2026 Flathead Manufacturing Symposium

Description

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 registered apprenticeship, session on 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 Administration. Tours of the FVCC Trades Institute and the Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center will be available after the symposium and luncheon.

*** As of 12pm on 10/9, symposium-only (8am - 11am) tickets are still available for the Tuesday, 10/13 event at FVCC. [The 11:30-1 luncheon event is now closed.]

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 Update

Clint Finlayson, Business Advisor, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center - When should we automate?

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 & Paddy Fleming, Director, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center - Registered Apprenticeships in MT

Justin Everett, Regional Director, US Small Business Administration- SBA Program opportunities

Manufacturing Luncheon is sponsored by NOMAD GCS, A Kratos Company.