The North Valley Manufacturing Summit brings together students, educators, and manufacturing leaders for a high-energy, hands-on day focused on the future of advanced manufacturing, and the people who will shape it.

As the industry evolves, so does the need for a skilled, local workforce. This summit creates a shared space for education and industry to align, connect, and take action.

EVENT DETAILS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Stanislaus State Event Center

1 University Cir, Turlock, CA

Join us for a full day of innovation, connection, and discovery.

NEW TO ADVANCED MANUFACTURING?

Advanced manufacturing uses cutting-edge technology — like robotics, automation, 3D printing, and computer-controlled machines — to build products smarter and faster than traditional methods. These aren't the factory jobs of the past. They're high-tech, well-paying careers in engineering, operations, design, and more. And right now, the region needs people to fill them.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Kevin J. Fleming

Dr. Kevin J Fleming is an educator, speaker, producer of multiple, viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and author of the bestseller, (Re)Defining the Goal. Dissatisfied with the status quo, he has dedicated over two decades advancing career education as both a faculty member and administrator. Dr. Fleming serves as the Founder and CEO of Catapult, which delivers the world’s best thought leaders to all educators, through hybrid flexible masterclasses. His team’s mission is to Make all Education Relevant. And his dad joke YouTube channel proves he doesn’t always take himself too seriously. Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate ensuring all students intentionally equip their potential, enter the labor market with a competitive advantage, and find their purpose on purpose.

BE A PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

Exhibit

Showcase your technology, products, and career opportunities.

Learn more↗

Sponsor

Position your organization as a leader in building the future workforce.See sponsorships↗

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

STUDENTS

Curious about what comes after high school? Explore high-demand careers, see real technology in action, and discover paths you may not have considered.

EDUCATORS

Connect what happens in the classroom to what employers actually need — and bring new ideas back to your school or program.

MANUFACTURERS & INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Engage directly with future talent, share what your industry needs, and help build the regional workforce pipeline.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

Innovation Labs to get hands-on with real-world tools and technologyA See • Touch • Feel Expo showcasing modern manufacturing in actionFacilitated sessions connecting educators and employersNetworking to spark partnerships and share ideas
A featured keynote on the future of manufacturing and workforce

AGENDA

Regional Partners You are welcome to attend sessions in either track, but please note that the Educator Track sessions have limited capacity. Placement is not guaranteed and may be assigned based on availability.

Student Track

Educator Track

Manufacturer Track

Part I — Setting the Stage

Part II — Collaborative Breakouts

8:00 am

8:30 am

9:00 am

9:15 am

9:30 am

10:15 am

10:30 am

Arrival & Registration

Event Center

Registration · Swag · Poster gallery · Grab pastry bites — All Tracks

Breakfast Bites & Getting Settled

Outside Event Center

Pastry bites provided

Opening Session

Event Center

Stacey Kollmeyer Johnson, Executive Director, Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley
Jessica Godden, Executive Director, Stanislaus Partners in Education
Amanda Hughes, Executive Director, Stanislaus 2030

Opening Session

Event Center

Jessica Godden, Executive Director, Stanislaus Partners in Education
John Schneider, Senior Vice President Risk, Compliance & Supply Chain, Stanislaus Food Products, MCCV Board President
Celeste Ayers, Director – Learning & Development, Gallo

Expo Doors Open for the Day

Valley Room

Visit exhibitor booths · Network with attendees · Transition to breakout rooms at 9:15

Workforce Hiring Panel

Stanislaus Room

Regional industry HR directors share front-line insights on the realities of modern manufacturing careers, entry-level to advanced pathways, and key hiring advice to help students stand out.

Moderator: Kai Kung, CEO, San Joaquin A+
Liz Rivera, DC HR Coordinator, Fastenal Company
TBD Panelists

State Resources for Employee Upskilling

Leadership Conference Room

Moderator: Rebecca Bettencourt, Sr. Program Manager, Corporate Workforce Planning & Learning, Gallo
Kaina Pereira, Executive Director, CA Workforce Development Board
Jessica Grimes PhD, Executive Director, Employment Training Panel

Supply Chain Simulation

Event Center

Teams work alongside industry mentors to build a supply chain for a fictional agricultural food product, solving hands-on bottlenecks in manufacturing, logistics, and quality management.

Transition

Resume Lab

Turlock Room

Invited high school educators only

An interactive workshop where educators step into the hiring manager's seat alongside industry mentors to audit redacted student resumes and construct actionable tools for the classroom.

Facilitator: Tony Gladney, Senior Director, Engagement, San Joaquin A+

Sector Strategies: A Cross-Sector Conversation on Workforce Solutions

Leadership Conference Room

Moderator: Stacey Kollmeyer Johnson, Executive Director, Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley
Ana Bertha Gutierrez, CEO & Founder, Bienestar Community Economics
John Gonzalez, Business Services Manager, Tulare Workforce Investment Board
Adrian Garza, Senior HR & Talent Acquisition Manager, Central Valley Meat Co.

Part III — Interactive Expo

11:15 am

Transition to Expo

Valley Room

All Tracks

11:30 am

Expo Floor & Networking

Valley Room

Students complete quest packets · Educators & Employers visit booths & network

Part IV — Lunch & Closeout

12:15 pm

Transition to Lunch