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Networking & Experiences

Connect. Learn. Grow. Your manufacturing network starts here.

#MDMMidwest


Networking Neighborhood: Where Industry Stories Begin

Welcome to our vibrant Networking Neighborhood, where meaningful connections happen naturally. Here, you'll discover professionals who share your passion, face similar challenges, and possess the insights that could unlock your next breakthrough. It's a space designed for authentic conversations that go beyond surface-level small talk – where real relationships are built and industry solutions are born.

Your Two-Day Journey Unfolds

Day 1: Dive Deep into Your Industry

The morning buzz is electric as professionals gather in focused sessions tailored to your specific field. Whether you're revolutionizing medical device manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of design innovation, pioneering automation solutions, transforming plastics applications, or reimagining packaging possibilities – you'll find your tribe here. These aren't just networking sessions; they're collaborative think tanks where today's challenges become tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Day 2: Expand Your Horizons

The energy shifts as diverse voices come together. Watch as seasoned executives share wisdom with eager students in our Young Professionals Network. Witness powerful conversations unfold in our Women in Manufacturing circle, where barriers are broken and paths are forged. Join the Executive Leadership Circle where strategic minds align, or contribute to meaningful change in our Sustainable Manufacturing Roundtable where the future of responsible production takes shape.

Beyond the Conversations

Fuel Your Connections Between breakthrough moments, recharge at our Coffee Cart & Food Area. It's amazing how the best ideas often emerge over a shared meal or that perfect cup of coffee. These casual spaces become the backdrop for organic conversations that often prove more valuable than formal meetings.

Capture Your Success Before you leave, stop by our Professional Headshot Station. Walk away with more than just business cards – take home a polished new image that reflects the confident professional you've become through these connections. Your LinkedIn profile will thank you, and so will your future network.

Stay Powered, Stay Connected Never miss a moment due to a dead battery. Our Complimentary Charging Station ensures you're always ready to exchange contact information, schedule follow-up meetings, or capture those spontaneous moments of inspiration.

This isn't just networking – it's where your next chapter begins.

Every handshake is a potential partnership. Every conversation could be the catalyst for your next big breakthrough. Every connection made here has the power to transform not just your career, but your entire industry perspective.

Ready to write your success story? Your neighborhood awaits.


Welcome Reception

Start your MD&M Midwest experience right! Join us for the ultimate networking kickoff featuring complimentary drinks, delicious bites, exciting prize giveaways, and endless opportunities to connect with peers, speakers, and potential customers. Open to all attendees on the expo floor - just bring your badge and your business cards!

Date, time, and location details coming soon

Welcome Reception

Booth Crawls

Booth Crawls

Wind down with your peers at meet-and-greets on the expo floor at participating booths! All pass types can visit with exhibitors, enjoy a beer and light bites, and learn about exceptional product offerings.

October 28, 2026 from 4pm – 5pm

Sponsors:

  • Confluent Medical Technologies
  • Tech Tube

MD&M Park

Come relax, interact with your peers, and have some fun at MD&M Park — a gathering place featuring local artists and not-for-profit organizations

MD&M Park includes forestry and crafted seating from urban forestry and youth organization Tree Trust. After the event, the seating – which is being built by Tree Trust’s Career Pathways program participants – will be delivered to the Normandale Elementary School in Bloomington, MN, for use in their outdoor classroom. In addition, the trees will be planted in the Minneapolis metro area as part of the program’s community impact.

MD&M Park

Demo Zone


Demo Zone at MD&M Park

Step into the Demo Zone, where innovation comes alive through dynamic 30-minute product demos from leading suppliers. See the latest manufacturing technologies and solutions in action and explore innovations up close and gain practical insights.


The Floor Report

The Floor Report is a live, daily broadcast from the heart of the show floor – hosted by an industry insider, structured like a morning news program, and built around the problems you’re actually trying to solve. Every segment opens with a real challenge facing manufacturers today and closes with expert insight you can take back to your team. Best part? It’s completely free. And there’s coffee.

  • Real talk, not a sales pitch
    • Every segment is moderated by an independent industry host – not a vendor rep. The format is editorial: a real problem gets named, then an expert walks through the solution. You’ll leave with insight you can actually use, not a business card you’ll lose.
  • Free coffee, zero obligation
    • Grab a cup from the coffee bar and settle in – or just watch from the standing area with your drink. The Floor Report is designed to fit into your show day naturally. Catch one segment between booth visits or stay for the full edition.
  • Your questions, answered lived
    • Every segment includes a live Q&A block where the host takes questions directly from the audience. This is your chance to get specific, go deeper, and hear what your peers are asking – not just the scripted version of the answer.

Networking

Networking

Connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders in an engaging, business-focused environment where you can build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities to advance your objectives. Featured networking opportunities include themed meet-ups and curated 1:1 speed networking tailored to key manufacturing sectors.


Your Premium Networking Sanctuary

Transform chance encounters into meaningful business relationships in our thoughtfully designed networking haven.

The Meetup Zone serves as your dedicated networking headquarters—a sophisticated yet welcoming lounge space specifically crafted to facilitate authentic professional connections. Whether you're seeking intimate one-on-one conversations with potential partners, impromptu brainstorming sessions with industry peers, or those serendipitous encounters that spark innovation, this comfortable retreat provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful dialogue.

Perfect for:

  • Pre-session strategy discussions
  • Post-presentation follow-ups
  • Industry peer exchanges
  • Mentor-mentee conversations
  • Cross-sector collaboration exploration
  • Quiet spaces for important calls between sessions

The Meetup Zone transforms traditional networking from formal, structured interactions into natural, relationship-building experiences that extend far beyond the event itself.


Coffee Talks/Lunch & Learns are returning in 2026 – schedule coming soon.