Why Manufacturing Professionals Keep Coming Back to the WIM SUMMIT
Why Manufacturing Professionals Keep Coming Back to the WIM SUMMIT
Every year, the WIM SUMMIT brings together manufacturing professionals from across the country to learn, connect, and grow.
For first-time attendees, the experience often exceeds expectations. For returning attendees, it becomes a professional development opportunity they look forward to year after year.
As excitement builds for WIM SUMMIT 2026, taking place October 7—9 in Las Vegas, we asked several past attendees why they continue to return.
A common theme quickly emerged: while the educational sessions are valuable, it is the community, conversations, and connections that leave a lasting impact.
A Place to Learn, Connect, and Grow
For Michelle Mathis, Sales Effectiveness Manager with Siemens, who will attend her fourth WIM SUMMIT this year, the event consistently provides opportunities to learn from others across the manufacturing industry.
Mathis describes the WiM SUMMIT as more than a conference.
“WIM SUMMIT is not just a conference. It’s about bringing together people who understand our industry, learning from one another, and continuously looking for what the next step might be—for ourselves, our organizations, and the industry as a whole.”
As someone who trains sales professionals and mentors employees within Siemens, she values the opportunity to exchange ideas with professionals from other companies and manufacturing sectors.
“I come back energized from the WIM SUMMIT,” she said. “The individuals I’ve met, the topics we’ve discussed, and understanding what others are doing in their organizations is really encouraging.”
Julie Miller, Director of Indirect Procurement at Trane Technologies and a four-time attendee, shares a similar perspective.
“I attend WIM SUMMIT to actively participate and leverage a large community of women focused on manufacturing and engaging topics,” Miller said. “WIM SUMMIT brings all different industries together to collaborate and facilitate best-in-class sharing of ideas.”
Among her favorite aspects of the conference are the networking opportunities, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and discussions around trending industry topics.
Building Community Across Manufacturing
For many attendees, one of WIM SUMMIT’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to connect with people facing similar challenges, regardless of company, industry segment, or job title.
Christopher Porsch, Sales Director - North & Central America with Blaser Swisslube, first attended the WIM SUMMIT last year and will return this fall.
“I not only wanted to hone my skills as a manager, but see what experiences other people brought,” Porsch said. “We have diversified our workforce and I wanted more information. I also wanted to share my experiences—good and bad—with people.”
One of his highlights was participating in the allies programming, where attendees discussed workplace experiences, leadership challenges, and ways to better support women in manufacturing.
“I met a lot of good people and had the opportunity to see what issues and challenges others are seeing in the workforce,” Porsch said.
He particularly appreciated the discussion format led by Forrest Large of L2-Learning & Development, which created space for honest conversation and thoughtful dialogue among attendees.
“Forrest helped give us a path to state our thoughts,” Porsch said. “He didn’t lead us into anything except the ability to answer the questions as we wanted to. He shared his opinions but also wanted ours.”
For Porsch, the discussion provided an opportunity to listen, share experiences, and gain new perspectives on supporting and developing a stronger workforce.
For Lesley Murphy, Business Development Manager at Avery Dennison, the sense of community was immediately apparent during her first WIM SUMMIT experience.
“Going in, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I walked away completely blown away by the scale, the energy, and the community,” Murphy said. “The collective energy in the room was electric. It is incredibly empowering to look around a massive room and see hundreds of women leaders, engineers, and innovators all trading ideas.”
She also highlighted the meaningful professional relationships that developed during the event.
“I walked away with a handful of deep connections—women from entirely different manufacturing sectors whom I still keep in touch with.”
More Than a Conference
For organizations that actively support employee participation, the impact of WIM SUMMIT can extend well beyond the event itself.
Mathis has witnessed that growth firsthand at Siemens.
“We started with four individuals that attended the WIM SUMMIt,” she said. “Last year we had 93.”
Within Siemens, participation in the company’s WIM SUMMIT-related activities has become a sought-after opportunity, highlighting the value employees place on the experience.
Mathis believes part of that enthusiasm comes from the practical value attendees bring back to their organizations.
“Every time I go, I meet someone new who helps me take something back to my company and say, ‘Hey, this is an area we could tap into,’ or ‘This is something we haven’t thought about,’” she said.
That combination of fresh ideas, professional development, and meaningful connections is what keeps many attendees coming back year after year.
As Murphy put it, the WIM SUMMIT offers “an unparalleled space to plug into a powerhouse network” of manufacturing professionals who understand both the opportunities and challenges of the industry.
For those considering attending WIM SUMMIT 2026, that may be the strongest endorsement of all: ask someone who has been before, and chances are they’re already planning their return.
Join thousands of manufacturing professionals at this year’s WIM SUMMIT and gain valuable insights, practical strategies and new industry connections. Click here to learn more or register today. Organizations can save with special pricing for groups of six or more attendees. Complete the group interest form to get started.