Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance, speaks at a recent Valley Made Manufacturing Summit. Photo via SJVMA
published on June 23, 2026 – 2:45 PM
Written by Frank Lopez
The San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SVJMA) has announced its 11th Annual Valley Made Manufacturing Summit will take place Oct. 28, 2026, at the Fresno Convention Center, bringing together manufacturers, educators, workforce professionals, students and policymakers from across California.
The event is expected to attract more than 950 attendees, making it the region’s largest manufacturing gathering.
This year’s theme, “Valley Made. Future Built. AI and the Next Generation of Manufacturing,” will focus on the technologies, workforce strategies and innovations shaping the future of the manufacturing sector, according to the organization.
AI intersections with workforce
A featured keynote session will examine the intersection of workforce development, education and artificial intelligence.
The discussion will be moderated by workforce journalist Paul Fain and feature Carlo Salerno, managing director of education insights at Pennsylvania-based work data laboratory Burning Glass Institute; and Lauren Dunford, founder and CEO of Guidewheel, San Francisco-based industrial technology company that develops AI-powered software for manufacturers.
According to SJVMA, the panel will explore how AI, automation and emerging technologies are influencing workforce needs, career pathways and talent development strategies across manufacturing and other industries.
“Manufacturers are navigating one of the most significant periods of transformation in recent history,” SJVMA CEO Genelle Taylor Kumpe said in a statement. “This year’s Summit will bring together leaders who are helping define how AI, workforce development, and innovation intersect.”
Manufacturing matters
Manufacturing remains a major economic driver in the San Joaquin Valley, contributing more than $19 billion to the region’s gross domestic product and supporting more than 115,000 jobs, according to SJVMA.
In addition to the keynote program, attendees can expect breakout sessions, networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and workforce-focused discussions addressing challenges and opportunities facing modern manufacturers, according to organizers.
Speaker proposals, sponsorship opportunities open
SJVMA is accepting breakout session proposals through June 30.
Organizers are seeking presentations from manufacturers, technology leaders, workforce professionals, educators and industry experts that highlight practical applications, case studies and innovative approaches to manufacturing operations and workforce development.
Priority topics include artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, workforce retention, supply chain resilience and manufacturing career pathways.
Power Hour’s return
The event will also bring back its Power Hour networking session, introduced in 2025, which is designed to encourage business-to-business connections, supplier engagement and industry collaboration.
Several new sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations seeking visibility among manufacturers and industry decision-makers, according to the alliance.