2026 South Dakota Manufacturing Summit
About this Event
Get Ready for the 2026 South Dakota Manufacturing Summit!
Join us in person for an exciting day packed with insights, networking, and all things manufacturing right here in South Dakota. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the industry, this summit is the perfect spot to connect, learn, and grow your skills. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the conversation and see what the future of manufacturing holds!
Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Opening Remarks
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Morning Keynote
Host: Lisa Shimkat, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Info: Building America’s Defense Industrial Base: SBA’s Role in Manufacturing Growth
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Marketing for Manufacturing Panel
Host: Christy Hunter, Fishnet Marketing;
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Lead People. Improve Processes. Execute Strategy.
Host: Scott Post
Info: Sustainable continuous improvement requires more than tools—it requires leaders who build trust, develop people, and connect daily work to strategic priorities. This interactive breakout explores how servant leadership and Managing for Daily Improvement integrate people, process, and strategy. Participants will examine four practical elements: visual performance, daily meetings and Gemba walks, tiered leadership support, and systematic problem-solving. They’ll leave with free tools, reflection questions, and actionable next steps for strengthening their daily management system.
Participants will learn to:
*Connect servant-leadership behaviors with daily management practices
*Apply the four elements of effective daily management
*Identify one practical action to improve leadership, performance, and team capability
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Financing Options for Manufacturing Expansions
Host: Tyler Hinrichs, U.S. Small Business Administration;
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Increasing SD Manufacturers' Participation in the Defense Industrial Base
Host: Kim Olson, GOED;
Info: Increasing SD Manufacturers' Participation in the Defense Industrial Base: The federal government has announced efforts incentivizing American businesses to contribute to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). South Dakota is also promoting the national security industry, including through efforts by the newly established South Dakota Defense Institute (SDDI). Learn about DIB opportunities for manufacturers and how your business can engage in federal contracting.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch and Networking
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Manufacturer Fireside Chat
Host: Chris Swier, FlexIT USA;
Info: General Session
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Homemade to Last: Preparing Your Business for Ownership Transition
Host: Eric Erickson, Prairie Family Business Association
Info: Every manufacturer will eventually face a transition in leadership and ownership. This session explores why family-owned manufacturers matter to our economy and communities, the challenges that come with succession, and how Prairie Family Business Association helps families succeed through generational transitions. A South Dakota manufacturing case study will show how years of preparation, leadership development, family communication, and governance helped a family successfully transition its company across generations, allowing the business to remain a strong employer and contributor to South Dakota’s economy.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Demystifying Automation: A Practical Blueprint for South Dakota Manufacturers
Host: Jake Velde
Info: We will break down how local facilities are leveraging automated systems to combat ongoing workforce shortages, boost throughput, and empower—not replace—their existing teams. We’ll outline how to spot the right opportunities, what you need to successfully launch your automation journey, and how to sidestep common implementation pitfalls. Complete with real-world examples of automated solutions in action, you will walk away with a clear roadmap to confidently start your next project.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Acknowledgements and Final Remarks
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 105.46
