The Seventh National MBE Manufacturers Summit returns in person this year, September 22-24, 2024, at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Seventh National MBE Manufacturers Summit made a triumphant return in-person this year, taking place from September 22-24, 2024, at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This highly anticipated annual event brought together Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) manufacturers from across the country to engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas, strategies, and knowledge essential for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.
Over 900 manufacturers, corporations, and organizations from 28 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Washington, D.C. have attended!
This year’s Summit theme is focused on Back to the Future: Revisiting the Basics in the New Manufacturing Economy. Join us as we explore new and emerging technologies in manufacturing, including AI, predictive and smart technologies, and manufacturing 4.0 optimizations. Speakers will explore techniques for retooling your factory, leveraging private equity, and connecting with a digital-first workforce.
Convene, connect, and collaborate with thought leaders and implement the necessary changes to advance smart manufacturing strategies and stay competitive.
Summit Highlights
This year’s theme, “Back to the Future: Revisiting the Basics in the New Manufacturing Economy,” set the stage for meaningful discussions on the transformative trends shaping the manufacturing industry. Participants were immersed in the latest advancements in AI, predictive and smart technologies, and Manufacturing 4.0 optimizations, while exploring how these innovations can be leveraged to enhance operations and stay competitive in the global market.
Industry-leading speakers and thought leaders delivered in-depth sessions on the importance of retooling manufacturing processes, leveraging private equity, and connecting with a digital-first workforce. Attendees left equipped with actionable insights to drive forward-thinking strategies and build more resilient, efficient manufacturing operations.
A major highlight of the Summit was the National MBE Manufacturer Summit Poster Walk Competition, which gave MBE attendees the opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge ideas and practices. This year’s theme focused on the new manufacturing economy, highlighting innovative approaches to adapting to the evolving landscape.
Participants submitted posters reflecting how they’ve retooled their manufacturing operations or helped their clients do the same to stay competitive in the face of emerging technologies and an increasingly skilled workforce. From AI integration to robotics and data analysis, the posters highlighted the diverse and creative ways MBE manufacturers are evolving to meet the demands of the future.
The Future of Manufacturing: Embracing Change
The poster walk’s theme, “Back to the Future: Revisiting the Basics in the New Manufacturing Economy,” resonated strongly throughout the event. As technology, automation, and digitalization continue to redefine manufacturing, the industry is seeing a shift toward smarter manufacturing systems and a tech-savvy workforce. To remain competitive, manufacturers must not only embrace new tools and technologies but also recognize that the “basics” of manufacturing have evolved significantly in the past two decades.
In this context, retooling processes, adapting workforce strategies, and updating overall business models are critical to success. By investing in both manufacturing technologies and workforce development, companies can position themselves for growth and sustainability in an increasingly competitive global market.











Coming Soon!
Partnerships and Outreach Strategist
Manufacturing USA
Christina Jones is a Partnership and Outreach Strategist with the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). She is passionate about broadening access to STEM education and, in her role, works to develop key relationships with federal, state, local, and industry partners, and is also responsible for education and workforce development coordination with NIIMBL, a NIST-sponsored Manufacturing USA institute. Her keynote, "Future-Ready Manufacturing: Redefining the Basics," will connect her workforce expertise with evolving manufacturing technologies.
The Summit once again proved to be an invaluable platform for convening, connecting, and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Attendees left with the tools and insights needed to implement smart manufacturing strategies, stay ahead of the curve, and drive innovation in their businesses.
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, the National MBE Manufacturers Summit remains a key event for thought leaders, business owners, and innovators committed to advancing the future of manufacturing.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Summit!
“I enjoyed networking with industry leaders and learning about the state of manufacturing.”
— D. Williams, Summit Attendee
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For additional information, please contact:
Donna M. Ennis, C.P.F.
Jennifer Pasley
Ieasha M. Jones
For inquiries and comments, please contact:
NMBEMSummit@innovate.gatech.edu
© 2024 National MBE Manufacturers Summit