{"id":372838,"date":"2026-06-24T10:22:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T10:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/372838\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T10:22:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T10:22:20","slug":"valley-made-manufacturing-summit-returns-to-fresno-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/372838\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley Made Manufacturing Summit Returns to Fresno in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"woman\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance, speaks at a recent Valley Made Manufacturing Summit. Photo via SJVMA<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tpublished on June 23, 2026 – 2:45 PM
Written by Frank Lopez<\/a><\/p>\n

The San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

The event is expected to attract more than 950 attendees, making it the region\u2019s largest manufacturing gathering.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme, \u201cValley Made. Future Built. AI and the Next Generation of Manufacturing,\u201d will focus on the technologies, workforce strategies and innovations shaping the future of the manufacturing sector, according to the organization.<\/p>\n

AI intersections with workforce<\/p>\n

A featured keynote session will examine the intersection of workforce development, education and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>; and Lauren Dunford, founder and CEO of Guidewheel, San Francisco-based industrial technology company that develops AI-powered software for manufacturers.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cManufacturers are navigating one of the most significant periods of transformation in recent history,\u201d SJVMA CEO Genelle Taylor Kumpe said in a statement. \u201cThis year\u2019s Summit will bring together leaders who are helping define how AI, workforce development, and innovation intersect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manufacturing matters<\/p>\n

Manufacturing remains a major economic driver in the San Joaquin Valley, contributing more than $19 billion to the region\u2019s gross domestic product and supporting more than 115,000 jobs, according to SJVMA.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Speaker proposals, sponsorship opportunities open<\/p>\n

SJVMA is accepting breakout session proposals through June 30.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Priority topics include artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, workforce retention, supply chain resilience and manufacturing career pathways.<\/p>\n

Power Hour\u2019s return<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Several new sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations seeking visibility among manufacturers and industry decision-makers, according to the alliance.<\/p>\n

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