TOPEKA, KAN. – The sixth annual Kansas Manufacturing Summit will focus on key issues challenging today’s manufacturers. The day-long forum provides the opportunity to network, learn about manufacturing resources and industry trends, and gain insight into workforce development.

The summit will be held October 12th and 13th at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center in Mulvane. It is open to all Kansas manufacturers, educators, those who support the state’s manufacturing industry as well as anyone interested in learning more about the industry.

“Kansas manufacturing plays a vital role in the Kansas economy. More than 11 percent of working Kansans are employed in the manufacturing industry. This annual summit helps to showcase this important industry,” said Brandie McPherson, Kansas Manufacturing Council Executive Director.

The summit is part of the month-long celebration of National Manufacturing Month and is led by the Kansas Manufacturing Council, in partnership with Kansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Kansas Chamber.

“The summit is the perfect place to meet representatives from many of our state’s manufacturers, and to immerse yourself in the latest industry news and trends,” said McPherson. “As technology continues to change the landscape of our economy, gatherings like this are vital for Kansas to maintain its spot on the cutting edge of manufacturing.”

Innovate. Compete. Grow. is the theme of this year’s summit. Topic sessions include:

“The 2022 Kansas Manufacturing Summit is a tremendous opportunity for manufacturers to learn from peers and industry experts about how to navigate the challenges being faced in today’s manufacturing industry,” said Tiffany Stovall, CEO of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. “The topics being addressed at this summit have been selected based upon feedback from Kansas manufacturers. So, we know they will find value in attending this informative and engaging event.”

Speakers and panelists will include:

Registration for the 2022 summit can be completed at www.kansaschamber.org/mfgsummit/. The two-day event opens with the Coolest Celebration Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 12th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Then on Thursday, Oct. 13th, onsite check-in, breakfast and networking begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The winners of the 2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas also will be announced during the summit. The competition features two categories – the People’s Choice and Coolest Innovation. The deadline to nominate a Kansas-made product for the contest is Aug. 26th.

The summit has a block of guest rooms at the Hampton Inn & Suites connected to the casino at $99/night. Please use this link to reserve your room by October 1st to receive the discounted rate.