From national conferences to local networking events, Nterprisers shows up where meaningful connections happen. Explore upcoming events, see where we’ll be next, and connect with our growing manufacturing community.
Oct
13
2026
Doing Business with Lockheed Martin
Massachusetts APEX Accelerator and MassMEP will host a webinar with Lauren Landino of Lockheed Martin focused on helping small businesses in the Commonwealth’s defense ecosystem better understand how to engage with the company. The session will cover supplier requirements, procurement processes, supplier registration, small business programs, and practical guidance on how manufacturers can position their capabilities and connect with the right Lockheed Martin resources and points of contact.
MassMEP’s virtual Supply Chain 101 Certificate Program is a four-part series designed to give manufacturers, supply chain professionals, and business leaders a practical foundation in modern supply chain management. Led by Nico de Sousa Serro, Lean/Continuous Improvement content expert at the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, the course covers sourcing, inventory and demand planning, supplier management, performance measurement, and strategies for building a more efficient and resilient supply chain.
Leveraging Project Spectrum and APEX Accelerator Resources for CMMC Success
RI APEX will host a virtual session focused on cybersecurity readiness and CMMC support for companies in the Defense Industrial Base. Featured presenter Karim Sykes, Director of DoD Project Spectrum, will share the latest updates on Project Spectrum and CMMC, along with resources available to help manufacturers strengthen cybersecurity compliance and DIB readiness.
Hosted by ARMI in partnership with the NextGen Manchester Resiliency Council, the 2026 ARMI Investment Summit brings together entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, commercialization experts, economic development leaders, and strategic partners working to accelerate next-generation biotherapeutics and biomedical manufacturing technologies. The program includes investor panels, founder success stories, strategic networking, and the BioFab Startup Lab Pitch Competition, where 10 emerging companies will present before investors and industry leaders. The summit is designed to help move promising technologies from breakthrough science toward scalable manufacturing, commercialization, and growth.
United Tool & Machine is opening its doors to Massachusetts manufacturers for a tour. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their operations and connect with fellow manufacturers. After the tour, join MassMEP at Rapscallion Brewery for the “Libations” portion. Innovation & Libations is made possible through the generous support of sponsor Bank of America.
The Vermont Section of the American Society for Quality will host VQ2026 – Vermont Conference on Quality on October 22 in South Burlington. This year’s theme, “Quality Builds Trust,” brings together quality professionals, industry leaders, educators, and practitioners for a full day of practical learning and networking. The conference will feature three tracks and approximately 12 sessions covering topics such as AI applications, leadership, risk management, Lean, cybersecurity, auditing, and customer loyalty, along with keynote presentations from leaders at Rhino Foods, Northeast Delta Dental, and BETA Technologies. Pre-conference workshops are available on October 21, with company tours planned for October 23.
The Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up is about helping manufacturers succeed. We will share knowledge, uncover best practices, make new connections and celebrate success.
The Business Opportunities & Technical Conference —BOTC 26— takes place October 27–29 at the Knoxville Convention Center. This year’s program focuses on upcoming business opportunities with government agencies and prime contractors across the energy, environmental, and defense sectors, with networking and business-development opportunities throughout the conference.
Manufacturing Month Roundtable with U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
Polaris MEP and U.S. Senator Jack Reed will bring Rhode Island manufacturers together for a candid conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping the state’s manufacturing future. The roundtable will give manufacturers a chance to share what they are seeing on the ground, hear from peers, discuss issues affecting growth and competitiveness, and connect with organizations supporting Rhode Island’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The New York State Innovation Summit is one of the state’s premier gatherings of manufacturers, technology leaders, researchers, startups, investors, and economic development organizations. Presented by FuzeHub in partnership with Empire State Development’s NYSTAR division, the two-day event draws more than 550 participants annually and focuses on commercialization, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, investment, and industry collaboration. The 2026 agenda includes sessions on quantum technology, AI, advanced microelectronics, space, energy innovation, manufacturing, commercialization, venture capital, cybersecurity, CMMC, and supply chain competitiveness, along with the FuzeHub Commercialization Competition, NY Ventures workshops, and the NY MEP: Powering the Future of New York Manufacturing panel.
Connect with defense industry leaders, business professionals and regional partners. Gain insights into innovation, workforce, cybersecurity and supply chain resiliency. Featured speakers include Massachusetts Lt Gov Kim Driscoll and US Representative Lori Trahan.
CM’s Aerospace Alley® Tradeshow brings together 100+ aerospace suppliers for an afternoon of supplier discovery, B2B meetings, and industry networking at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The event is designed to help buyers and manufacturers connect with specialized aerospace component and assembly suppliers from one of the country’s strongest aerospace manufacturing regions. The day also includes the Aerospace Alley® Future Workforce Opportunities Fair, a member and sponsor luncheon, featured speakers, and exhibitor meetings.
Understanding Foreign-Trade Zones: Opportunities for Rhode Island Businesses
Join Rhode Island Commerce for an informative session on how Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) can help Rhode Island businesses navigate today’s tariff environment. Scott Taylor, Member and Foreign-Trade Zones Practice Leader at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., will provide an overview of FTZs, including opportunities to reduce, defer, or mitigate customs duties and manage tariff exposure.
Beyond Hiring: How Apprenticeships Can Strengthen Your Manufacturing Workforce
Polaris MEP will bring together Apprenticeship RI, workforce development partners, and manufacturers for a practical discussion on how registered apprenticeship programs can help address hiring, retention, and skills development challenges.The session will cover apprenticeship fundamentals, examples of successful programs, and ways manufacturers can build workforce pathways around their specific business needs.
CONNSTEP and the CBIA Manufacturing Coalition will host the 2026 Manufacturing Celebration of Innovation at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. The event will celebrate this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut winner and the manufacturers and products that made the competition stand out. Attendees can connect with industry peers, explore the Science Center’s exhibits, and take part in the ribbon-cutting for the new 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut display. The event is sponsored by Citrin Cooperman.
AFMC Small Business Contracting Updates – Trending & Current Landscape
Monroe County APEX Accelerator will host a live virtual session focused on current small business contracting opportunities and priorities within Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC).AFMC manages roughly $80 billion in annual procurement across research, development, lifecycle acquisition, and sustainment for Department of the Air Force systems. Speakers will include Luke Schultz, Acting Director of Small Business for AFMC and Director of Small Business at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and Brian S. McJilton, Director of Small Business and Deputy Director of the Strategic Partnering Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. The session will cover the current contracting landscape and topics including DIB readiness, DPA Title III, FOCI, IBAS, Project Spectrum, SBIR/STTR, LYNX Connect, and other small business and innovation programs.
Manufacturing Alliance New Jersey (MANJ) Fall Event
The Manufacturing Alliance New Jersey Fall Event will bring together manufacturers, service providers, guest presenters, and advocacy organizations for an evening focused on the challenges shaping New Jersey manufacturing. Topics will include rising energy costs, workforce shortages, grants, public bid opportunities, and the business trends expected to influence 2026 and 2027. Attendees will also have one-on-one access to advocacy groups and time to network with manufacturers and service providers facing many of the same issues.
WiM Northern New England | Welch Fluorocarbon Leadership Networking & Plant Tour
Women in Manufacturing Northern New England will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Welch Fluorocarbon in Dover, New Hampshire. Attendees will tour the manufacturing facility, learn about the company’s operations and culture, and hear brief presentations from women leaders in HR, Sales, and Quality about their roles and experiences within the organization. The event also includes networking over refreshments and a closer look at Welch Fluorocarbon’s manufacturing approach, teamwork culture, and continuous-improvement mindset.
Venue:
Welch Fluorocarbon
Location:
113 Crosby Road, Unit 10 , Dover, New Hampshire 03820
Providence Business News is seeking innovative manufacturers, exceptional leaders, and organizations strengthening manufacturing across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts for its 2026 Manufacturing Awards. Award categories recognize achievement in Lean Manufacturing, Exporting, Workforce Development, Product Innovation & Design, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Management, along with individual Strategic Leader and Manufacturing Champion honors. Applications are due September 23, 2026. Award recipients will be recognized at the Manufacturing Awards Dinner on November 18, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI.
CONNSTEP and the CBIA Manufacturing Coalition will host an in-person roundtable at Connecticut Spring & Stamping in Farmington focused on a question many growing manufacturers eventually face: when is it time to optimize, expand, or rethink your facility? Steve Dicke, President of Connecticut Spring & Stamping, will share how the company recognized the need to expand and the challenges involved in finding or building the right space. Design-build experts Philip Clark and Michael Kozlowski of Claris will offer practical guidance on evaluating existing facilities, planning additions, and preparing for new construction. The morning also includes breakfast, networking, and a tour of CSS’s newly completed facility addition.
