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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.


Transform Your Event Experience

The Future of Event Engagement is Here

We're excited to announce significant enhancements to our mobile app, delivering an intelligent, integrated ecosystem that transforms how you plan, connect, and navigate the event. This represents the most significant platform evolution in event technology, designed specifically to elevate your event experience.

1: Meet Lina - Your AI-Powered Event Assistant

Never Miss What Matters Most

Lina is attendees' personal AI guide, available 24/7 across the online directory, mobile app, and planner interface. She doesn't just answer questions—she proactively delivers personalized recommendations that help attendees discover the exhibitors, sessions, and connections that align perfectly with their goals.

Key Benefits:
  • Smart Discovery: "Which exhibitors should I see?" gets personalized answers with reasoning
  • Intelligent Networking: "Who should I connect with?" surfaces valuable connection opportunities
  • Optimized Planning: "What should I attend?" recommends sessions based on interests and behavior
  • Effortless Navigation: "Plan My Smartest Route" creates time-saving paths through the show floor

2: Connections - Networking Reimagined

Build Meaningful Professional Relationships

Transform networking from chance encounters to strategic relationship building. Our comprehensive networking suite enables attendees to discover, connect, message, and meet with the right people at the right time.

Powerful Features:
  • Advanced Search & Filtering: Find connections by name, title, company, role, and shared interests
  • Privacy-First Approach: Consent-based networking ensures quality interactions
  • Seamless Communication: Direct messaging and group conversations (up to 5 participants)
  • Integrated Meeting Scheduling: Book 1:1 and group meetings with automatic calendar integration
  • Smart Recommendations: AI-powered suggestions for valuable connections

3: Revolutionary Planner Design

Your Schedule, Optimized

The refreshed planner puts attendees in control with a clear, calendar-centric view that makes every moment count. Smart recommendations turn open time slots into opportunities for discovery and connection.

Enhanced Experience:
  • At-a-Glance Scheduling: See what's planned, what's pending, and where opportunities exist
  • Intelligent Recommendations: "Let's Fill This In" suggests relevant activities for open time slots
  • Seamless Route Planning: Integration with Plan My Smartest Route respects existing commitments
  • Contextual Decision Making: View surrounding schedule when responding to meeting invitation


All features become available instantly when the mobile app launches in the weeks leading up to the show. Experience the full power of Lina AI Assistant, Connections networking, and the enhanced planner design right at your fingertips.


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

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.

Meetup Zone

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.