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Traverse City Today
By the People, for the People
Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit to Host Industry Leaders
The annual event will focus on economic trends, smart manufacturing, and government-industry collaboration.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:38pm
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The 12th annual Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit is scheduled for April 13 at the Northwestern Michigan College Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The event, presented by Traverse Connect and the Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council, will bring together industry leaders and professionals to discuss advancements and challenges in the manufacturing sector.
Why it matters
The manufacturing industry is a critical component of Northern Michigan's economy, and this summit provides a platform for industry professionals to network, learn from experts, and discuss strategies to address key challenges and opportunities.
The details
The summit will feature a keynote address by Rick Dauch, chairman of the Century, LLC board of directors, who has over 43 years of management experience in the automotive and EV industries. The program will focus on three main areas: economic and labor trends, smart manufacturing and industrial AI, and collaboration between industry and government partners. Specific session topics will include talent attraction, supply chain policies, and government contracting.
- The 12th annual Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
- The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The players
Traverse Connect
The lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region, supporting the manufacturing sector through the Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council.
Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council
A partner organization that co-presents the Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit.
Rick Dauch
The chairman of the Century, LLC board of directors, with 43 years of management experience in the automotive and EV industries. He will deliver the keynote address at the summit.
What’s next
Registration for the summit is open, with a cost of $65 per person and the opportunity for vendors to secure tables for $500.
The takeaway
The Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit provides a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to stay informed on the latest trends, challenges, and collaborative efforts in the manufacturing sector, which is a crucial component of the region's economy.
