Description

Join us for a full day of professional development and industry insight. All sessions are free of charge. Breakfast is provided for morning session attendees and lunch is included with the Lunch & Learn.

BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION | 8:00 – 9:00 AM

MORNING SESSION | 9:00 – 11:30 AM Registration 8:00 AM | Sponsored by IFI

Personal Accountability and the QBQ! Kristin E. Lindeen | QBQ, Inc.

In this high-energy workshop, Kristin Lindeen guides participants through the proven QBQ! method — a practical framework for replacing blame and excuses with personal accountability, better communication, and a solutions-focused mindset.

LUNCH & LEARN | 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM Lunch provided

Manufacturing Unleashed: Practical AI for Real-World Performance Gains Cohen Barnes | President, Sundog

Cohen Barnes draws on 30 years of experience serving manufacturers across Northern Illinois to outline how companies can begin leveraging AI today to improve decisions, streamline operations, and strengthen their competitive edge.

AFTERNOON SESSION | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Regulatory Updates Impacting the Fastener Industry— Darlene Collis |Vice President - Technical Services, Supply Technologies

Join Darlene Collis of Supply Technologies as she walks through the latest regulatory updates impacting the fastener industry, including CBAM and PFAS compliance strategies.

CLOSING SESSION | 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Current Economic Update Thomas Walstrum | Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Thomas Walstrum, principal business economist at the Chicago Fed and contributor to the Beige Book, shares the latest economic conditions and what they mean for the fastener industry.


Interested in becoming a sponsor? See the full list of premier sponsor benefits and register here, and our exclusive sponsorship opportunities here.