Seminars

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 10:30am

This session will cover a variety of timely issues impacting Wisconsin manufactures, including tariffs, the recently enacted federal reconciliation package (OBBB), EPA’s Ozone Non-attainment designation for Southeastern Wisconsin, and how the growth of data centers in Wisconsin will affect electricity rates.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce is the combined state chamber of commerce, manufacturers’ association and safety council representation of every sector of Wisconsin economy.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 12:00pm

Mike Geldreich will discuss guidance on federal laws, procedures of communication to employees, employer policies, and testing. As laws evolve, so too should your company or organization. Moderated by Justin Phillips, political consultant and podcaster.

Mike has more than 30 years of insurance experience from both a direct writing and agency support angle. Mike’s previous positions include Multi-Line Field Adjuster, Workers’ Compensation Claims Supervisor, and Workers’ Compensation Claims Team Manager while working for Liberty Mutual and Wausau Insurance.

Mike’s workers’ compensation experience includes being a part of the High Exposure Medical Team handling multi-state complex claims with a minimum aggregate reserve of $250,000. Mike also held the position of Corporate Training and Development where he led Wausau’s internal training programs.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 1:30pm

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future of manufacturing. While many small and mid-sized shops have long relied on outdated ERP systems or manual processes, AI agents are now unlocking capabilities once reserved for the world’s most advanced factories. By combining digital twins, graph-based data models, and large language models, these tools transform raw business data into real-time insights and automated workflows.

This session highlights how AI enables manufacturers to quote jobs instantly, interpret complex drawings, optimize purchasing, and schedule production with unprecedented accuracy. Rather than replacing skilled craftspeople, AI removes the administrative burden so teams can focus on what they do best, making high-quality parts. Attendees will learn how leading shops are achieving dramatic efficiency gains, reducing costs, and driving sustainable growth by adopting AI-powered systems purpose-built for the realities of modern manufacturing

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 10:30am

In today’s industrial environment, it’s no longer enough to innovate with current technology. We must innovate for the future. Five years ago, nobody was talking about AI, machine learning or autonomous systems. Today, they’re the norm. How will manufacturing transform in the next five years? And how can we prepare today for the manufacturing environment that will be? Discover the answers in this session.

Matt Kirchner is an international speaker, author and podcast host on topics of interest to educators, public policy makers and private employers. On a mission to secure the American Dream for the next generation of STEM and Workforce talent, Kirchner hosts the weekly TechEd PodcastTM, featuring leaders in industry and education and serves as President of ATS/LAB Midwest, the leading distributor of world-class curriculum, eLearning and training equipment.

Kirchner writes monthly leadership columns appearing in Products Finishing and Production Machining magazines and is the author of “Teaching the Industrial Internet of Things: Preparing Students and Learners for Industry 4.0.”

Previously Kirchner led three world class manufacturing companies during a 20+ career as an industrial CEO. He and his partners sold their last company, American Finishing Resources, to DuBois Chemicals in 2014.

Kirchner serves on the boards of directors of several American companies and among his many volunteer activities is the First-Past President of the Education Dealers Association. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the American Technical Education Association and on the board of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance.

He is a graduate of the Marquette University School of Business.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 12:00pm

Midwest manufacturers are under pressure to do more for less-but not every job is worth tying up a CNC or quoting at a loss. This session explores how smart sourcing strategies, including affordable offshore tooling and vetted overseas production, can help U. S machine shops protect their best work, offload the rest, and remain competitive. Learn how to partner with local shops to keep margins healthy without giving up control.

With more than 20 years of experience in sales, management, and operations across the distribution and manufacturing sectors, I’ve built a deep understanding of supply chain systems and what it takes to consistently deliver on customer demands. That insight and passion for solving complex challenges led him to found Highmark Solutions in 2019, a trusted partner and supplier for manufacturers in the energy and utility markets.

Before launching Highmark, Jake served as General Manager at Durable Controls, where he oversaw operations and guided strategic growth, and as Regional Sales Manager at R.W. Lyall & Company, managing client relationships and regional business development. Earlier in his career, he honed my expertise in sales with Cole-Parmer and Durable Controls, building the foundation for his leadership in supply chain solutions.

Jake holds a B.S. in Business, Management, and Marketing from Carroll University and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University–Wisconsin. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building high-performing teams, driving operational efficiency, and delivering innovative solutions that help manufacturers stay competitive.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 12:30pm

Magnesium is one of the most underutilized materials in modern machine shops – lightweight, fast to machine, and often more appropriate than aluminum or plastic for rigid, low-mass parts. This seminar will give machinists a practical understanding of how to safely and effectively work with extruded magnesium, covering chip behavior, tool strategies, and application fit. You will leave this seminar with the knowledge to quote and machine magnesium parts without the guesswork or hesitation.

Matt Seeboth is President of American Carbon Company, a supplier of advanced materials including magnesium, specialty graphite, and a broad range of anodes for electrolysis and cathodic protection. With a background in cathodic protection, engineering, and industrial manufacturing, he brings a practical understanding of how materials perform in the real world - not just on paper.

Known for combining technical depth with hands-on experience, Matt collaborates with engineers and machinists to solve challenges where conductivity, corrosion, and cost intersect. Selecting the right material for the job isn’t just a detail - it’s the difference between success and scrap. Matt is also one of the few people who gets excited about both voltage drop and chip load - and yes, somehow, he's still invited to parties.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 1:30pm

In an unpredictable economy, manufacturers can’t afford to take a passive approach to marketing. This session is designed to arm manufacturing leaders and marketers with actionable strategies to not just endure economic change –but to grow through it. He will start by breaking down the power of a marketing SWOT, offering practical tools for assessing your position. Then he will dive into “downturn” proof marketing tactics that will keep your pipeline active, even during slowdowns. You’ll walk away with strategies to deepen customer loyalty as strong relationships are the most reliable engine for long term success.

Justin has been with Top Floor since 2012 and believes strongly in our mission to help companies achieve their goals through digital marketing. To that end, in 2021 he and Chad Spaude purchased the company in order to continue that legacy. Justin oversees the marketing services teams and has a passion for Analytics, problem-solving, and developing strategy.

Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 10:30am

Advanced manufacturing is rapidly being reshaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and systems integration. In this session, Mike will introduce WCTC’s new associate degrees in AI and Manufacturing integration-programs developed in direct partnership with industry to prepare the next generation of technicians and engineers. You will gain insights into how these programs were designed to meet employer needs, close skill gaps, and equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to thrive in a era of smart manufacturing.

Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 12:00pm

This seminar helps lay the groundwork for developing strong risk assessment skills. You will learn about the types of risk assessment, which type of assessment is best suited to your specific needs, and how to use each assessment appropriately. By understanding and implementing the primary methodologies of risk assessment, it is likely more accurate predictions about risk can be made.

Ryan Honerlaw is a Machine Safety Engineer II at Pieper Electric Inc. where he plays a pivotal role in advancing industrial safety standards and automation reliability.