From 3D-printed medical models to panel sessions on competency frameworks, Manufacturing USA’s presence at the 2025 High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) reflected a deep alignment with the event’s core mission: preparing America’s skilled technical workforce to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving, high-tech economy.
Held in late July in Minneapolis, Minnesota this year, HI-TEC is supported by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program and brings together educators, industry leaders, workforce professionals, and technicians. The conference centers on updating knowledge and skills critical for the sectors driving U.S. innovation—including those represented by the Manufacturing USA network of 18 institutes.
As a returning exhibitor and supporter , Manufacturing USA offered attendees hands-on access to emerging technologies and forward-thinking strategies for technical education. The network’s participation underscored its commitment to closing the skills gap by bridging the worlds of industry and education.
The Manufacturing USA booth served as an interactive hub where visitors explored:
- The ACL 3D Printer, provided by BioFabUSA, demonstrating real-world applications in biomanufacturing for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.
- Modern Makers one-pagers, offering insight into careers in advanced manufacturing.
- Interactive displays, creating entry points for deeper engagement with the network’s workforce mission.
Over the two-day event, representatives from several Manufacturing USA institutes led sessions focused on workforce innovation and education including: :
- “Today’s Careers: Manufacturing USA Institutes” – Panelists from across the network discussed career pathways and student engagement strategies.
- “Sustainable Transition of the Underemployed to High-Tech Workforce” – Keith Joseph (RAPID)
- “The Manufacturing USA Advanced Manufacturing Occupation and Competency Framework 2025” –Amelia Stephens and Brad Conrad (NIST)
- “The Manufacturing USA Competency Framework for Biomanufacturing Careers 2025” –Joseph Long and Brad Conrad (NIST)
- “How to Develop Micro-Credentials for Faster Education on Emerging Advanced Manufacturing Technology” – Conrad Leiva (CESMII)
- “Bringing Industry Into the Classroom: Activities” – Amy Kessler (IACMI)
In addition to live panels, the team hosted two poster presentations that attracted meaningful engagement: one highlighting the broader Manufacturing USA network, and another focused on the upcoming biomanufacturing-specific competency framework. These displays encouraged attendees to consider how the Frameworks could be adapted to their own training environments.
By aligning its programming with HI-TEC’s emphasis on collaboration between education and industry, Manufacturing USA provided national leadership in workforce innovation. The network continues to work alongside career and technical educators, technical colleges, and other training providers to ensure that future and current workers are prepared for the careers that fuel U.S. economic growth. In the meantime, visit our events page to stay connected with the Manufacturing USA network.