Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase 2026: Full Schedule

2:00pm CDT

Exhibitor Floor Opens

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Governor’s Halls II & III

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Governor’s Halls II & III

Exhibitor Hall Open

2:00pm CDT

Registration

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Toltec Lobby

Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Toltec Lobby

Registration

3:30pm CDT

Showcase Kick Off Made in Arkansas: Insights from the State’s Leading Manufacturing Sectors

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Governor’s Hall IV

From steel and food processing to timber, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing, Arkansas’s industrial economy is built on a wide range of sectors that drive jobs and innovation across the state. In this moderated panel, industry leaders from Tyson Foods, Lockheed Martin, Big River Steel, Standard Lithium, and Green Bay Packaging will discuss what’s working, what’s changing, and where the...
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Speakers

Angela Fox

Senior Vice President/GM, RVAP, Tyson Foods, Inc.

Angela Fox serves as SVP/General Manager, Retail Value Added Poultry, with P&L accountability and oversight of live production and plant operations. She leads strategy and execution to expand consumer demand, market share, and profitability across Tyson Foods’ brand portfolio, including... Read More →

Matthew Szymanski

Executive Vice President, Green Bay Packaging Inc.

Matthew Szymanski is Executive Vice President of Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP). In this role, he oversees the company’s paper mills, woodlands operations, and corrugated packaging divisions.

Most recently, Szymanski has helped lead the $1 billion PowerPack Project, a bold, multi year modernization of Green Bay Packaging’s Arkansas Kraft paper mill in Morrilton, Arkansas. This transformative investment strengthens mill infrastructure, reduces greenhouse gas emissions... Read More →

Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Governor’s Hall IV

General Session

5:30pm CDT

VIP Reception

Wednesday September 30, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT

Museum of Discovery

Wednesday September 30, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Museum of Discovery

7:00am CDT

Registration Opens

Thursday October 1, 2026 7:00am - 2:45pm CDT

Toltec Lobby

Thursday October 1, 2026 7:00am - 2:45pm CDT
Toltec Lobby

Registration

8:00am CDT

Welcome and Keynote

Thursday October 1, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am CDT

Governor’s Hall IV

Drawing from more than 300 interviews with manufacturing leaders across the country, Chris will share 10 practical lessons manufacturers can apply right away—from building stronger teams and culture to embracing technology, solving workforce challenges, and leading through change. Attendees will leave with real-world insights, fresh ideas, and proven strategies from the people shaping the future...
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Speakers

Chris Luecke

Chris Luecke is a Podcaster, Marketer, and Content Creator in the manufacturing industry and the host of the top-ranked podcast Manufacturing Happy Hour. Described as "TEDx meets 'How It's Made," Manufacturing Happy Hour goes beyond the buzzwords and dissects real-life applications... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am CDT
Governor’s Hall IV

General Session

9:15am CDT

Exhibitor Floor Open

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

Governor’s Halls II & III

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
Governor’s Halls II & III

Exhibitor Hall Open

10:00am CDT

OPTION 1 • LEADERSHIP Passing the Torch: Practical Tips for Succession Planning in Manufacturing

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

This session offers a practical introduction to succession planning tailored for manufacturers. Participants will learn the key components of a successful transition strategy, including leadership development, operational continuity, and the preservation of the company's legacy. Facilitated by Dr. Samantha Christian of National Park College, the session combines expert insight with real-world...
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Speakers

Dr. Samantha Christian

National Parks College

Dr. Samantha Christian serves as dean of curriculum and assessment at National Park College, where she teaches general psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in research methods and statistics at the University... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Morning Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

OPTION 2 • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Smarter Quality: Using AI to Detect Manufacturing Defects

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Learn how AI and machine learning are being used to identify defects, detect process abnormalities early, and improve manufacturing quality in real time. This session will explore practical applications of smart manufacturing technologies, predictive analytics, and anomaly detection to support faster decision making and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Morning Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

OPTION 3 • QUALITY & CONTROLS The Quality Journey: Lessons from the Manufacturing Floor at Bad Boy Mowers presented by Jason Carson, Vice President of Human Resources

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Improving quality is an ongoing process that requires people, accountability, and strong partnerships. Leaders from Bad Boy Mowers will discuss their experience addressing manufacturing quality challenges, investing in workforce capability, and working alongside education partners to strengthen production outcomes and support long-term growth.

Speakers

Jason Carson

Vice President of Human Resources, Bad Boy Mowers

Jason Carson is an accomplished human resources executive and manufacturing leader who currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources at Bad Boy Mowers, a position he has held for five years. He is recognized for building high-performance teams, developing leadership pipelines... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Morning Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

OPTION 4 • Getting Started with IIoT/Industry 4.0: Accelerate Your Data Journey

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Learn how to combine Data, Technology, and Domain Expertise to improve automation and integration for optimized production, empowering your workforce, managing risk, driving sustainability, and accelerating transformation and overall growth. Common use cases are increasing productivity, reducing costs, being agile in challenging markets, enhancing quality, and transfer of knowledge.

Speakers

Jamilla Thomas

Technology Consultant, Rockwell Automation

Jamilla Thomas is graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. She is currently a Technology Consultant at Rockwell Automation and has held that role for 6 years, helping customers modernize operations and accelerate their Industrial Internet... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Morning Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

OPTION 5 • WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Advance Manufacturing Apprenticeship Fund

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

As manufacturers compete for skilled talent, registered apprenticeship offers another way to build the workforce they need from within. This session will provide an overview of the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund (AMAIF), a $35.8 million national initiative administered by Arkansas Workforce Connections to expand registered apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing.Cody Waits,...
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Speakers

Cody Waits

Executive Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections, Arkansas Department of Commerce

Cody Waits serves as Executive Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce and Arkansas's state workforce agency. In this role, he oversees the delivery of state and federal workforce development programs, including the Office of Skills... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Morning Breakout Session

11:00am CDT

Exhibitor Time

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Governor’s Halls II & III

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Governor’s Halls II & III

Exhibitor Hall Open

12:00pm CDT

Lunch Session: Powering the Modern Plant – Energy, Automation and Manufacturing Readiness

Thursday October 1, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT

Governor’s Hall IV

As manufacturers adopt automation, AI, electrification, and other advanced technologies, energy, infrastructure, and operational planning are becoming more closely connected. This panel explores how manufacturers, utilities, and industry partners can work together to support expansion, modernization, and long-term growth. Through a practical discussion, attendees will gain insights into planning...
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Thursday October 1, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Governor’s Hall IV

General Session

1:15pm CDT

OPTION 1 • The Power of People for High-Performance Manufacturing Companies

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

How do high-performance manufacturers scale operations while building a workforce connected to purpose, culture, and long-term success? CoorsTek will share practical lessons and real-world experiences in hiring, onboarding, employee development, and retention while expanding operations in Arkansas.

Speakers

Scott Atchison

Senior Plant Manager, CoorsTek

Scott Atchison is a Senior Plant Manager within CoorsTek’s Aerospace & Defense Business Unit. He has operational responsibility for manufacturing facilities in Benton, Arkansas; Lexington, Kentucky; and Golden, Colorado. He leads all aspects of plant operations, including safety... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Afternoon Breakout Session

1:15pm CDT

OPTION 2 • Powering Smarter Maintenance with AI in Industrial Manufacturing

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing operations by helping companies improve efficiency, enhance quality, reduce downtime, and make better decisions. In this session, FactoryXT and Keathley-Patterson will share practical examples of how AI is being used in production environments today, along with key considerations for manufacturers looking to explore or expand AI initiatives...
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Speakers

Mark Joppru

Managing Director, FactoryXT / CED Industrial Solutions Network

Mark Joppru is a technology and business leader focused on helping industrial manufacturers modernize operations through smart manufacturing, digital transformation, robotics, and connected information systems. As Managing Director for FactoryXT, a high-technology division within... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Afternoon Breakout Session

1:15pm CDT

OPTION 3 • Making Machine Safeguarding Practical: From Compliance to Implementation in Modern Manufacturing

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Arkansas manufacturers continue to face measurable safety challenges that extend beyond compliance. In 2024, the state reported over 23,000 work-related injuries, with a TRIR of 2.1 per 100 workers, reflecting ongoing exposure to equipment and energy hazards in key industries.Arkansas also ranks 39th nationally in occupational fatality rate, placing it in the bottom quartile for worker safety...
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Speakers

Chris Aycock

Engineering Solutions Consultant | Machine Safeguarding & Industrial Automation, Keathley Patterson

I am an Engineering Solutions Consultant with Keathley Patterson, with over 25 years of combined experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, and machine safeguarding. My manufacturing career began on the plant floor as a machine operator, where I developed a deep, practical... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Afternoon Breakout Session

1:15pm CDT

OPTION 4 • Cybersecurity: Hack Attack Red vs. Blue (Attackers vs. Defenders Simulation)

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Hack Attack is an interactive simulation that puts attendees in the role of defenders responsible for securing an industrial control system under active cyberattack. Participants will work through real-world scenarios, identifying vulnerabilities, implementing defensive strategies, and responding to evolving threats in real time.Throughout the session, attendees will explore foundational and...
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Speakers

Jeremy Criswell

Solution Consultant, Keathley Patterson

Jeremy Criswell is a licensed Professional Engineer with over a decade of experience in industrial networking and cybersecurity. As a Solution Consultant at Keathley Patterson, he focuses on industrial automation, networking, and cybersecurity, helping customers design, implement... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Afternoon Breakout Session

1:15pm CDT

OPTION 5 • Beyond the Checklist: Practical Lessons in Manufacturing Onboarding and Workforce Development

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Virco Manufacturing will share practical lessons from its efforts to improve onboarding, employee engagement, and workforce development inside a manufacturing environment. Moving beyond a traditional compliance-driven onboarding process, Virco is building a more intentional experience focused on culture, connection, and workforce readiness. The session will include real-world examples, employee...
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Thursday October 1, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Afternoon Breakout Session

2:15pm CDT

Closing Remarks

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Governor’s Hall IV

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Governor’s Hall IV

General Session

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