Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit

Date and Time

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM EDT

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Agenda:
8:30 AM – Registration & Networking
9:00 AM – Welcome Remarks
9:15 AM – Recognition of GTAMC Scholarship Students
9:30 AM – Keynote Speaker: Pavan Muzumdar, Automation Alley Chief Operating Officer
10:30 AM – Break & Vendor Showcase
11:00 AM – Panel Discussion: Advanced Technologies & Digital Transformation
11:45 AM – Small Panel: Workforce Development & Talent Acquisition
12:30 PM – Networking Lunch & Vendor Showcase
1:30 PM – Fireside Chat: Supply Chain & Tariff Implications
2:15 PM – Defense Conference Update
2:20 PM – How to do Business with the Federal Government: Cathy Fairbanks, Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator Regional Director
3:00 PM – Closing Remarks

Location

Hagerty Center
715 E Front St,

Traverse City, MI 49686

Fees/Admission

$45 per person - lunch included
$350 for a vendor table: 5 Available (Available for Traverse Connect investors only)

NOTE - The following membership levels receive (2) tickets to this event: Executive, Partner, and Champion) click register and the discount will automatically be applied

Contact Information

Abby Seitter
Send Email

Event Sponsors

Description

HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Join Us at the Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit!

The Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council invites you to the Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit—the premier gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping the future of manufacturing. Taking place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City, this full-day conference will provide cutting-edge insights, expert discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

From emerging technologies and AI-driven advancements to workforce development strategies and supply chain resilience, the summit will tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities in manufacturing today. Attendees will gain practical knowledge from top industry experts and explore the latest innovations through interactive vendor showcases.

Whether you're a manufacturer, engineer, entrepreneur, or educator, this is your chance to connect with key players in the industry, discover actionable strategies, and stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Agenda:
8:30 AM – Registration & Networking
9:00 AM – Welcome Remarks
9:15 AM – Recognition of GTAMC Scholarship Students
9:30 AM – Keynote Speaker: Pavan Muzumdar, Automation Alley Chief Operating Officer
10:30 AM – Break & Vendor Showcase
11:00 AM – Panel Discussion: Advanced Technologies & Digital Transformation
11:45 AM – Small Panel: Workforce Development & Talent Acquisition
12:30 PM – Networking Lunch & Vendor Showcase
1:30 PM – Fireside Chat: Supply Chain & Tariff Implications
2:15 PM – Defense Conference Update
2:20 PM – How to do Business with the Federal Government: Cathy Fairbanks, Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator Regional Director
3:00 PM – Closing Remarks

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Pavan Muzumdar
Chief Operating Officer of Automation Alley, Michigan's Digital Transformation Insight Center

Pavan Muzumdar is the chief operating officer of Automation Alley, Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center. Blending his 20-plus years of experience in executive leadership roles with his love of financial analysis and entrepreneurial endeavors, Pavan brings a people-focused, fundamentals-based analytical approach to his work.

Pavan is an Industry 4.0 expert who is often invited to speak at conferences and is a regular participant in panel discussions related to digital transformation. Pavan has been instrumental to the success of Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 programs and services, including taking a leading role in the creation and management for Project DIAMOnD, Automation Alley’s 3D printing network.

In addition to his role at Automation Alley, Pavan is also the founder of PCS Insight LLC, a company that teaches leaders of growing companies how to increase profits by intensifying happiness and reducing friction in the workplace, resulting in greater productivity and long-term success. Pavan is also the author of the book “Venture Perfect: The Leadership System to Maximize Teamwork and Profit in Your Business.”

He is a CFA charter holder and has master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts, and a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Bombay.