Forming Our Future
Schedule
Day One - Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Registration Opens
First Timers Reception
By Invitation OnlyAll 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 OnlyMeet for transportation at 7:15 p.m. in hotel lobby.
Day Two - Thursday, March 7, 2024
Registration Open
2023/2024 PMA Executive Board & Board of Advisors Breakfast & Meeting
Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.Past Chairs and First Ladies/Gent Luncheon
By Invitation OnlyForming Our Future General Session to Commence
Opening Remarks
OPENING KEYNOTE: Winning the Mental Game: How Mindset Drives High Performance at Work and Home


Amber Selking, PhD
Founder and Performance Consultant
Selking Performance Group
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OPENING KEYNOTE: Winning the Mental Game: How Mindset Drives High Performance at Work and Home
While delivering consistent high performance in business and life can be an elusive concept, there are some fundamentals of brain science that can be applied to do just that. Dr. Selking’s experience as a performance consultant to collegiate and professional sport as well as being a corporate executive allow her to bring these concepts to life through real-world examples and strategies. She will pull concepts from her best-selling book “Winning the Mental Game: The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets” to help raise your game in the office and at home!
REFRESHMENT BREAK
KEYNOTE: Another Year of Uncertainty? - Prospects for the 2024 Economy


Chris Kuehl
Managing Director
Armada CI
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KEYNOTE: Another Year of Uncertainty? - Prospects for the 2024 Economy
In the last several years we have had to wade through a series of "black swan" events. Everything from pandemic to geopolitical turmoil. There have been plenty of self-inflicted wounds as well. What are the issues for 2024? Inflation, recession, interest rates, labor shortage and who knows what new challenges will have developed.REFRESHMENT BREAK
KEYNOTE: Breaking Through the Noise: How Manufacturers Are Impacting Outcomes in Washington





John Guzik
PartnerThe Franklin Partnership, LLC
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Omar Nashashibi
PartnerThe Franklin Partnership, LLC
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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: Breaking Through the Noise: How Manufacturers Are Impacting Outcomes in Washington
With a seemingly never-ending cycle of elections and noise from the media, what is really happening in Washington, D.C. that strengthens manufacturing in America? PMA’s team in the nation’s capital, the Policy Resolution Group at Bracewell and The Franklin Partnership, will discuss how the attitudes of politicians and policymakers toward manufacturing have changed and what their actions mean for your business. Our advocates in Washington will discuss the latest on taxes, tariffs, supply lines and key regulations affecting the precision metalforming industry and how the 2024 elections and their outcomes will change the business and political landscape in the United States.
Chairman’s Reception & Dinner: Heroes & Villains Unite!
Calling all superheroes and villains! You’re invited to this themed reception and dinner while the night is still young. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, activities for the kids and great conversation in a transformed outdoor realm following the kickoff of the conference. Themed attire is recommended but not required.Day Three - Friday, March 8, 2024
Registration Open
Attendee Breakfast
Metals Update Fireside Chat




Charlie Bernard
CEOEagle Metals (copper and brass)
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Bill Hickey
ChairmanLapham-Hickey Steel Corp. (hot rolled)
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Chris Ulbrich
CEOUlbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc. (stainless)
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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 2024 and 2025 business conditions and the outlook for the next six to 12 months for metals service centers, mills and the global metals marketplace.
Spouse/Guest Activity and Breakfast
Join PMA First Lady Tara Aznavorian for a delicious breakfast and a fun activity to support a local Orlando charity. While more details will be available soon, spouses and guests won’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and to take part in a worthwhile and fun project to give back to the community.
Activity Information
Refreshment Break
Educational Sessions – Session 1
Track 1— Leadership in an Ever-Changing World - Foundational Principles That Last


Forrest Large
Training and Development Manager
L2 Learning & Development
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Leadership in an Ever-Changing World - Foundational Principles That Last
This interactive presentation will explore leadership tools and techniques that will have an impact in the world of today and in the world of the future. Topics to be covered will include:- Understanding the expectations and requirements of a post-pandemic workplace.
- Communication tips and techniques for multiple environments and audiences.
- Being a leader worth following—recognizing and applying the fundamental principles of leadership in a changing world.
Track 2— The Increasing Demand for ESG Reporting: Why Should You Care?


Stephen Lathrop
Principal
UHY LLP
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The Increasing Demand for ESG Reporting: Why Should You Care?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is critical to internal controls, shareholder relations, and overall business strategy. ESG matters will start to shape consumer expectations and preferences, impacting who they decide to do business with and significantly impacting brand reputation. A “wait and see” approach could leave your business vulnerable as ESG starts to play a vital role in the way business is done. This session will brief you on the state of ESG in the United States, upcoming rules and regulations, and help you take the critical first step on your ESG journey and start to develop an ESG strategy to position your business for the future.Track 3— Nearshoring in Mexico: Opportunities and Challenges


Alejandro Rodriguez
Principal, Global Services
Plante Moran
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Nearshoring in Mexico: Opportunities and Challenges
Are you ready to explore opportunities to expand your business presence in Mexico? During this session, an update will be provided on the business climate in Mexico, covering key tax, audit and legal issues, as well as discussion on the opportunities and challenges around nearshoring. The presentation also will address how to set up and manage a successful manufacturing operation in Mexico.Track 4— Leading a Culture of Service Excellence


Dennis Snow
President
Snow & Associates, Inc.
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Leading a Culture of Service Excellence
In today’s competitive market, developing a service excellence strategy is an important part of any leader’s role. Beyond developing the strategy, however, there is the challenge of executing the plan. It’s in the execution that service excellence strategies become a reality or simply another “flavor-of-the-month” program. Employees watch to see how committed the organization truly is to customer service and take their cues directly from their leaders. In order to effectively implement an organization-wide service excellence strategy, today’s leaders must rely on the skills of a facilitator and idea champion, and must walk the talk of service excellence.Based on the leadership principles Dennis learned, lived, and taught during his 20-years with Walt Disney World, this presentation highlights specific leadership behaviors that bring a service strategy to life and describes how to “hardwire” service excellence into an organization’s culture.
Educational Sessions – Session 2
Track 1— Leadership in an Ever-Changing World - Foundational Principles That Last


Forrest Large
Training and Development Manager
L2 Learning & Development
View Biography
Leadership in an Ever-Changing World - Foundational Principles That Last
This interactive presentation will explore leadership tools and techniques that will have an impact in the world of today and in the world of the future. Topics to be covered will include:- Understanding the expectations and requirements of a post-pandemic workplace.
- Communication tips and techniques for multiple environments and audiences.
- Being a leader worth following—recognizing and applying the fundamental principles of leadership in a changing world.
Track 2— Executive Benefits – Not just for Executives Anymore!



Lee Bissmeyer
Senior Managing Director
Principal Financial Group
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Steve Utsler
Financial AdvisorPrincipal Financial Group
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Executive Benefits – Not just for Executives Anymore!
Are you looking for ways to reward, recognize and retain your most important employees? Executive benefits are not just for executives anymore. Who are your most valuable people? Come to this breakout session to learn more!Track 3— Nearshoring in Mexico: Opportunities and Challenges


Alejandro Rodriguez
Principal, Global Services
Plante Moran
View Biography
Nearshoring in Mexico: Opportunities and Challenges
Are you ready to explore opportunities to expand your business presence in Mexico? During this session, an update will be provided on the business climate in Mexico, covering key tax, audit and legal issues, as well as discussion on the opportunities and challenges around nearshoring. The presentation also will address how to set up and manage a successful manufacturing operation in Mexico.Track 4— The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and Workforce


Jake Hall
The Manufacturing Millennial
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The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and Workforce
The manufacturing industry is changing. Boomers are retiring and companies are scrambling to fill production demands, keep equipment running, and automate their organizations and processes. Manufacturers must work together to engage with the public to change misconceptions of the industry and drive awareness to new solutions such as digitization, automation and robotics.This presentation will highlight how manufacturers are finding success in leveraging technology in new ways, adapting new types of automation from Industry 4.0, and engaging the new workforce to attract and retain younger generations.
Optional Afternoon Activities
Activity #1: Golf Shamble
Departs at 12:00 p.m. | Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m. |
Returns at 6:00 p.m.
Take this rare opportunity to golf the Disney’s Magnolia Course. How many hidden Mickey’s can you find?
Activity Information
Activity #2: Half Day at Magic Kingdom
Departs at 12:15 p.m. | Return on own via hotel shuttle.
Enjoy a half day at Magic Kingdom with your PMA friends!
Activity Information
Activity #3: Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life – Behind the Stage VIP Tour, Disney Springs
Exploration and Show
Departs at 1:15 p.m. | Returns at 7:30 p.m.
Travel to the big tent for a VIP backstage tour to see how the show is produced. Then take in all the Disney Springs has to offer before returning for the Drawn to Life show!
Activity Information
DINNER ON OWN
Day Four - Saturday, March 9, 2024
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 2024 officers to the leadership team. Breakfast will feature a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar.KEYNOTE: Are You Prepared to Hunker Down? How to De-risk Your Business


Laurie Harbour
President & CEO
Harbour Results Inc.
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KEYNOTE: Are You Prepared to Hunker Down? How to De-risk Your Business
We have learned over the past several years that it is challenging to predict the future of manufacturing, to say the least. So how, as metalformers, do you prepare your business for the future? Every business is unique but leaders always can take proactive steps to prepare for a boom or a bust in demand. Laurie Harbour will share how companies can use their PMA Metalforming Insights Benchmarking data to create a roadmap to improve flexibility, de-risk their businesses and prepare for future headwinds.CLOSING KEYNOTE: Delivering A World-Class Customer Experience: Lessons from the Mouse


Dennis Snow
President
Snow & Associates, Inc.
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CLOSING KEYNOTE: Delivering A World-Class Customer Experience: Lessons from the Mouse
Customers have more choices than ever, with the result that most products and services are increasingly seen as commodities. So, in today’s market, what can an organization do to stand out from the crowd? Differentiating your service is the key to attracting and retaining customers – while driving bottom-line results. More than ever customers are focused on value – what you can do that other organizations cannot or will not do. Customers want to know that you are focused on earning their ongoing loyalty.Based on his 20 years with Walt Disney World along with many years of consulting with organizations around the world, Dennis Snow will provide a “how-to” program for delivering outstanding customer experiences. This program will provide you with strategic tools that can be used to raise the bar of service throughout your organization, resulting in “walk-through-fire” customer loyalty.
Optional Afternoon Activities
Activity #1: Scenic Winter Park Waterways Tour & Lunch
Departs at 12:00 p.m. | Returns at 4:15 p.m.
Take in the small-town charm of Winter Park via the scenic waterways and famous brick streets and alleyways of Park Avenue.
Activity Information
Activity #2: Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure in Central Florida Everglades
Departs at 12:00 p.m. | Returns at 4:00 p.m.
Discover territory that remains unaltered by man via airboat in the wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades.
Activity Information
Reception, Dinner and Dancing
Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing as you say farewell to your PMA friends and family at this celebration. Cocktail attire is recommended.