2026 Flathead Manufacturing Symposium
Manufacturers- It's the Return of the Flathead Manufacturing Symposium! Sign up Today!
It's the return of the Flathead Manufacturing Symposium brought to you by the Kalispell Chamber's Manufacturing Alliance!
Register today to reserve your seat at this event custom-built for you, our valley manufacturers, on October 13th. This event will provide focused, targeted information to support your business. The symposium's jam-packed agenda includes important information about apprenticeship, session on AI & Automation by Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC), AI with the Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, FVCC Trades Institute, MT Coreworks training, and an update on the latest programs from the Small Business Adminstration. Tours of the FVCC Trades Institute and the Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center will be available after the symposium and luncheon.
Symposium registration can include both continental breakfast and lunch at the chamber's manufacturing luncheon which will feature a panel of manufacturers discussing their use of AI-Robotics-and Automation. *Tickets are available for just the symposium only (8am - 11am) or symposium + luncheon (8am - 1pm)
This symposium will also provide a great opportunity to meet other manufacturers as you strengthen relationships that keep the Flathead Valley's manufacturing industry growing and strong.
Symposium Lineup:
Dr. Jane Karas, President FVCC - Welcome and Trades Institute Update
Paddy Fleming, Director, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, and Clint Finlayson, Business Advisor, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center - AI & Automation
Eric Harry, Director, Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center - The future of AI in manufacturing is already here, it's just not evenly distributed yet.
Sharee Miller, Workforce Consultant, MT Department of Labor & Industry Workforce Services Division - MT Coreworks
Tim Elliott, Program Specialist for NWMT, MT Department of Labor & Industry, MT Registered Apprenticeship Program - Registered Apprenticeships in MT
Brent Donnelly, District Director, Montana District Office, US Small Business Administration- SBA Program opportunities
Manufacturing Luncheon is sponsored by NOMAD GCS, A Kratos Company.