Economic Playbook Track

Conference Track Sponsor

ECONOMIC PLAYBOOK TRACK

Day 1, Tuesday, February 24th

1:30 – 2:30PM

Budgeting, Forecasting and Dynamic Pricing Using AI Models

Artificial Intelligence is often seen through the narrow lens of chatbots, but its real value comes from being a resource that helps businesses solve problems. This session is designed to show manufacturers how AI can be put to work as a supportive partner: strengthening supply chains, optimizing processes, improving decision-making, and unlocking new opportunities.

Participants will see demonstrations of how AI can support:

Forecasting & Inventory Management – predicting demand and keeping the right stock at the right time.
Dynamic Pricing & Price Optimization – helping businesses adjust in real time to global markets.
Workforce Support – with tools like BEACON for employee wellness and BRIDGE for behavior support.
Maintenance & Help Desk Assistance – through MaintAIn, which helps troubleshoot problems faster and reduce downtime.
Video Generation – transforming how businesses communicate and showcase products across borders.

Throughout the training, we’ll emphasize that AI is not about replacing people, it’s about serving as a resource that helps organizations work smarter, adapt quickly, and stay competitive.

By the end of this session, you will:

Understand AI’s role as a resource for supply chains, pricing, and workforce management.
Gain confidence in identifying where AI can add value to your organization.
See real demonstrations of different AI tools in action.
Leave with actionable next steps toward AI adoption.

Dr. Sean Siebert | Founder, Invent Yourself, LLC

Dr. Sean Siebert’s breadth of knowledge and experience, combined with his story-telling ability, make him a muchsought-after speaker, panelist, educator, and consultant. His messages resonate with audiences, leaving them both motivated and committed to embrace a future of endless possibilities. Currently, Siebert serves as the founder of the AI and strategic management firm Invent Yourself, LLC. Siebert has also authored the award-winning books, Fighting The Good Fight and Conversations on Grief. Dr. Siebert’s cross-collaborative work has been funded by numerous organizations including the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the National Institutes for Health (NIH), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Kauffman Foundation, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation, and other agencies. Additionally, Siebert serves as a contracted subject-matter-expert (SME) for the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR). His work in the industries of education; workforce development; entrepreneurship; and economic development continues to be recognized across the United States and around the world. Dr. Siebert has been honored by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) with the prestigious Friend of Education Award for his work with school districts across the State of Missouri. Dr. Siebert was the national recipient of the National Association of Development Organizations Innovation Award, for his work that helps communities, and individuals, to combat the mental health and opioid epidemics. Siebert has also been honored as the Entrepreneur of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Faculty Member of the Year, and he was the recipient of the Exclamation Award for Excellence. Siebert has been recognized on numerous occasions by the Missouri Department of Economic Development as he was a featured keynote speaker at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2023. In May 2024, Siebert’s work was identified by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), as a best practice for addiction and recovery that leads to hope and resiliency.

Simon Siebert | Director of Artificial Intelligence, Invent Yourself, LLC

Simon Siebert is a graduate of Arkansas State University, where he earned a master’s degree in Digital Technology with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. He holds advanced certifications in Python, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Front-End and Back-End Development, Data Science, Business Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. As Director of Artificial Intelligence at Invent Yourself LLC and 50 by Friday AI, Simon leads the design, development, and deployment of AI solutions that bridge innovation with real-world impact. His work spans predictive analytics, generative design, supply chain optimization, computer vision, autonomous inventory management, compliance and risk management, and cybersecurity. Simon has built AI systems for small and rural businesses, educational institutions, and behavioral health providers. His portfolio includes multi-tenant wellness chatbots, AI diagnostic assistants for manufacturing, and advanced prototypes integrating IoT, VR, and cybersecurity. Each solution emphasizes security, compliance, and user trust—incorporating safeguards such as Firebase authentication, crisis alert systems, and App Check enforcement—while maintaining intuitive, user–centered design. Beyond AI, Simon’s expertise in full-stack web development allows him to create scalable, secure, and accessible platforms tailored to client needs. His mission is to make cutting-edge technology practical, trustworthy, and transformative for the communities and organizations he serves.

3:30 – 4:30PM

The State of Manufacturing: Trends, Tariffs & Trade Realities

North America's economic, geopolitical and tariff landscapes are shifting fast and bringing both disruption and opportunity to manufacturers. In this dynamic session, Cara Walton will decode how today’s economy and trade policies are shaping the
industry. She’ll spotlight the key indicators leadership teams must track to stay agile, and share practical strategies to navigate tariffs, market shifts and trade deals. Expect actionable insights to help your business reduce external risks and focus on what you can control.

What you'll learn:

Understand how current and future economic conditions affect North American manufacturing.
Explore market intelligence, forecasts key and trends shaping the industry.
Pinpoint the tariffs and trade policies that impact your operations and assess the impact of pending trade deals.
Decode the economic signals behind durable goods demand and shifting consumer behavior.
Review operations, finance, HR and sales data from Wipfli’s recent Manufacturing Benchmarking Report.
Explore the geopolitical forces impacting the manufacturing landscape

Cara Walton | Director - Organization Performance, Wipfli

As Director in organizational performance at Wipfli, Cara Walton leads the strategic direction and growth of the firm’s manufacturing intelligence tool; an industry-leading benchmarking resource powered by over eight years of trended data from thousands of companies. She oversees data acquisition and market intelligence efforts, delivering actionable insights into business and operational performance across the manufacturing sector. Walton’s team consistently publishes intelligence on manufacturing demand, macroeconomic health and tariff dynamics. She closely studies economic, trade and policy trends impacting manufacturers and consults with clients on how to interpret data and adjust business strategies accordingly. A recognized thought leader in manufacturing economics and tariff strategy, Walton is a frequent speaker at industry events and webinars, helping manufacturers better understand market forces and navigate change with confidence.

Day 2, Wednesday, February 25th

9:00 – 10:00AM

Engineering Growth: Building a Systematic Business Development Engine for Manufacturers

Discover how operational excellence principles can revolutionize your business development approach—even with limited resources. In this session, you'll learn how Mike Hill of Big Rocks Engineering has applied proven manufacturing methodologies to build a comprehensive business development system for a small group of Midwest manufacturing companies working with minimal budget constraints.

Drawing on the Theory of Constraints, Mike will walk you through the practical process of creating structured workflows for lead generation, nurturing, and conversion that transformed ad-hoc sales efforts into a predictable, measurable system. You'll see how treating business development as an operational process—complete with documented procedures, performance metrics, and continuous improvement—delivered tangible results.

Key takeaways include:

Mapping your BD process to identify and eliminate bottlenecks using TOC
Creating low-cost, high-impact lead generation and nurturing procedures
Leveraging existing networks and relationships as strategic assets
Building a conversion system that turns prospects into RFQs and customers
Implementing metrics and feedback loops for continuous improvement

Mike Hill | General Manager, Big Rocks Engineering

Mike Hill is the founder and General Manager of Big Rocks Engineering, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in physics and aerospace defense. With a passion for innovation, Mike leads the company with a focus on helping organizations develop cutting-edge products and solutions. His leadership emphasizes strong business relationships, collaboration, and consistently delivering high-quality results.

9:00 – 10:00AM

Manufacturing Economic Outlook for 2026 – and Beyond

In this session, we will break down the key forces shaping manufacturing in 2026 with a clear, Midwest-focused look at interest rates, labor pressures, supply chains, and demand trends. This session cuts through the noise and delivers practical insight using real data – PMI, durable goods orders, freight indexes, capital spending patterns, and regional indicators. Whether you’re planning investments, tightening operations, or positioning for growth, you’ll walk away with a grounded understanding of what’s ahead and how to prepare for both volatility and opportunity.

Economist, The PNC Financial Services Group

Speaker bio coming soon.