Description

The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), in partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and IMEC, proudly presents:

MAC2025 – Midwest Aerospace Conference

Theme: The Future of Aerospace Manufacturing

Get ready for a dynamic, full-day conference packed with industry insights, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

What to Expect:

🚀 Focused Programming
This year’s agenda centers on two high-priority areas in today’s global aerospace climate:

• Aerospace manufacturing business growth
• Improving manufacturing efficiency through automation and innovation

From keynote presentations to panel discussions, the content is designed to deliver practical strategies you can implement immediately to drive performance and profitability.

🤝 Back Again – Exclusive Matchmaking Sessions
Meet one-on-one with top industry players. These moderated meetings are a rare opportunity to introduce your capabilities directly to key supply chain stakeholders.

Note: Matchmaking sessions are available to manufacturers only.

🏢 Exhibit Hall
Showcase your products and services—or explore innovations from others in the field. This is also a great opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers. Exhibit space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

🎫 Exhibitor Registration includes:

Two (2) MAC2025 Conference Tickets Included - a $400 value

Rectangular table (6’ x 30” x 30”)

Booth: 8' x 8'

Two chairs

Tablecloth

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Mark your calendars for MAC2025 to collaborate, learn, and forge partnerships that will drive the aerospace industry to new heights.

🕛 Registration Deadline: October 10 at Noon
📌 Day-of registration will not be available.

For questions, please contact Carmen Kellerman.

MAC2025 Hosts:

Schedule of Events 

7:00 – 8:00am

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open

7:00- 8:00am

Light Breakfast | Exhibit Room

8:00 – 8:10am

Welcome | Ziock Room

David Forward, Woodward, Inc

8:10 – 8:50am

Presentation | Ziock Room

Aerospace Market Trends | Mike Stengel, AeroDynamic Advisory

8:50 - 9:30am

Keynote Presentation | Ziock Room

Boeing Commercial Aircraft - Supplier Management Principles | Janene Collins

9:30 - 10:10am

Featured Presentation | Ziock Room

Tier 2 Growth in Today's Aerospace Market | George Whittier, Barnes Aerospace

10:10 - 10:30am

BREAK

10:30 - 11:00am

Presentation | Ziock Room

Understanding Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Requirements, Opportunities, Barriers & Cybersecurity Mandate Update | Chris Hollingsworth, APEX Accelerator    

Since 2016, the number of new entrants entering the DIB has declined. Doing business with the Department of Defense can have many requirements for entry and the DoD contracting process can be difficult to manage. We will discuss the steps for DIB readiness, understanding the barriers, and familiarity with opportunities and programs to assist with business entry.

11:00 - 11:40am

Panel Discussion | Ziock Room

Growth through M & A | Panelists: George Whittier, Barnes Aerospace; Bill Alderman, Alderman Co; Nate Jordan, Small Business Development Center

                                                                 Facilitator: David Boulay, IMEC                                                                                                                  

    11:40- 12:00pm

Presentation | Ziock Room

Benefits of Free Trade Zones | Carrie Zethmayr, CZS (Certified Zone Specialist), Managing Director – Newmark Global Strategy, Administrator of FTZ #176 

In the dynamic high-tariff environment of 2025 and the foreseeable future, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) can be a tool for companies to obtain a competitive advantage as they manage global supply chains. This presentation will provide an introduction of the FTZ program as a best practice for companies that trade globally, enabling tariff risk mitigation and greater control of a company’s supply chain costs.

12:00 - 1:00pm 

Lunch & Exhibit Hall Open | Ziock Room & Exhibit Hall

If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact Carmen at ckellerman@rockfordchamber.com    

1:00 - 1:40pm

Panel Discussion | Ziock Room 

Improving Shop KPI’s and Staff Productivity through Factory Data Analytics | 

Joe DeMartino, CEO, Solestra Group; Charles T. Morley, President, Schleifring Medical 

Facilitator: Vivek Saxena, FactoryTwin

We will share real-world examples of step improvements in shop metrics and highlight the digital journeys of two manufacturing companies. The discussion will cover where to begin, lessons learned, and how to make digitalization successful on the shop floor. Key topics include identifying reliable data, understanding what “good & reliable” data looks like, and the progression from static dashboards to a fully integrated digital twin.

1:40 - 2:20pm

Panel Discussion | Ziock Room

Advancements in ERP Systems & Manufacturing Execution Systems for Small Businesses | Facilitator: Dean Harms, IMEC

2:20 - 3:00pm

Presentation | Ziock Room

Advanced Automation Concepts | Akshat Thirani, Amper & Max Moruzzi, Xaba

Facilitator: Dean Harms

  3:00 – 5:00pm

Exhibitor Room open for Networking Reception (Cash Bar) | Exhibitor Room

  3:00 – 5:00pm

Supply Chain Matchmaking (Manufacturers Only) | Nelson Room, Talcott Room, Munthe Room