Introduction to the event: MFGCON North Carolina 2026
MFGCON 2026, hosted by the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), is one of the most anticipated events for manufacturers. Taking place next month at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on April 14-15, MFGCON brings together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore the latest technologies in manufacturing. Whether you're an established manufacturer or a newcomer to the industry, MFGCON is the perfect place to gain valuable knowledge, network with peers, and discover new opportunities. This event is for manufacturers, technology providers, and anyone eager to improve their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
MFGCON North Carolina 2026 Agenda
MFGCON 2026 offers a wide range of sessions designed to give manufacturers practical ideas they can apply immediately. Across two days, attendees will hear from industry leaders, technology experts, and manufacturers who are sharing real-world experiences from their own operations.
Keynote speakers
The conference begins with opening remarks followed by the keynote “Year Ahead 2026: The Bull Powers On” by Jim Reichard of Bank of America. The session will provide an economic outlook for the coming year and explore the forces shaping manufacturing investment, growth, and market conditions.
Day two features a closing keynote from Rick Coffey, President and COO of McCreary Modern, offering candid lessons from leadership and manufacturing operations in his talk “What Not to Do!”
Workshops & breakout sessions
Throughout the conference, breakout sessions will focus on practical strategies for improving operations, strengthening teams, and navigating economic and technological change.
Key topics include:
- Digital twins and lean manufacturing – how virtual modeling can reveal hidden inefficiencies and improve shop floor layout and workflow
- Outsourcing production while maintaining quality – a real-world case study on building successful collaborative manufacturing partnerships
- Bridging the military-civilian workforce gap – strategies for recruiting and retaining highly skilled veterans in manufacturing roles
- AI applications for small and midsized manufacturers – practical examples of how manufacturers are already using AI for forecasting, quality inspection, ERP workflows, and predictive maintenance
- Modernizing legacy machine shops – implementing systems like EOS to move from tribal knowledge to structured accountability
- Effective onboarding programs – how strong onboarding improves retention, productivity, and culture
- Trade policy and tariffs – what changing U.S. trade policy means for sourcing, pricing, and global supply chains
- Applying NASCAR pit-crew principles to manufacturing – lessons in preparation, communication, and operational speed
- Workplace culture and retention strategies – building strong teams through leadership, mentorship, and employee engagement
Industry-focused discussions
The conference also includes expert discussions on key industry challenges, including:
- Cybersecurity and ransomware risks in manufacturing environments
- Global sales growth and exporting strategies for U.S. manufacturers
- Supply chain resilience and trade volatility
- Workforce development and retention
These sessions provide opportunities to hear directly from manufacturers and industry leaders who are actively solving these challenges.
Networking opportunities
MFGCON also offers several opportunities for attendees to connect with peers across the manufacturing community. Events such as the Celebration of North Carolina Manufacturing Reception and Vendor Tradeshow provide a relaxed environment for networking and sharing ideas with fellow manufacturers, partners, and industry experts.
Exhibit hall
The event also features a vendor tradeshow where attendees can explore new technologies and solutions designed to support manufacturing operations.
Priority Software will be exhibiting at MFGCON, and our team will be available to discuss how modern ERP systems can help manufacturers improve visibility across production, inventory, and finance while simplifying day-to-day operations.
Each session and discussion at MFGCON is designed to give manufacturers practical insights they can take back to their organizations, helping them improve efficiency, strengthen their workforce, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Each session and event is designed to provide you with actionable insights that can help you improve your manufacturing operations, stay ahead of the competition, and drive innovation within your organization.
Things to do around MFGCON North Carolina 2026
If you're attending MFGCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take some time to explore the local area:
- Explore the City: Winston-Salem is known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history. You can visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, explore the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, or take in a performance at the Stevens Center.
- Recommended Spots: If you have extra time, check out the Tanglewood Park for outdoor activities or take a walk through Bethabara Park, a historical site that dates back to the early 1700s.
How to Get to MFGCON North Carolina 2026
Traveling to MFGCON is easy, with plenty of transportation options available:
- Public Transport: The closest airport to Winston-Salem is Piedmont Triad International Airport (GBO) in Greensboro, NC, which is about a 30-minute drive from the event venue. From there, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental car to the event.
- Hotel options: For a convenient stay near the event, consider booking a room at the Winston-Salem Marriott located at 425 N Cherry St, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. With a special group rate of $169-179 USD per night, this hotel offers a comfortable and convenient location for all attendees.
Impressions from previous MFGCON events
MFGCON has built a reputation as one of the most valuable manufacturing events in North Carolina. Past conferences have brought together hundreds of manufacturers, technology providers, and industry experts to exchange ideas and practical strategies.
For our team at Priority Software, it's always one of the highlights of the year. The conversations tend to focus on real operational challenges, how to improve production visibility, simplify inventory management, and connect systems across the business.
Those conversations are exactly what make the event so valuable.
Meet us at MFGCON North Carolina 2026
If you're attending MFGCON 2026, we'd love to meet you.
Our team from Priority Software will be at the event speaking with manufacturers about ways to streamline operations and gain better visibility across their business with a modern ERP platform.
You can also:
- enter our raffle for a $250 Total Wine gift card
- join us for a small dinner with fellow manufacturers during the event
- schedule time to discuss your operational goals and challenges
Book a time with us here or stop by our booth!
We look forward to seeing you in Winston-Salem and continuing the conversation about how manufacturers can work smarter and grow faster.
The Author
