Manufacturing Women’s Leadership Conference 2026: Harness Influence

Monday, March 23

Mon, Mar 23 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT

Welcome Reception

All attendees are welcome to join us for light bites and drinks.

Tuesday, March 24

Tue, Mar 24 10:00am - 10:15am CDT

Opening Remarks

We're so glad you've joined us! We will take a few minutes to do some minor introductions and major agenda setting so that attendees are reminded of all the opportunities to engage, network, and learn that will take place throughout the conference.

Tue, Mar 24 10:15am - 11:10am CDT

Perspectives from a CEO

In this opening panel, hear what top manufacturing leaders have to say on the current industry and workplace environment.

Tue, Mar 24 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Global Trade Updates

Manufacturing must keep a close eye on global trade. Nobody's immune to the pressure, so what does the latest trade update mean for you? Examine that with us during this session.

Bonny Lin

Director, China Power Project and Senior Adviser, Center for Strategic International Studies

Bonny Lin is director of the China Power Project and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Previously, she was the acting associate director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE and a political scientist at the RAND Corporation, where she analyzed different aspects of China’s foreign and defense policy and U.S. competition with China, including China’s use of gray zone tactics against U.S. allies and partners. Her research advised senior leaders in the Department of Defense, including military leaders at U.S. Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Army Pacific.

Dr. Lin also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2015 to 2018, where she was director for Taiwan, country director for China, and senior adviser for China. Dr. Lin has testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an adjunct at the RAND Corporation and Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA). Dr. Lin holds a PhD in political science from Yale University, a master’s degree in Asian studies with a focus on China from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College.

Tue, Mar 24 11:55am - 1:00pm CDT

Lunch

Get to know your fellow attendees as we break for an on-site lunch.

Tue, Mar 24 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Breakout Sessions

Dive into deeper conversations with the challenges and opportunities you face as a leader in manufacturing.

Attendees will be grouped by leadership level with specific instructions to provide you the most optimal value during this time.

Tue, Mar 24 1:45pm - 2:30pm CDT

Speed Dating - Interest Group Sessions

Did you fill out your interest form?

During this time, take the opportunity to connect with those interested in select subgroups. We highly encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to talk with someone new over a common interest!

Categories will be shared as the event gets closer since themes are collected throughout registration.

Tue, Mar 24 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

Break

Refresh with some light snacks and fun drinks before the rest of the afternoon sessions.

Tue, Mar 24 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Employee Resource Groups

Effective ERGs are linked to increased feelings of inclusion and higher retention. How can you start, or improve upon, the effectiveness of these programs at your own organization? Gain guidance from those leading ERGs during this session.

Tue, Mar 24 3:30pm - 4:15pm CDT

Keynote Session

What moves you forward? As a leader, supporter, inventor, mentor, and all the other nouns that could be used. As we work on how we can all Harness Influence, come together in this final session to seal the learnings of this day, and set up for tomorrow.

Tue, Mar 24 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT

Offsite Networking Social

Come hang! Connect with fellow attendees in a nearby, unique Austin space for fruitful conversations, connections, and plates.

Wednesday, March 25

Wed, Mar 25 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

Morning Movement

Yoga was a big hit in 2025, so we are doing a similar event again! This optional activity will bring us together in movement and mindfulness.

Wed, Mar 25 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

Breakfast

Start the day off strong with coffee, conversations, carbs, and many other delicious breakfast items.

Wed, Mar 25 9:30am - 9:35am CDT

Opening Remarks

Welcome to the second day! Set the scene with us.

Wed, Mar 25 9:35am - 10:20am CDT

Executive Leadership Panel

Announcement on executive panelists to come!

Wed, Mar 25 10:20am - 11:05am CDT

Strategy in the Age of AI

Trending, but for the right reason. Join us for an overview on the latest innovations and expectations in a rapidly advancing world.

Wed, Mar 25 11:05am - 11:20am CDT

Networking Break

Connect with a new face during this brief intermission.

Wed, Mar 25 11:20am - 12:05pm CDT

Breakout Sessions

Break off into level-based tracks to divulge on a topic of interest for you.

Wed, Mar 25 12:05pm - 12:15pm CDT

Transitional Break

Wed, Mar 25 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT

Closing Lunch Keynote

Enjoy an on-site lunch while learning from a prominent industry leader.