist and Award-Winning Keynote Speaker
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Opening Keynote – The Encore Experience: Reconnecting to Purpose, Performing with Passion, and Delivering More, Together!
When was the last time you went to a concert so good, you found yourself cheering “one more song” at the end? THAT is an Encore experience. Why doesn’t this exist in the workplace?
Imagine a workplace where:
- Your people take personal responsibility for their performance each day;
- Work feels fun again;
- Positive results are accelerating; and,
- Your culture is so good, everyone wants to work there.
Your people are the center of the action. Creating an encore experience with your teams builds a culture that has them excited about coming back every day.
Gregory Offner sets a new standard for how content is brought to the keynote stage, delivering a lively, one-of-a-kind and extremely fun performance; blending the interactive format of a dueling piano stage with high-impact takeaways to help people reimagine their amazing potential and impact in the workplace.
The magic of this experience is that everyone realizes how different an hour of work can feel when you embrace the encore experience mindset.
REFRESHMENT BREAK
Align Resources for the Rise Ahead
Connor Lokar
Economist
ITR Economics
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Align Resources for the Rise Ahead
2025 looks to be a year of recovery for some markets and real growth for others, while still others can expect a measure of cyclical decline. Attendees will be able to see the future before it is here so that the scarce resources can be properly allocated. Tracking the leading indicators and being nimble as plans are drawn for beyond 2025 is imperative.
The winds of growth, inflation and interest rates are likely to shift as we go beyond 2025. Connor will present his forecasts for inflation and interest rates as well as an outlook for the forces that drive your markets. This outlook will require a change in perspective so that you can successfully plan and change to maximize your profits in both the near and longer term.
REFRESHMENT BREAK
Keynote – New Congress, New President: Your Government and Manufacturing
Omar Nashashibi
FounderInside Beltway
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Paul Nathanson
PartnerPolicy Resolution Group at Bracewell, LLP
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Caitlin Sickles
PartnerPolicy Resolution Group at Bracewell, LLP
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Keynote – New Congress, New President:
Your Government and Manufacturing
Manufacturers will face a new administration and Congress in 2025 as Washington tackles tax increases, tariff rates and an increasingly active regulatory state. PMA’s lobbying and communications teams in Washington, D.C., will provide attendees with the information they need to adapt and thrive in this uncertain political environment. With more than $4.6 trillion in tax increases slated for January 1, 2026, PMA’s advocacy agenda is full with the most important priorities for your company on the table. This presentation will provide insiders’ analysis of the politics and policy decisions affecting the industry in 2025 and beyond, and which strategies precision manufacturers can use to navigate today’s politics.
Chairman’s Reception & Dinner: Miami Vice
Step into the night of stylish sophistication, excitement, and the iconic style of Miami Vice. Relive the iconic 80s glam and action that made Miami Vice legendary. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration!Day 3 - Friday, March 7, 2025
Registration Open
Attendee Breakfast
From Mine to Mill – Understanding Supply Chain Management and How it Impacts Your Company
John Bell
Department Head Supply Chain ManagementUniversity of Tennessee
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From Mine to Mill – Understanding Supply Chain Management and How it Impacts Your Company
Modern firms compete as part of larger supply chain networks, and they often underestimate or lack an understanding of the actual risks associated with the global and volatile nature of such networks. This is especially true for those in metalworking and manufacturing industries that depend on numerous upstream suppliers to discover, mine, smelt and form key metals inventories destined to become critical inputs for their manufactured products. This presentation highlights the types of supply chain risks in the sourcing of metals, presents models used for analyzing such risks, and discusses management techniques for mitigating sourcing risk for metals used as raw materials. Highlights include different perspectives on measuring risk across local and international supply chains and the often hidden and illicit nature of remote mining and sourcing operations where social and environmental violations take place in our metals supply chains.
Unlock Your Competitive Edge: Utilizing PMA Metalforming Insights Benchmarking Data
Laurie Harbour
PartnerWipfli
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Unlock Your Competitive Edge: Utilizing PMA Metalforming Insights Benchmarking Data
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, manufacturers face unprecedented challenges that demand strategic agility and data-driven decision-making. In this presentation, Laurie Harbour delves into the latest results from the 2024 PMA Metalforming Insights study, offering manufacturers a comprehensive understanding of current industry trends, performance metrics and best practices. By analyzing key benchmarks, attendees will be better equipped to identify operational inefficiencies while optimizing productivity. The information shared will help participants navigate the complexities of the modern manufacturing environment with confidence and foresight
Spouse/Guest Breakfast & Activity –
Let’s Bomba!
Activity InformationBomba is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of musical styles and associated dances originating in Puerto Rico. It was developed by enslaved Africans and their descendants in sugar plantations along coastal towns during the 17th century and is the island’s oldest musical tradition. Drummers “follow” the dancer’s steps as they both start creating an extraordinary vocabulary together with music and dance. Attendees will get to join in during this once in a lifetime authentic musical experience.
Breakfast will be served from 9:00-10:00 a.m. followed by the Bomba experience.
Refreshment Break
Educational Sessions – Session 1
Track 1— Metals Update Fireside Chat
Charlie Bernard
CEOEagle Metals
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Bill Hickey
ChairmanLapham-Hickey Steel Corp.
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Chris Ulbrich
Chairman of the Board of DirectorsUlbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc.
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Metals Update Fireside Chat
Come chat with PMA’s own metal experts to hear the latest on hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, stainless, copper and brass. This update on the metals marketplace will cover 2025 and 2026 business conditions and the outlook for the next six to 12 months for metals service centers, mills and the global marketplace.
Track 2— Leveraging AI & ChatGPT: Transforming Industrial Relationships for Future Growth
Donna Peterson
CEO
World Innovators
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Leveraging AI & ChatGPT: Transforming Industrial Relationships for Future Growth
In an era where building relationships is essential, transitioning from broad correspondence to tailored messaging can significantly enhance engagement and outcomes. This session will delve into the power of AI and ChatGPT for industrial marketing and sales teams. Discover how these AI tools can help you better understand your audience and leverage that knowledge to create personalized messages that speak directly to them. By exploring innovative applications of ChatGPT, you will see how it can boost your marketing efforts and achieve a better ROI, while also providing sales teams with deeper insights and more qualified leads.
The session also will highlight the critical role of video content, featuring a review of the Descript platform and the latest AI capabilities in Canva. Evaluating and integrating AI tools now can empower lean marketing and sales teams to make a substantial impact by increasing the number of qualified leads and improving conversion rates.
Join us to learn how to leverage the power of AI and foster relationships that will grow your company.
Track 3— From Good to Great: Transform Your Marketing with These Best Practices
Teresa Schell
President/Owner
Vive Marketing
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Jared Falkner
Director of Business Strategies
Vive Marketing
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From Good to Great: Transform Your Marketing with These Best Practices
In today’s competitive metals manufacturing landscape, good marketing isn’t enough; it’s about going beyond the basics and creating truly impactful strategies that drive exceptional growth that aligns with your business model, resonate with your customers and deliver results—without breaking your budget. In this session, we’ll explore proven best practices that elevate marketing from good to great. We’ll dive into data-driven insights and actionable tactics for crafting memorable campaigns that resonate with today’s diverse audiences. From leveraging the latest digital tools to building an authentic brand voice, participants will gain practical takeaways for refining their approach, boosting engagement and maximizing ROI. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy or seeking inspiration for your next breakthrough, this presentation will leave you inspired and equipped with tools to market smarter, not harder.
Join Teresa and Jared as they share viewpoints tailored to metals manufacturers, helping you create impactful marketing strategies that support your business goals—and your budget.
Track 4— Behind the Breach: Insights from a Tier-One Auto Suppliers Cyber Attack
Joseph Ugalde
Software and Cybersecurity EngineerSystems X
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Janice D’Amico
Executive IT ConsultantView Biography
Karen Kiewski
Director of Client ServicesSystems X
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Behind the Breach: Insights from a Tier-One Auto Suppliers Cyber Attack
Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear directly from a Tier-One auto supplier as they recount their recent cyber-attack experience. Gain valuable insights into how the breach was first discovered, the enduring repercussions, and the ongoing efforts to restore security and rebuild trust.
Educational Sessions – Session 2
Track 1— The LEAN Progression…Building a Lean Culture
Bill Greider
Principal
P4 Lean Strategy
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The LEAN Progression…Building a Lean Culture
Lean is one of the most powerful growth strategies you can imagine, and it also can be thought of as life insurance for your business. Most companies give up because it is hard to get started. Lean tools are fairly easy to understand and seem to make sense. The real trick is how to methodically build a lean growth strategy that impacts the bottom line, involves every stakeholder and is sustainable. In this presentation, Bill Greider will offer a 45-minute overview of this proven step-by-step process that worked for his 75-employee manufacturing business.Track 2— Leveraging AI & ChatGPT: Transforming Industrial Relationships for Future Growth
Donna Peterson
CEO
World Innovators
View Biography
Leveraging AI & ChatGPT: Transforming Industrial Relationships for Future Growth
In an era where building relationships is essential, transitioning from broad correspondence to tailored messaging can significantly enhance engagement and outcomes. This session will delve into the power of AI and ChatGPT for industrial marketing and sales teams. Discover how these AI tools can help you better understand your audience and leverage that knowledge to create personalized messages that speak directly to them. By exploring innovative applications of ChatGPT, you will see how it can boost your marketing efforts and achieve a better ROI, while also providing sales teams with deeper insights and more qualified leads.
The session also will highlight the critical role of video content, featuring a review of the Descript platform and the latest AI capabilities in Canva. Evaluating and integrating AI tools now can empower lean marketing and sales teams to make a substantial impact by increasing the number of qualified leads and improving conversion rates.
Join us to learn how to leverage the power of AI and foster relationships that will grow your company.
Track 3— Global Manufacturing Insights: Mexico & Asia – Trends in Nearshoring, Reshoring, Trade and Tariffs
Alejandro Rodriguez
Partner, Global Services
Plante Moran
View Biography
Global Manufacturing Insights: Mexico & Asia – Trends in Nearshoring, Reshoring, Trade and Tariffs
During this session, the evolving landscape of global manufacturing will be discussed, focusing on the strategic shifts toward nearshoring and reshoring in Mexico and Asia. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trade policies, tariff impacts and emerging trends shaping the future of global manufacturing. The session also will feature real-world examples, such as the successful nearshoring of automotive manufacturing to Mexico and the impact of reshoring production in Asia.Track 4— Nothing Lasts Forever: Understanding the Exit Options Landscape
Craig Doescher
President
Doescher Group
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Nothing Lasts Forever: Understanding the Exit Options Landscape
You may not want to think about it, but it's a mathematical certainty that you will one day walk away from your business. In too many cases this separation takes place in a non-voluntary manner via the 5 Ds (Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement or Distress). Join us to learn about the many flavors of exit options for your business and what you can do to be well prepared to cement your legacy, on your terms.Optional Afternoon Activities
Activity 1: Golf ScrambleActivity Information
Activity 2: Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour
Activity Information
Activity 3: El Yunque Rainforest Tour
Activity Information
Activity 4: ATV Four Track Rainforest Adventure
REGISTRATION FULL
DINNER ON OWN
Day 4 - Saturday, March 8, 2025
REGISTRATION Open
PMA/PMAEF Annual Meeting Business Sessions
This meeting will provide an overview of key issues impacting the industry and the association.Morning Break: Spouses/Guests to Join Delegates
Breakfast and Officer Recognition Ceremony
Celebrate PMA’s current officers and welcome our 2025 officers to the leadership team. Breakfast will feature a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar.Closing Keynote: Leading No Fail Teams
Admiral Scott Moore
Retired SEAL Leader
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Leading No Fail Teams
Rear Admiral Scott Moore offers audiences a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the mind of the man whose uncanny operational skill and invaluable leadership experience make him one of the few who knows what it takes to both create and lead the world’s most high-performing teams. He shares stories of teamwork when quick decisions mean life or death and insights on how to recruit, train and equip teams that exceed expectations. He focuses on how to transform individuals into a cohesive team, how to select talent that complements each other’s strengths and compensates for their weaknesses, and the qualities to look for in team members and leaders. Larger than life, he knows how to get things done and how to build a team that achieves objectives when failure is not an option, and he shares stories about the three most important factors affecting teams—leadership, trust and peak performance. His insights and nail-biting stories are from some of the marquee moments of our nation’s geopolitical history, and they make his adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-your-seat presentation an instant audience favorite.Optional Afternoon Activity
Activity: Old San Juan Walk & Taste TourREGISTRATION FULL
Reception, Dinner & Dancing
Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing as you say farewell to your PMA friends and family at this celebration. Cocktail attire is recommended.
