Schedule-at-a-Glance

Click the session title to view description and speaker details.

Please note: Program is updated regularly and is subject to change.

6:00 pm

VMA Board of Directors Dinner (Invitation only.)

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

VMA Board of Directors Meeting (Invitation only.)

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

VRC Board of Directors Meeting (Invitation only.)

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

Program Session

The Tech Energy Transition

This session will explore how new technologies and a new administration are impacting the energy landscape. Specifically, it will focus on how artificial intelligence, Big Tech, and the explosion in data center development are shaping investments and the regulatory regimes for various energy technologies.  The types of energy best suited to meet this increased demand, as well as some of the opportunities and challenges of available energy options will also be discussed.

Speaker Info

Amy L. Stein, JD, Cone Wagner Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law

2:15 pm – 3:30 pm

Program Session

Government Affairs Policy: Insights & Impacts

The start of the second Trump administration began with a flurry of Executive Orders, and has not slowed down.  With policy shifts on tariffs, taxes and many regulatory areas, there is a lot for companies to digest.  This session will provide a review of federal activities to date, and will also look forward on what could be forthcoming.  We’ll also discuss the interplay between all three branches of government and the states to help explain the landscape and issues to be watching  – from PFAS to energy and others – for our industry.

 

Speaker Info

Eric McClafferty, Partner, International Trade, Kelley Drye LLC
Omar Nashashibi, Owner, Inside Beltway

3:30 pm – 3:45 pm

Networking Break

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Special Event

Spouse/Guest Program

Join other spouses and guest for a meet and greet. Enjoy light refreshments and catch up with friends, and meet new attendees, as you look forward to your time at the VMA/VRC Annual Meeting.

Click here for more information.

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Program Session

VMA’s Response:  PFAS, Trade, Taxes & More

More Info Coming Soon! 

 

Speaker Info

Heather Rhoderick, President, VMA

4:00 pm – 4:55 pm

Program Session

Unlocking Profit & Knowledge with Real-Time Data and AI

As manufacturers strive for greater profitability and efficiency, real-time data and AI are becoming essential tools. Yet, 70% of manufacturers still rely on manual data entry, according to NAM’s Manufacturing Leadership Council. This session explores how leading companies are leveraging smart manufacturing technologies and automated data collection to gain clearer insights into operations and margins. Learn how AI and real-time data can help identify costly downtime, optimize pricing, forecast production, and evaluate machine utilization. Discover how deeper analytics—by customer, part, or process—can improve contribution margins and support more strategic decisions. This session offers practical, proven approaches to turn data into actionable intelligence that drives growth and operational performance.

Speaker Info 

Michael J. Devereux II, Partner, National Manufacturing Industry Leader, Wipfli LLP

4:55 pm – 5:00 pm

Closing Remarks

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Special Event

New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception

New to VMA or attending your first Annual Meeting? Join VMA leadership and fellow first-timers for a dedicated welcome reception. Make new connections and learn how to get the most from your membership.

Dress Code: Resort casual

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Special Event

Welcome Reception & Dinner

Enjoy a casual beachside evening with colleagues as the sun sets over the Gulf. This relaxed dinner features local flavors and food stations in a beautiful outdoor setting.  

Dress Code: Resort casual

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

7:30 am – 8:30 am

VRC members are encouraged to attend this session for updates on key initiatives and council direction for the year ahead.

8:30 am – 9:15 am

Program Session

Water/Wastewater Industry Outlook

The water and wastewater market has joyously experienced a multi-year period of resounding double-digit growth fueled primarily by both the compelling need to upgrade aging facilities and equipment and by an influx of federal fiscal support via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other funding legislation.  Will this momentum continue?  Will it moderate?  Or will it decline when the IIJA reaches its termination date in 2026?  We’ll explore responses to these questions, and we’ll delve into how water and wastewater investment will likely be apportioned in the years ahead.  We’ll also examine other funding sources, impending regulatory drivers, as well as how the overall economy and construction labor availability will impact business prospects and project performance.  Finally, we’ll pull it all together and take a look ahead at the near-term future and what we can expect.

 

Speaker Info

Tom Decker, Owner, Thomas E. Decker Consulting

9:15 am – 10:00 am

Program Session

Data Centers Industry Outlook

The growth of data centers is driving demand for both energy and water, and our industry’s products. Is this growth sustainable, are there other implications, what does the global viewpoint look like? This session will delve into those topics and more. 

Speaker Info

Shane Mullins, VP of Product Development & Research, Industrial Info Resources

10:00 am – 10:15 am

Networking Break

10:15 am – 11:05 pm

Program Session

Supply Chain: Insights & Implications for Future Planning

The world has been plagued with geopolitical, cyber, and supply chain risks, propelling supply chain issues to dominate the discussion in boardrooms. As supply chains continue to evolve at a rapid pace and advanced technologies accelerate, the companies that stay ahead of critical trends and changing business conditions will dominate their industries. Join us to learn about the latest trends and opportunities in the supply chain. And, more importantly, what that will mean for the future and how to position your company to mitigate risks and take advantage of the opportunities to thrive in the next decade.

 

Speaker Info

Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD, Owner, LMA Consulting Group

11:05 am – 11:50 am

Program Session

U.S Foundries: Capacity, Tariffs, and the Future of Castings

With shifting trade policies and ongoing tariffs on China and India, U.S. foundries are at a pivotal point. This session explores current and future capacity, the resurgence of vertically integrated models, and how domestic operations are adapting. We’ll examine trends in casting technologies—from traditional sand to investment and centrifugal—and discuss how foundries are planning for growth amid political and economic uncertainty. Discover what’s next for the U.S. casting landscape.

Speaker Info

Ben Yates, VP of Business Development, American Foundry Society

11:50 am – 12:00 pm

Closing Remarks

12:00 pm

Lunch on Your Own

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Spend your free afternoon networking in a more casual setting. Explore the local area, try something new, or join a friendly competition while connecting with fellow leaders. Spouse/guest participation welcome. Separate registration required for all. Click here for more networking activity information and associated costs.

  • Golf Tournament
  • Backwater Fishing
  • Revs Institute Car Museum Tour
  • Airboat Swamp Adventure

5:00 pm

Evening on Your Own

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast

8:00 am – 9:00 am

An important update on VMA’s strategic plans, member programs, and future goals. Open to all VMA members.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Walking Tour of the Naples Historic District. Click here for a full description and cost.

  • Walking Tour of Naples Historic District

9:00 am – 9:15 am

Networking Break

9:15 am – 9:45 am

Program Session

Building an Effective Talent Strategy:  Proven Tactics to Attract, Hire and Retain Your Most Valuable Asset

Despite economic uncertainty, the competition for top talent remains intense—and not all organizations are prepared. This session offers data-driven insights to help leaders attract, hire, and retain high-performing talent in today’s complex labor market. Learn what makes companies stand out, what top candidates want, and how to implement best-in-class hiring and retention strategies. Gain practical guidance to evolve your talent approach and position your organization for long-term success in a rapidly shifting workforce landscape.

Speaker Info

Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics, Bundy Group

9:45 am – 10:30 am

Program Session

Strategic Outlook 2025: Geopolitics, Policy, and Economic Headwinds

The world is undergoing major shifts in 2025—from new administrations in North America and Europe to an emboldened China reshaping global dynamics. In the U.S., unilateral trade actions and tariff threats have created widespread uncertainty, impacting consumer confidence and business optimism. Meanwhile, mixed economic signals—strong retail and industrial data alongside weak sentiment—are fueling debate over the risk of recession. This session will offer timely insights into global flashpoints, shifting alliances, and economic implications. From war and trade barriers to supply chain risk and scenario planning, you’ll gain a clear understanding of today’s geopolitical forces—and practical guidance to help your organization respond with agility and confidence.  Attendees will gain practical insights on how to navigate the current economic climate, assess potential risks and opportunities, and plan for future operating conditions. Designed for business leaders, this presentation will equip you with tactical guidance and tools to make confident, forward-looking decisions in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Speaker Info

Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics, Bundy Group

Eugene Chausovsky, Senior Director, New Lines Institute

10:30 am – 10:45 am

Networking Break

10:45 am – 12:15 pm

Program Session

Strategic Simulation & Scenario Planning: Global Conflict & Supply Chain Risk

This interactive simulation explores how regional conflicts can impact global supply chains, energy flows, and more.  In this unique session, the facilitator will lead us through a global crisis situation.  As this takes place, you’ll learn key aspects of scenario planning to apply in your business, as well as gain insight into how countries and governments may react in key situations that impact our industry.  Plus – we’ll also take a look at how AI may advise on the risks and outcomes.  You’ll learn practical skills in cross-team communication, negotiation, and time-sensitive decision-making – while gaining critical insight into how geopolitical events shape business strategy and operational risk.

 

Speaker Info

Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics, Bundy Group

Eugene Chausovsky, Senior Director, New Lines Institute

12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Closing Remarks

12:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Spend your free afternoon networking in a more casual setting. Explore the local area, try something new, or join a friendly competition while connecting with fellow leaders. Spouse/guest participation welcome. Separate registration required for all. Click here for more networking activity information and associated costs.

  • Go Cat Boats Eco Tour
  • Naples Electric Trike Tour

6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Special Event

VMA Member Awards Ceremony, Reception & Gala Dinner

Close out the Annual Meeting with a celebratory evening of recognition and connection. Enjoy a festive reception, awards presentation, and a lively evening with a DJ.

Dress Code: Resort elegant

"The presentations at the Annual Meeting were of current and timely information regarding the industry, the economy, and political influences on our industry.”
Past Attendee

Sessions

More information coming soon.

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