2026 Private Equity Guide for Manufacturers
2026-03-19 15:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Nelson Mullins, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
March 19, 2026 3:00 – 5:30 pm

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Are you a manufacturer considering private equity now or in the future?Join us for this beginners guide to private equity for manufacturers. Hear from industry professionals specializing in manufacturing and from manufacturers with private equity experience.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Bob Nardelli, Founder & CEO, XLR-8 and former CEO of Home Depot, GE and Chrysler. (Visit REGISTER page for full speaker lineup and additional info.)Private equity firms educate manufacturers on the following:

Unlocking hidden value.

How to operationalize Private Equity style growth.

Identifying new capital sources.

How to optimize performance.

Understanding Private Equity mindset.

What can a manufacturer expect? Join us for this educational program & discussion around key items necessary for preparing your company’s liquidity event or exit.

Information Covered Includes:

How do I prepare my company for a future sale?

Timing is everything, how do I know the timing is right?

Preparing now for the transaction.

Beginning the selling process.Next Generation Manufacturing Events are open to manufacturing company executives, directors and senior managers. This event only is also open to executives with private equity companies.

Health & Safety for Manufacturers Discussion / Hoshizaki Facility Tour
2026-04-15 09:00 - 13:00
This event has reached capacity – we hope to see you at another Next Generation Manufacturing event!

Manufacturers are invited to join Next Generation Manufacturing and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce for a tour of the Hoshizaki manufacturing facility in Peachtree City, GA and a Health & Safety discussion for manufacturers!

Visit the REGISTRATION page for full event info.

Stop Leaving Cash on the Shop Floor: Understanding Sales Tax Overpayments in Manufacturing - WEBINAR
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00
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Manufacturing organizations often unknowingly overpay sales and use tax, even with established tax and accounting processes. These overpayments typically occur on equipment, production inputs, repair and maintenance items, utilities, and other indirect purchases where exemptions may apply and refunds may be available.

This educational webinar will examine common drivers of sales and use tax overpayments in manufacturing environments and explain why these issues often go undetected. The session will also provide a high‑level overview of the refund recovery process, with an emphasis on awareness and initial assessment considerations.

The session is designed to help attendees identify common areas where sales and use tax overpayments arise and understand the key considerations organizations evaluate when assessing refund opportunities.

Attendees will gain insight into:

Where sales and use tax overpayment risks most commonly arise in manufacturing

Purchase categories where exemptions are frequently misunderstood or misapplied

Common factors that cause overpayments to go unnoticed

High-level considerations related to refund and recovery processes

Key questions organizations often consider when evaluating potential tax overpayments

Governors Gun Club Special Event
2026-05-19 13:30 - 18:30
Manufacturing company executives are invited to join us for a special event! Firearms industry guest speakers, an overview from the leaders of EarTuff, an afternoon on the gun range followed by cocktails and appetizers.

Interested manufacturing company executives please email Regina Maddox

Syensqo Facility Tour
2026-06-10 09:00 - 11:00
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The Syensqo Alpharetta site specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced materials and specialty polymers. The facility supports key industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare by producing high-performance materials used in demanding applications.

In addition to manufacturing, the site houses research and development teams focused on innovation and process optimization. Technical support and customer collaboration are integral, enabling tailored solutions that meet specific market needs. The Alpharetta site also emphasizes quality, safety, and sustainability in its operations.

Its strategic location and expertise make it a vital hub within Syensqo’s global network.

Registration open to executives, directors and senior managers of manufacturing companies.

11th Annual Success in Manufacturing; The Woman's Perspective Event
2026-08-13 13:30 - 18:30 | Nelson Mullins, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Celebrate progress and gain fresh insights at the 11th Annual “Success in Manufacturing: The Woman’s Perspective.”

This isn’t just an event; it’s a powerhouse gathering of leaders dedicated to the future of the industry. Whether you are a woman navigating your career or a male ally supporting diverse leadership, this afternoon is designed to inspire.

💡 Why Attend?

Impactful Speakers: Hear from female trailblazers across small, medium, and large global manufacturing firms.

Real Stories: Gain firsthand lessons on industry navigation and career growth.

High-Value Networking: Build connections with top-tier peers in the manufacturing industry.

Announced speakers include:Stephanie Beck, CEO, Heritage PalletsIngrid Cruz, General Manager, World EmblemJennifer Fease, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Acuity BrandsKatie Fisher, Chief Technology Officer, Vero BiotechAndrea Hines, Continuous Improvement & Regulatory Compliance Manager, MANA NutritionLavina Moss, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Miller ZellKatie Saez, Regional President for Georgia and Alabama, TruistKatrina Singletary, Government Affairs & Marketing Manager, PBS AerospaceApril Spring, CEO, FOXERSStephanie Stuckey, Chief Growth Officer, Stuckey’sSharita Spruil, Director of Talent Acquistion, SouthwireAmanda Wilbanks, Founder & CEO, Southern Baked Pie Company

Female Entrepreneurs – are you ready to put your product in the spotlight?

We are looking for powerhouse entrepreneurs to take the stage, get your brand in front of the right people, gather expert insights, and scale your business!

What’s in it for you?

Pitch Your Vision: Present yourself and your company to a live audience.

Showcase Your Product: Get your product seen and understood.

Identify Needs: Clearly outline the resources you need to grow.

Get Expert Feedback: Receive real-time guidance and advise from attendees.

The Details

The Cost: Free for selected entrepreneurs to present. (only the cost of event registration)

Support: All selected entrepreneurs receive 1 on 1 presentation coaching from our Entrepreneur Committee.

Deadline: Applications close July 17th – APPLY HERE

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to level up your manufacturing business!

Please visit the REGISTER site for additional info.

Registration is open to executives, directors and senior managers of manufacturing companies.

2026 Flavors of Georgia - Seasoned by Big Green Egg
2026-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Big Green Egg Culinary Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
REGISTERThis annual event brings together leaders in the manufacturing industry for an evening of high-impact networking and incredible food.

What to Expect?

Experience the best of Georgia-made products as they are brought to life on the Big Green Egg.

The culinary team will showcase locally produced ingredients, from premium grass-fed meats to artisanal desserts, all prepared with the signature wood-fired flavor that only the EGG can deliver.

Why Attend?

This isn’t just a networking mixer – it’s a celebration of food production and manufacturing excellence. If you appreciate great food and even better company, this is the event of the season!

Build valuable connections with manufacturing peers and industry leaders, in a relaxed, professional setting.

Visit the REGISTER page for a list of our 2026 “Featured Flavors” and to register for the event!

Next Generation Manufacturing events are open to executives, directors & senior managers of manufacturing companies.

Elevate Solutions Group Facility Tour
2026-09-23 10:00 - 12:00
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Join Next Generation Manufacturing as Michael Sinclair, CEO, hosts us for a tour of Elevate Solutions Group!

﻿The company is a rapidly growing, vertically integrated contract manufacturer serving medical, telecommunications, consumer, and industrial markets from its modern campus just outside Atlanta in Austell, Georgia.

With more than 30 injection molding presses ranging from 80–950 tons and 240,000+ square feet of ISO 9001-certified, FDA registered operations, ESG delivers its’ customer centric focus in precision plastic molding, packaging & assembly, kitting, warehousing, and full 3PL services.

Elevate’s capabilities include designing, engineering, producing, and assembling complex products as well as holding stock, and shipping globally through a data-driven distribution center.

15th Annual Next Generation Manufacturing Signature Event
2026-10-22 08:00 - 14:00 | Zoo Atlanta – Savanna Hall, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30315, United States
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Visit REGISTER page for complete event details, registration, tables of ten and manufacturer marketing table info. Next Generation Manufacturing events are open to executives, directors and senior managers of manufacturing companies.

Prepare your company for the Next Generation of Manufacturing!

Join your industry peers at the﻿﻿15th Annual Next Generation Manufacturing Signature Event.

Connect with innovative leadersand gain actionable insights to scale, secure, and future-proof your company.

Key DIscussion Topics:

Charting Tomorrow’s Industry Trends: Learn from seasoned manufacturing leaders and gain rare, battle-tested insights.

Economic Outlook: Navigating manufacturing shifts.

Future-Proofing: Strategies for long-term resilience.

Geo-Political Events: Preparing for global supply chain impacts.

Workforce Evolution: Solving labor shortages and engaging senior talent.

AI in Action: Optimizing factory floors with artificial intelligence.

Southeast Logistics: Critical supply chain and transit updates.

And more!

﻿﻿ANNOUNCED FEATURED SPEAKERS!

CHARTING TOMORROW’S INDUSTRY TRENDS: PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT GENERATION OF MANUFACTURING﻿﻿John Flannery, Managing Director, Charlesbank Capital Partners (former CEO, GE)﻿﻿Bob Nardelli, Founder & CEO, XLR-8 (former CEO, Home Depot, GE & Chrysler)﻿﻿

THE ERA OF THE MANUFACTURER’S SUPPLY CHAIN MAKEOVER﻿﻿Olga Roberts, Senior Global Trade Compliance Manager, Smurfit Westrock﻿﻿Reuben Fleischer, SVP Operations, Wahoo Fitness

THE NEXT GENERATION MANUFACTURING ‘STATE OF MANUFACTURING IN GEORGIA’ SURVEY RESULTS OVERVIEW﻿﻿Jon Neff, Co-Founder & CEO, SKL’D﻿﻿Kim Wallace, Chief Growth Officer, SKL’D﻿﻿﻿﻿ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: NAVIGATING MANUFACTURING SHIFTS﻿﻿Mike Skordeles, Chief Economist, Truist

﻿﻿AI IN ACTION: OPTIMIZING FACTORY FLOORS WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE﻿﻿Blaine Bryant, SVP, Information Technology, Lightera﻿﻿Joe Schleupner, VP Enterprise Technology Transformation, Southwire﻿﻿Bret Voorhees, CEO, Taurus

WHAT SOUTHEAST LOGISTICS UPDATES MEAN FOR YOU﻿﻿Sandy Lake, Director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics﻿﻿﻿﻿WORKFORCE EVOLUTION: SOLVING LABOR SHORTAGES & ENGAGING SENIOR TALENT﻿﻿Beverly Stennett Darby, AARP Georgia

2026 Building Your Workforce Development Pipeline
2026-11-19 08:00 - 17:00
Details & Registration announced September 15th!
