Manufacturing Matters 2026

From breakthrough technologies to sustainable practices, you’ll get a front-row seat to the trends shaping our economy—and the strategies transforming the way we build. Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, surface fresh ideas, or equip your team with tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving market, Manufacturing Matters 2026 is your launchpad to inspiration and collaborative progress. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement—where what matters, matters.

This year’s theme at Manufacturing Matters is “Diversification & Business Development.” Join us October 1st to learn about opportunities in the Defense, Mining & Nuclear Sectors, and presentations around many other topics relevant to manufacturers today in our region.

Agenda
8:15am : Welcoming Remarks – Full Breakfast

8:30am : Keynote – General Dynamics Land Systems Canada

915:am : Networking & Tradeshow/Business Development Showcase. This will continue on the whole morning. Well over 100 Manufactures from Southern Ont will have booths, plus service providers.

Breakout Sessions (concurrent sessions 45 mins each, 10:15am & 11:15am):

10:15am Breakouts:

• Mineconnect – Opportunities for Manufacturers in Canada’s Mining Sector Supply Chain
• MNP – Cyber Security and risks in the Defense Sector
• Evormore – AI, Beyond the Hype
• Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium Canada – Funding Training Programs
• Siskinds the Law Firm – Supply Agreement Pitfalls

11:15am Breakouts:

• Bruce Power – Opportunities for Manufacturers in Canada’s Nuclear Sector Supply Chain
• Ryan Group – Maximizing Funding across Incentives & Tax Credits
• HR Ladder – Shift Happens, Maximizing Recruiting for Manufacturers
• Ontario Defense Association – Roadmap to Becoming a Supplier in the Defense Sector

12:15pm : Event Wraps Up at RBC Place

Afternoon Plant Tours (RSVP to these will be open soon) – Tours will be starting at 1pm & 3pm (limited space)

• URSA Manufacturing
• Amstead Automotive
• Jones Healthcare Group

This event is NO COST for Manufacturers to attend. We encourage you to send as many folks as you like so you can attend as many of the breakouts as you like. There will be well over 100 booths consisting of Manufacturing Firms from across the region and service providers. If you would like a booth, no cost for Manufactures, fee for service provides please email Jason at jbates@emccanada.org. Booth space is limited.