Midwest Defense Forum: DoD Insights and Supplier Matchmaking
April 14, 2021
8:00 am – 2:30 pm

Click here to register

A virtual learning and matchmaking event for Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado manufacturers

Attendees of this event will hear from defense experts about how advanced manufacturing capabilities can enable small and mid-sized businesses to succeed in a post-COVID-19 world and gain firsthand insight from peers who leverage advanced manufacturing technology in their own manufacturing operations.

Subcontracting can be a lucrative avenue for manufacturers that want to work in the government sector. Attendees will be able to connect with the US Department of Defense, other government agencies, and large system integrators for virtual networking and matchmaking sessions.*

Please join Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KS), Missouri Enterprise (MO), Manufacturer’s Edge (CO), and their partners MxD and govmates, for this engaging event.

Who Should Attend

The ideal event attendees are:

• Representatives from small and mid-sized manufacturers who are currently part of OR interested in learning more about joining the defense industrial base
• Manufacturing professionals who are involved in or responsible for crafting and deploying digital strategy within their organization

Agenda

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the U.S. Department of Defense prioritized the modernization of factories to increase the global competitiveness of American manufacturing. Many manufacturers are already accelerating their own digital transformation, yet a significant number are still trying to understand how advanced manufacturing can help them meet customer needs and increase operational agility–without increasing costs.

Opening & Welcome

Advanced Manufacturing for the DoD Supply Base

• What is digital manufacturing
• How does it apply across the digital thread
• Understanding the risks and benefits

Small business case study

• Hear firsthand from small manufacturers about their digital journey

10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break

Panel Discussion – Contracting Considerations for DoD Suppliers

• Cybersecurity compliance: CMMC & DFARS
• Where small businesses can look for support /contract opportunities
• Where are new contracts failing and /or succeeding

Introduce Supplier Matchmaking

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break

Virtual networking / Matchmaking meetings*

*In order to be eligible to participate in virtual matchmaking sessions, once you register for the event, you will be sent a link to create a matchmaking profile. You will be notified of your matchmaking sessions no later than Monday, March 22, 2021.

Please note matchmaking sessions are not guaranteed – matches will be facilitated based upon company information you provide in your matchmaking profile and the needs of participating primes and government buyers.

All virtual matchmaking sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams in a web browser. The Microsoft Teams app is not required.

A Physically & Psychologically Healthy Workforce = a Healthy Bottom Line
Thursday, April 22
12 – 1 pm
Online // Free webinar

COVID-19 has illuminated, more than ever, the impact employee physical and mental health have on workplace productivity and business performance. Did you know that 75% of workers have experienced burnout, and 40% cite COVID-19 as the direct result? Or that manufacturing has higher rates than other industries of hypertension—one of the costliest of employer health-related expenses?

Join Tom Carter, Vice President of Workforce Health Consulting at Kaiser Permanente, for this timely presentation that will highlight how employee health impacts productivity and what steps you can take to support healthier employees and a healthier bottom line. In this session you will learn:

• Why focusing on employee health and wellness is always a smart business strategy—even more now with the impact of the pandemic
• The social, economic, and environmental factors that shape employees’ opportunities and barriers to healthy behaviors
• How you can build a culture of wellness and high performance for your employees
• And more!

Tom Carter Bio

Tom Carter has been with Kaiser Permanente for more than 15 years, leading Sales and Advisor Relations. Prior to Kaiser Permanente, Tom spent 12 Years at Lifeguard Health Plan as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Management. He also spent three years at US Behavioral Health as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he focused on working with large commercial carriers and Fortune 500 companies.
Tom has focused his diverse and rich background in the industry on consulting with businesses on occupational health and safety services and improving health literacy for all populations. He has deep expertise in workforce health and how employee health impacts the bottom line.

 2021 Colorado Manufacturing Awards
April 29, 2021
2:00 PM

Join us for the 6th annual Colorado Manufacturing Awards Winners Reveal & Finale and virtual networking event.

We will announce 2021 winners, celebrate past winners and CMA Alumni, and recognize manufacturing advocates and stakeholders from across industry and the supply chain.

A must-attend Colorado business event. Registration is FREE, compliments of CMA health and wellness sponsor Kaiser Permanente.