2025 Strategic Networking & Leadership Forum

10:00am – 11:30am
Pre-Event Tour (Limit 25 Attendees) –
Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research
Visitors will learn about the state-of-the-art automotive research campus dedicated to innovation and industry collaboration. Attendees will see cutting-edge laboratories where researchers develop advanced vehicle technologies, from autonomous systems to sustainable mobility solutions. The tour showcases the Deep Orange program, where graduate students design and build prototype vehicles, as well as the facility’s world-class testing and simulation environments. Guests will also explore partnerships between Clemson and leading automotive companies, highlighting the campus’s role in shaping the future of transportation and supporting the regional automotive economy.

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Registration Open

2:30pm – 3:00pm
Welcome Remarks, Introductions, and Icebreaker
Each attendees get a few minutes to introduce themselves, their company, and what services they provide.

3:00pm – 5:15pm
Workshop: What is Keeping You Up at Night?
Birch Room
Kick off the SNL Forum with our tradition of discussing the topic What Is Keeping You Up At Night, this time with a Choose Your Own Adventure twist. In both small and large group formats, we will engage in thought-provoking discussions, allowing you to contribute your tips, ideas, and feedback. Together, we will tackle the hard topics that keep you awake at night and discover that you are not alone in your struggles. Attendees will choose from the top suggested topics that are troubling the industry and work as a group to choose from a list of topic-based scenarios to tackle. The roundtable scenarios will simulate real-life business issues, helping attendees develop practical insights and strategies as a team. The experiences and triumphs of your peers will enlighten and inspire you, as you learn from their journeys towards overcoming similar obstacles.

4:15pm – 4:45pm
Networking Break

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Welcome Happy Hour
Bee Hive Room

7:00pm
Dinner on your own

8:30am – 3:00pm
Registration Open

8:30am – 9:30am
Networking Breakfast
Birch Room

9:30am – 10:00am
AGMA Update
Birch Room

10:00am – 11:30am
Emerging Technology Lightning Talks – 3D Printing
Presenter: Mary Ellen Doran, AGMA VP of Emerging Technology
Birch Room

Produced by the AGMA Emerging Technology 3D printing Committee this session is designed to show real-world use cases of AGMA members using 3D printing in their facilities and to provide information on some emerging trends in the additive space.

This presentation will have 3 components:

1. Jigs, Fixtures, and more (30-minute presentation)
   An AGMA member company will show how they use 3D printing to make simple, cost-effective parts to aid in manufacturing. From a quick piece for an end effector to an add-on to a fixture, 3D printing helps complete work. We hope to have hands-on parts to pass around.
   
2. Prototyping to production (30-minute presentation)
   How are AGMA members using 3D printing to make prototypes? Is this being used for molds? How are they using 3D printing in production? This presentation will provide examples of work being done at one AGMA member company.
   
3. Emerging tech in additive (30-minute presentation)
   Mary Ellen Doran, AGMA VP of Emerging Technology will outline the top trends in this space. Focus will be placed on materials development, new machines that can do something faster, or more precise, and some new technologies.

11:30am – 12:00pm
Meet the Sponsors
Birch Room

12:00pm – 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
Bee Hive Room

1:00pm – 2:00pm
SESSION 1 – Building the Future: Why Workforce Development is Critical for the Gear Industry
Speaker: Dave Hataj, Owner, Edgerton Gear & Founder, Craftsman with Character® 

The manufacturing industry is facing a workforce crisis, and the gear industry is no exception. In this session, Dave Hataj will make the case for why workforce development is not just an option but a necessity for the future of gear manufacturing. Drawing from real-world experience, he will explore the impact of investing in young talent, creating a culture of craftsmanship, and developing the next generation of skilled workers. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead—and why the time to act is now.

2:00pm – 2:30pm
Networking Break

2:30pm – 3:30pm
SESSION 2 – Workshop: From Vision to Reality – Implementing Craftsman with Character® in Your Business
Speaker: Dave Hataj, Owner, Edgerton Gear & Founder, Craftsman with Character® 

After recognizing the workforce challenges facing his own business, Dave Hataj launched Craftsman with Character®, a groundbreaking workforce development program that connects students with hands-on learning and career opportunities in manufacturing. In this session, Dave will share the story behind the program—how it started, what makes it work, and the impact it’s having today. More than just a presentation, this session includes an interactive workshop where attendees will learn actionable steps to implement this workforce development initiative in their own businesses. Whether you’re looking to recruit young talent, build mentorship programs, or create a culture of craftsmanship, this session will provide the roadmap to get started.

3:30pm
Depart Hotel for Tour

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Afternoon Tour – Greenville Technical College

6:00pm – 8:00pm
Rooftop Revelry – Networking Reception and Dinner –
Hoppin’ GVL

Get ready for a night of networking, fun, and great vibes at Greenville’s hottest hangout spot – the private rooftop at Hoppin’ GVL!  Come mingle with your peers, sip on your favorite self-poured beer or wine, and challenge a colleague to a friendly game of cornhole after dinner. This is a great opportunity to strengthen industry bonds while relaxing and enjoying phenomenal drinks and food after a day of learning.

Breakfast on your own

8:30am
Depart Hotel for Tour

9:00am – 12:00pm
Friday Tour – SEW Eurodrive

12:00pm
Event concludes – return transportation to hotel or airport