About this Event
Get Ready for the 2026 South Dakota Manufacturing Summit!
Join us in person for an exciting day packed with insights, networking, and all things manufacturing right here in South Dakota. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the industry, this summit is the perfect spot to connect, learn, and grow your skills. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the conversation and see what the future of manufacturing holds!
Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Opening Remarks
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Morning Keynote
Host: Lisa Shimkat, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Info: Building America’s Defense Industrial Base: SBA’s Role in Manufacturing Growth
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Marketing for Manufacturing Panel
Host: Christy Hunter, Fishnet Marketing;
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Lead People. Improve Processes. Execute Strategy.
Host: Scott Post
Info: Sustainable continuous improvement requires more than tools—it requires leaders who build trust, develop people, and connect daily work to strategic priorities. This interactive breakout explores how servant leadership and Managing for Daily Improvement integrate people, process, and strategy. Participants will examine four practical elements: visual performance, daily meetings and Gemba walks, tiered leadership support, and systematic problem-solving. They’ll leave with free tools, reflection questions, and actionable next steps for strengthening their daily management system.
Participants will learn to:
*Connect servant-leadership behaviors with daily management practices
*Apply the four elements of effective daily management
*Identify one practical action to improve leadership, performance, and team capability
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Financing Options for Manufacturing Expansions
Host: Tyler Hinrichs, U.S. Small Business Administration;
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Increasing SD Manufacturers' Participation in the Defense Industrial Base
Host: Kim Olson, GOED;
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch and Networking
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Manufacturer Fireside Chat
Host: Chris Swier, FlexIT USA;
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Vendors and Networking Break
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Breakout Session
Host: Eric Erickson, Prairie Family Business
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Demystifying Automation: A Practical Blueprint for South Dakota Manufacturers
Host: Jake Velde
Info: We will break down how local facilities are leveraging automated systems to combat ongoing workforce shortages, boost throughput, and empower—not replace—their existing teams. We’ll outline how to spot the right opportunities, what you need to successfully launch your automation journey, and how to sidestep common implementation pitfalls. Complete with real-world examples of automated solutions in action, you will walk away with a clear roadmap to confidently start your next project.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Southeast Technical College Tour
Host: Southeast Technical College;
Info: Tours of the Technology Center featuring Automation Engineering and the Mickelson Center featuring CNC Manufacturing
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Final Remarks
Event venue & nearby stays
Southeast Technical College, 2320 North Career Avenue, Sioux Falls, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.