Future of Manufacturing event coming to Wooster on April 17
On Thursday, April 17, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, will hold the 2025 Future of Manufacturing Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shisler Conference Center Ballroom, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster.
Ohio Chamber members’ registration fee is $99 while nonmembers are $149. Registration information may be found online at ohiochamber.com/ohio-chamber-2025-future-of-manufacturing-summit/.
This year will mark the second annual summit — an event that brings together thought leaders, industry experts and policymakers to explore the transformative trends shaping Ohio’s manufacturing sector.
Elizabeth Baumgartner is the director of economic development and tax policy with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. She said the chamber hosts a variety of events on different policy and subject areas.
“Recognizing the significant manufacturing base in Ohio and the growing challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector, we wanted to create an event that would foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and educators in the manufacturing sector,” Baumgartner said. “The goal was to address critical issues like workforce development, technological advancements and manufacturing innovation. The summit is designed to spark conversations, forge partnerships and ultimately drive solutions that support the long-term success of manufacturing in Ohio.”
The importance of this event, Baumgartner said, stems from manufacturing’s importance to Ohio’s gross domestic product. Manufacturing, she said, is a cornerstone of the economy in the state. As it faces rapid technological advancements, workforce shortages and global competition, the summit ensures Ohio’s place as a leader in manufacturing innovation.
“By convening experts, policymakers and business leaders,” Baumgartner said, “the summit helps shape policies, advance smart technologies and build a stronger workforce for the future.”
Who should attend the summit? According to Baumgartner, it’s designed for a range of attendees including manufacturing professionals, business leaders, educators, policymakers and anyone interested in the future of manufacturing in Ohio.
“Whether you are in leadership, operations or workforce development, the discussions and insights at the summit are invaluable for shaping the future of manufacturing,” she said.
The all-day event will provide opportunities for networking, building partnerships and learning from leaders in the manufacturing industry. The key takeaway will be how to collectively advance Ohio’s manufacturing sector through collaboration and informed decision-making.
Why a manufacturing event in Wayne County?
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to bring the Future of Manufacturing Summit to Wooster,” said Samira Zimmerly, IOM, president and CEO of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
She said the area has a rich history and a strong presence in the manufacturing industry.
“We are committed to ensuring that this sector continues to thrive,” she said. “With the support of our outstanding manufacturing and education partners, we are focused on preparing the next generation of workers for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. Advancing manufacturing through innovation, technology and forward-thinking policy is essential, and hosting this important event in Wooster is a testament to our collective dedication to the future of this industry.”
The daylong event includes speakers and panels on a range of topics including Bridging the Gap: Building Tomorrow’s Workface Today, Leveraging Smart Automation in Manufacturing, Policy Meets Industry: Advancing Manufacturing in Ohio’s Heartland and Nearshoring & Diversification: Rethinking Global Supply Chain. The keynote speaker will be Marc McGrath of the Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
“The Future of Manufacturing Summit not only provides valuable information for Ohio’s manufacturers, but also helps build momentum toward creating a more resilient and sustainable manufacturing sector,” Baumgartner said. “As industries continue to evolve, Ohio’s role as a manufacturing hub will depend on its ability to innovate and adapt. The summit plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ohio remains at the forefront of that change.”