Vote Manufacturing USA into SXSW 2025

Image of woman wearing VR headset in a factory with text overlay: VOTE NOTE Panel 1: Factories of the Future, Panel 2: Four Fierce Women Changing the Face of Manufacturing, Panel 3: Collaborative Innovation: Manufacturing USA's Unique Model, Panel 4: Emerging Pathways for Modern Makers

The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference offers attendees a view of the future. It celebrates innovation and technology and provides a forum for creative thinkers to discuss what’s next and learn about the resources that can help them build the future. SXSW EDU is an annual conference that brings together the brightest minds in education. It tackles complex issues and drives impact to create a new tomorrow for learners everywhere.

Manufacturing USA has four proposals under consideration to present at both SXSW and SXSW EDU 2025.

Part of the selection process for determining SXSW programming includes community voting. The Community Voting period is where the power of the Manufacturing USA network comes in! We need your help – and your vote – to get our institute representatives and members to Austin in 2025. 

Community Voting is now closed. Check back in early November to see which panels will be at SXSW 2025!

 

Factories of the Future

Graphic with photos of the four panelists for the SXSW 2025 panel: "Smart, Sustainable, Streamlined: Factories of the Future." Panelists: Suzy Teele, Jeff Winter, Dr. Maria Curry-Nkansah, Kathie Leonard

This panel explores the current state of U.S. manufacturing, what technologies the next few decades will bring, and what steps companies, big and small, can take to future-proof their business. Experts from the Manufacturing USA network, with diverse manufacturing backgrounds, will discuss innovations in areas like predictive analytics, automation, sustainability, and streamlined supply chains. Hear how these technologies will impact and grow the American workforce and economy of 2050. Success for the future of U.S. manufacturing is both attainable and achievable.

Link to vote: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/152669

 

Four Fierce women changing the face of manufacturing

Graphic with photos of the four panelists for the proposed SXSW 2025 panel: Four Fierce Women Changing the Face of Manufacturing. Panelists: Julie Lenzer, Emily Molstad, Lisa Masciantonio, Sarah Jordan

Thirty percent of the U.S. manufacturing workforce is female, despite women making up nearly half of the overall workforce. Hear from dynamic women working to upend this statistic. This panel shares inspiring stories from women in the Manufacturing USA network who are thriving in this male-dominated field, one that is actually rife with opportunities. They'll share the mentors who empowered them, the obstacles they overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. Gain actionable advice to attract and retain women in your enterprise or find your own path in manufacturing.

Link to vote: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/151983

 

Collaborative Innovation: Manufacturing USA's Unique Model

Graphic with photos of the two co-hosts for the proposed SXSW 2025 meet-up session: Collaborative Innovation: Manufacturing USA's Unique Model. Cohosts: Julie Lenzer, Don Ufford

While the U.S. leads the world in innovation and R&D spending, many discoveries are stranded in labs as companies struggle to invest in domestic development and production. In this meetup, representatives will share how the growing network of Manufacturing USA institutes helps businesses cross the “innovation valley of death” by de-risking technology development. Learn how this unique ecosystem of public-private partnerships advances manufacturing innovation and how your company, academic institution, or other organization can become a part of it.

Link to vote: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/146662

 

Emerging Pathways for Modern Makers

Graphic promoting votes for South by Southwest E. D. U.: Emerging Pathways for Modern Makers. Panelists: Keith Joseph, Grabrielle Mourousas, Tymeeka Middleton, John Kreckel

What do a veteran, an environmental lawyer, and a high school science teacher have in common? In this session, you will meet Modern Makers from the Manufacturing USA network who are building new pathways for high-tech manufacturing careers. U.S. manufacturing is growing and crucial to the economy and national security. However, with rapidly advancing technology demanding advanced skills, only half of the 500K+ open jobs are filled annually. Hear from these Modern Makers about their journeys and how their work is building the future of manufacturing education.

Link to vote: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/151060