Manufacturing Conference
This year’s Manufacturing Conference will be held in Davenport at The RiverCenter
This event engages local manufacturers in their biggest challenges and opportunities, inviting industry leaders to network, learn about best practices, and build a stronger talent pipeline.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in networking and a trade show featuring new manufacturing technology and services.
Date & Time
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Tickets
Keynote Speakers
Michael O’Donnell
CIRAS
Mike O’Donnell is Director of CIRAS at Iowa State University, where the team works alongside Iowa manufacturers to solve problems, strengthen operations, and prepare for what’s next. With roots in engineering and a career built in manufacturing and strategic leadership, Mike brings a practical, collaborative approach to helping companies grow. He’s especially focused on what’s ahead — helping business and technical leaders make sense of change, adopt new technologies, and build resilient teams ready for the future of manufacturing.
John Ooms
Sub Zero
John Ooms is the Director of Manufacturing for Sub-Zero Group’s new Cedar Rapids facility, where he is leading the development of a new manufacturing operation focused on building both world-class production systems and a strong people-centered culture. With more than 20 years of manufacturing experience across multiple companies, John has held leadership roles in operations, engineering, maintenance, and finance, giving him a broad perspective on how organizations achieve sustainable success. Throughout his career, he has led major operational transformations in both union and non-union environments, as well as two greenfield plant startups, building high-performing teams and establishing the systems, processes, and leadership foundations required for long-term success.
Leisa Fox
Fox Growth Strategies
Live Recording of the Made in Iowa Podcast featuring Leisa Fox
Leisa Fox is a business strategist, podcast host, and former executive with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). During her 11 years at ABI, she toured hundreds of manufacturing facilities across Iowa, working closely with industry leaders to understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the state’s economy. For the past four years, she has continued that work as host of the Made in Iowa podcast, sharing the stories of manufacturers, innovators, and workforce leaders. She brings a unique perspective on the trends, technologies, and people driving manufacturing forward.
FAQs
What does the Manufacturing Conference include?
Access to all in-person event programming, featuring speakers and panelists, and tradeshow booths; networking with speakers and attendees, breakfast, lunch, and beverages at the reception following the program.
When does registration end?
Ticket sales close exactly one week prior to the event on Aug. 20.
*All dietary restrictions must be submitted a week prior to the event. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].Where can I stay overnight for this event?
For your convenience, a room block has be set up at Hotel Blackhawk at a special rate. Located next door to the conference venue. Limited rooms available in the block. Please book by August 12, 2026 or until block is full.
Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection
200 East 3rd Street
Davenport, Iowa, 52801What is your refund & cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend the event you have purchased a ticket for, refunds can be processed, less the transaction fee, up to one week before the event on Aug. 20. Event attendees are locked in on Aug. 21, and refunds cannot be given after that date. Please reach out to Jean Suckow to request a refund at [email protected] or by calling the CBJ Office at 319-665-6397.
In cases of inclement weather, Corridor Media Group (CBJ & QCBJ) will assess the situation and will alert all attendees if the event will be postponed or canceled. Refunds will not be offered if the postponed event is held. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, they may be exchanged for a different event of the same value, free of charge, subject to availability.
I’ve purchased a ticket(s), do I receive a physical one?
No. There are no physical tickets. Attendees are asked to check-in at the registration table prior to the event.
What companies/organizations can I expect to connect with at the conference?
Accel Group
Aerotek
Baker Group
Bankers Trust
Capitol Data Analytics
CIRAS
City of Cedar Rapids
Colewell Automation
Corridor Business Journal
Corridor Media Group
Cottingham & Butler
Creative Planning
de Novo Marketing
Derby Supply Chain Solutions
Don Hummer Trucking
dphilms
Douglas Machine and Engineering LLC
Eagle Point Solar
Eide Bailly
Empeople Credit Union
EOS Worldwide
Esco Group
Factor Technology Solutions
Farmers State Bank
Federal Credit Advisors
Folience Inc.
Fox Growth Strategies
Fusion Inc
George Evans Corp
Grace Technologies
Greater Iowa City, Inc.
Greg’s Lawn & Landscaping
Hawkeye Fire and Safety
Honkamp
IFP Motion Solutions Inc
Information Technology Solutions
Iowa Association of Business and Industry
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
J-TEC Associates
Kirkwood Community College
Koch CFO Services LLC
KT Pacer
Kuder
Life Line Emergency Vehicles
Lomont Molding LLC
MercyCare
Mindset Innovations Consulting
Miron Construction
Mount Mercy University
NIS
Palmer Group
PCT Ebeam and Integration
Point Builders
Profit Quiver
PTS LLC
QC Kinetix
Quad Cities Regional Business Journal
River Cities Engineering
Rue Works
Russell
Service Master
Storop
Strategic Insights, Inc.
SubZero Group
Timberline Manufacturing Company
U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing
UMB Bank
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
University of Iowa Health Care
US Bank
Van Meter
Woodruff Construction
World Class Industries
Worthington Partnership LLC**This is a working list and may not reflect the full list of attendees
How can I get my business in front of attendees through sponsorships?
For sponsorship and vendor booth information, contact Lauren Grask at [email protected].
What is the CBJ?
The Corridor Business Journal covers news that is of interest, use and importance for anyone who does business in the growing Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Corridor. CBJ is not part of a chain. The newspaper is owned and operated independently by John and Aspen Lohman.
A portion of each issue is dedicated to one sector of the business community. Among many other focus issues, these topics range from diversity to small business, to politics & elections and banking. We also publish a host of supplemental materials.
Where can I get more information?
For editorial information, contact the newsroom ([email protected])
For subscription information, contact Jean Suckow ([email protected])
For advertising information, contact Kelly Meyer ([email protected]) or Meribeth Schmidt ([email protected])
Sponsors
