What's
Next?
The future doesn’t come with a roadmap. It’s shaped by those willing to lead the way.
FMA’s Annual Meeting brings together hundreds of manufacturing leaders to connect, learn, and discover new ways to move their businesses forward.
At the conference, you can explore expert-led breakout sessions, lively panel discussions, informative keynote addresses, and celebratory industry award presentations. Share what’s working with peers, challenge your thinking, and build relationships with people who understand where you’re headed. Leave inspired by what’s possible—and ready to make it happen.
Event Details
FMA Annual Meeting
Date
March 2-4, 2027
Location
Gila River Resorts and Casinos - Wild Horse Pass
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
Reserve a Room
Attention
Join the email list to be notified about program updates and registration information.
Join the Email ListThe Call for Speakers is now open! Submit your proposals by Oct. 31, 2026 to be considered for the 2027 program.
Apply to SpeakRegistration
Featured Speakers
Networking and Special Events
FMA Golf Outing
March 2, 2027 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Whirlwind Golf Club is a truly unique Southwest golf experience designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. The two courses, Devil’s Claw and Cattail, are masterpieces designed by Gary Panks covering 500 acres, with 250 acres of turfed area and 250 acres of desert landscape. They will impress and challenge golfers of all levels of players. Featuring pristine and uncluttered views of South Mountain and Sierra Estrella Mountains, the Cattail Course showcases the beauty of the natural terrain, featuring gradual elevation changes and great designed bunkers with multi-tiered greens
Shotgun Start: 8:00 AM ET
$285 per person includes greens fee with golf cart, range balls, and course contests.
Note: A limited number of Rental Clubs are available through the Pro Shop for $85 (includes six golf balls). Contact Customer Service ([email protected] or 815-399-8700) to reserve clubs.
Cancellation/No-show – Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Welcome Reception and SparkForce Silent Auction
March 2, 2027 6-8 p.m.
Build strategic relationships and support future manufacturers! Get reacquainted with friends and meet new contacts over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the opening reception. Expand your network and build strategic relationships that will help you grow your business and your career. Plus, bid on unique items like signed sports memorabilia, golf clubs, various top-shelf liqueurs, and much more in the Silent Auction benefitting Spark Force, the foundation of FMA.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee.
FMA Industry Awards Dinner Presented by AMPD
March 2, 2027 8-10 p.m.
This special ceremony will honor the 2027 recipients of the following: The ASD Steel Executive of the Year Award and The Fabricator’s Industry Award.
Since 1956, The Steel Executive of the Year Award has recognized individuals who have demonstrated the ability to be true leaders of the industry. The award was created by the Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the steel distribution industry over a significant period of time.
The Fabricator's Industry Award is given to a company or individual in the metal forming and fabricating industry that has successfully improved operations, attained business growth, and contributed to both the local and industrial communities.
$200 per person includes dinner and bar. Business or cocktail attire.
Cancellation/No-show Policy - Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Happy Hour Reception
March 3, 2027 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Continue the day's conversations over drinks in the exhibit hall.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee.
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Fiesta Networking Night on the Lawn
March 3, 2027 6-9 p.m.
Get Ready to Fiesta! Head to the Event Lawn to experience the tastes and sounds of Mexico. Make new connections and reconnect with old friends over Tex-Mex inspired dinner and drinks (including a special Bystronic Drink) in a casual setting during FMA's private party on the outdoor patio. Ticket required.
$165 per person includes dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
Cancellation/No-show - Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Sessions
Session Name
Time (MT)
OPTIONAL: FMA Golf Outing
Whirlwind Golf Club is a truly unique Southwest golf experience designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. The two courses, Devil’s Claw and Cattail, are masterpieces designed by Gary Panks covering 500 acres, with 250 acres of turfed area and 250 acres of desert landscape. They will impress and challenge golfers of all levels of players. Featuring pristine and uncluttered views of South Mountain and Sierra Estrella Mountains, the Cattail Course showcases the beauty of the natural terrain, featuring gradual elevation changes and great designed bunkers with multi-tiered greens
Shotgun Start: 8:00 AM ET
$285 per person includes greens fee with golf cart, range balls, and course contests.
Note: A limited number of Rental Clubs are available through the Pro Shop for $85 (includes six golf balls). Contact Customer Service ([email protected] or 815-399-8700) to reserve clubs.
Cancellation/No-show – Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
VIP Lounge Open
Whether you need a quiet place to sit back and relax, check your email or simply charge an electronic device, the VIP Lounge is the perfect satellite office while on the road.
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Working Lunch and Peer Roundtables
This is your chance to learn from fellow leaders who are working through the same challenges you are. Select the topic most pressing for your business and your role, and discuss with other leaders at your chosen table. You'll get to know others while obtaining solutions you can take back to your business.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Exhibits Open
Visit the exhibits in Palo Verde and Foyer for information on the products and services important to you.
12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Roundtables Round 1
Choose to attend one of the four different interactive roundtables. Roundtable topics will address culture, marketing, AI, and operations. Roundtable topics will be announced in December.
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Roundtables Round 2
Choose to attend one of the four different interactive roundtables. Roundtable topics will address culture, marketing, AI, and operations. Roundtable topics will be announced in December.
1:40 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon Refreshment Break
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Opening Remarks
FMA's President and CEO, Ed Youdell, will welcome attendees to the 2027 FMA Annual Meeting.
3:00 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Steel Industry Insights
FMA's President and CEO, Ed Youdell, will sit down with the winner of this year's ASD Steel Executive to the Year Award recipient to discuss the steel industry.
3:10 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Fabrication Insights
Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief of The Fabricator, will sit down with this year's The Fabricator Industry Award Recipients to discuss their business, leadership, and industry outlook.
3:50 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
OPTIONAL: Welcome Reception and SparkForce Silent Auction
Build strategic relationships and support future manufacturers! Get reacquainted with friends and meet new contacts over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the opening reception. Expand your network and build strategic relationships that will help you grow your business and your career. Plus, bid on unique items like signed sports memorabilia, golf clubs, various top-shelf liqueurs, and much more in the Silent Auction benefitting Spark Force, the foundation of FMA.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
OPTIONAL: FMA Industry Awards Dinner Presented by AMPD
This special ceremony will honor the 2027 recipients of the following: The ASD Steel Executive of the Year Award and The Fabricator’s Industry Award.
Since 1956, The Steel Executive of the Year Award has recognized individuals who have demonstrated the ability to be true leaders of the industry. The award was created by the Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the steel distribution industry over a significant period of time.
The Fabricator's Industry Award is given to a company or individual in the metal forming and fabricating industry that has successfully improved operations, attained business growth, and contributed to both the local and industrial communities.
$200 per person includes dinner and bar. Business or cocktail attire.
Cancellation/No-show Policy - Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Session Name
Time (MT)
Registration Desk Open
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
VIP Lounge Open
Whether you need a quiet place to sit back and relax, check your email or simply charge an electronic device, the VIP Lounge is the perfect satellite office while on the road.
7:01 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Exhibits Open
Visit the exhibits in Palo Verde and Foyer for information on the products and services important to you.
7:02 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
OPTIONAL: Prayer Breakfast
Join other faith-minded industry leaders for a morning of prayer and fellowship. Hosted by Jay Phillips and Geoff Prince, all are welcome.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee. Breakfast will be provided.
7:03 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast
7:04 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks
FMA Board of Directors Chair Lisa Wertzbaugher will welcome attendees to start the day.
8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Keynote: Mad, Mad World - The Future Ahead
The decades long arc of digitization has brought us from the internet age to the AI age. Most organizations sit between these two S-curves. As the AI Age emerges, manufacturers must be prepared. Information and technology are changing how we manufacture parts. Join award winning analyst R “Ray” Wang for a no holds barred interactive discussion on this future ahead and how to shape it. Understand what you can do to scale, and more importantly how to put strategy into action to prepare your business for this new age of AI.
8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Fab Talks: A Fab40 Panel Discussion
A panel of presidents and CEO's from companies on The Fabricator's 2026 Fab40 list will discuss what it takes to manage a manufacturing facility in today's ever changing world. The panel will discuss such topics as profitability, capital investments, business growth, tariffs, steel, leadership development, and employee recruitment and development. Moderated by FMA's President and CEO, Ed Youdell, this lively talk will illuminate the issues keeping CEO's up at night.
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Morning Refreshment Break
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Economic and Financial Market Outlook
Understand what the economic and financial market outlook is for manufacturing and related industry sectors.
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Technology Innovations: A Panel Discussion
Tim Heston, Senior Editor of The Fabricator, will facilitate an open dialog with fabricators on the latest manufacturing equipment and technology. Fabricating customers representing AMADA AMERICA, BLM Group, Bystronic, Mitsubishi Laser, and TRUMPF Inc will share their experience and use cases for the latest equipment on the market. You'll be able to hear how they are actually using the equipment on the shop floor, where they are seeing the best ROI, and what their plans are moving forward. Representatives from the equipment manufacturers will be on hand to answer any specific questions about the equipment.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Keynote: From Uncertainty to Opportunity
Change is inevitable - our response doesn’t have to be. In today’s world of constant disruption, transformation, and complexity, operating with a growth mindset and choosing ownership are essential competitive advantages. Mike Robbins helps individuals, leaders, and teams shift from resistance to resilience by taking responsibility for what they can control and letting go of what they can’t. Drawing from decades of work with global organizations, years of research, and his own life experiences, Mike shares powerful insights and actionable tools for staying grounded, adaptable, and optimistic through uncertainty. You will leave ready to embrace what's next for organization, and embrace a future without limits.
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Roundtables Round 1
Choose to attend one of the five different interactive roundtables. Roundtable topics will address culture, marketing, AI, and operations. Roundtable topics will be announced in December.
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Refreshment Break
3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Roundtables Round 2
Choose to attend one of the five different interactive roundtables. Roundtable topics will address culture, marketing, AI, and operations. Roundtable topics will be announced in December.
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
OPTIONAL: Happy Hour Reception
Continue the day's conversations over drinks in the exhibit hall.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee.
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
OPTIONAL: Fiesta Networking Night on the Lawn
Get Ready to Fiesta! Head to the Event Lawn to experience the tastes and sounds of Mexico. Make new connections and reconnect with old friends over Tex-Mex inspired dinner and drinks (including a special Bystronic Drink) in a casual setting during FMA's private party on the outdoor patio. Ticket required.
$165 per person includes dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
Cancellation/No-show - Cancellations for optional events must be received in writing 14 days before the program for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Session Name
Time (MT)
Registration Desk Open
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
VIP Lounge Open
Whether you need a quiet place to sit back and relax, check your email or simply charge an electronic device, the VIP Lounge is the perfect satellite office while on the road.
7:01 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Exhibits Open
Visit the exhibits in Palo Verde and Foyer for information on the products and services important to you.
7:02 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
OPTIONAL: Women in Fabrication Breakfast
Women in the industry are invited to connect and network over breakfast.
$0 with conference registration. $50 Guest Fee. Breakfast will be provided.
7:03 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast
7:04 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks
FMA's Director of Education, Membership and Marketing, Pat Simon, will welcome attendees to start the day.
8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Keynote: Manufacturing During Political Turmoil
A change in Washington brings a change to industry. The election outcome will have an impact on all manufacturers as lawmakers look to update outdated OSHA standards, tax and tariff policies, and regulators either press forward or pull back. Omar S. Nashashibi, Founder of Inside Beltway in Washington, D.C. will provide insights from the nation’s capital on how to plan strategically and what to expect following the November election. A lobbyist for the manufacturing industry for more than two decades, Omar will preview possible changes to tax rates, OSHA and EPA regulations, and tariffs. This session will help your business be prepared for what to expect in the coming year.
8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Building a Manufacturing Business: A Panel Discussion
Small to mid-sized manufacturers are the heart and soul of manufacturing. A panel featuring leaders from small to mid-sized manufacturers will share how they need to think differently to thrive in today's market. Lisa Wertzbaugher, Wertzbaugher Services will facilitate a lively discussion with leaders on what it takes to build a business from the ground up, how to grow, and where to invest.
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Morning Break
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Leadership
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
What's Next for the Economy?
What does 2026 have in store for the economy - and your business? What’s next locally and globally? Dr. Chris Kuehl will provide expert analysis on what’s ahead in 2027 after a year in constant flux. Chris will look back on what has happened over the last couple of years to define what the future holds.
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*Sessions, dates, and times are subject to change.
Join us in Chandler, AZ for the FMA Annual Meeting
FMA Annual Meeting News
Hotel Info
Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass
5040 W Wildhorse Pass Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
PH: 520-796-4900
Room Rate: $299
Cut Off: 2/5/2027
Reserve your room by February 5, 2027 to receive the FMA group rate of $299/night. Attendees can reserve their room online through the Reservations Link or by calling 520-796-4900 and mentioning “FMA Annual Conference 2027" to receive the discounted room rate.
*Resort Fee has been waived. Resort Fee includes high-speed internet in all guest rooms; complimentary valet and self-parking; shuttle transportation (Phoenix Premium Outlets, Aji Spa, and Whirlwind Golf Club); access to the 24-hour fitness center, pools, and hot tub; complimentary bottles of water, coffee, and tea in the rooms.
Ideally located at the Wild Horse Pass Destination, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass is a Four Diamond Awarded hotel neighboring 36 holes of Golf at Whirlwind Golf Club, Aji Spa, Koli Equestrian Center, and Phoenix Premium Outlets. All of this is located less than 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport. Hotel Amenities include: 2 outdoor pools with private cabanas, fitness center, business center, 6 full-service restaurants and bars for unique dining experience, and an award-winning casino featuring 1,000 slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and BetMGM Sportsbook with a Topgolf Swing Suite.
Testimonials
"What would I tell someone about this event? Attend and meet people - everyone is friendly and knowledgeable."
"Your number 1 job at this conference is to share your story, ask questions, and make lifelong friends."
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