MAKE FORWARD MIDWEST 2027 February 10-11
MAKE FORWARD MIDWEST 2027 February 10-11

Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.

Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.

Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.

Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.

About MAKE FORWARD MIDWEST

Business professionals networking at a conference.

THE Manufacturing Event

Make Forward Midwest is a two-day manufacturing summit, expo, and Ohio Manny Awards Social taking place February 10–11, 2027 at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Hamilton, Ohio, presented by Ohio Business, NKY, Cincy, Dayton and Emergent Defense Magazines in partnership with Butler Tech and Miami University. 


Built for manufacturers, service providers, and workforce partners across the region, the event brings together industry leaders, professional services firms, and educators for panels spanning law, banking, accounting, insurance, and staffing — culminating in the Ohio Manny Awards Social honoring the state’s top manufacturing achievers. Make Forward Midwest exists to spotlight Ohio’s manufacturing sector, connect it with the professional resources it needs to grow, and celebrate the companies driving that progress forward.


Inaugural Make Forward Midwest 2027

February 10 & 11, 2027

11:30AM - 1:30PM

Location: Butler Tech Advanced Manufacturing Hub | Hamilton, Ohio

Presented by: Ohio Business, NKY Magazine, Cincy Magazine, Dayton Magazine, and Emergent Defense Magazine


In Partnership With: Butler Tech and Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AM Hub) 

Sponsored by: Butler County Finance Authority, UHY, Tri-State Tooling & Manufacturing Association, and CNC Airbags


Move Manufacturing Forward

Make Forward Midwest brings together Ohio’s manufacturing community for a two-day summit and expo focused on the people, ideas, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.


Taking place February 10–11, 2027, at the Butler Tech Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Hamilton, Ohio, this regional gathering will connect manufacturers, industry leaders, workforce development partners, educators, and professional service providers for meaningful conversations, industry insights, and valuable networking.


Through engaging discussions, expert perspectives, and opportunities to build lasting connections, Make Forward Midwest will explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s manufacturers while highlighting the innovations, partnerships, and strategies moving manufacturing forward across Ohio and the Midwest.

Join the Summit & Expo!

Click here for tickets

Key Topics & Programming

The program topics will explore critical issues and emerging opportunities across the manufacturing industry, including:

Global Economy: Global Forces Shaping Ohio Manufacturing

Examine economic trends, global competition, and market forces influencing Ohio’s manufacturing landscape.

Education & Workforce Development: Building the Next Generation of Manufacturers

Explore workforce development, education partnerships, and strategies for preparing the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Manufacturing for National Defense

Discuss the role of manufacturers in the defense industrial base, evolving industry needs, and opportunities to support national security.

Business Transition & Ownership: Succession, ESOPs & Sales

Explore strategies for transitioning manufacturing businesses, including succession planning, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and business sales.

Additional programming and speakers will be announced as the event takes shape.

Explore the latest in manufacturing technology & workforce education initiatives

    Reserve Your Spot Today.

    Click here for tickets

    Events

    Wednesday, February 10th

    Ohio Manny Awards Social

    5:30pm

    -

    7:30pm

    Event Details

    Wednesday, February 10th

    Ohio Manny Awards Social

    Make Forward Midwest will culminate its first day with the Ohio Manny Awards Social, celebrating the excellence, innovation, and achievement...

    Event Details

    5:30pm

    -

    7:30pm

    Thursday, February 11

    Morning | Leaders’ Breakfast

    Event Details

    Thursday, February 11

    Morning | Leaders’ Breakfast

    Kick off the expo day with the Leaders’ Breakfast, Connect with fellow industry leaders and hear insights from a featured keynote speaker.

    Summit Programming

    Event Details

    Summit Programming

    Participate in professional-services sessions and the dedicated Defense Contracting Track, featuring discussions on key challenges, emerging...

    Event Details

    Expo Floor

    Event Details

    Expo Floor

    Explore sponsor booths and tabletop exhibits throughout the morning. Connect with manufacturers, industry partners, service providers, and s...

    Event Details

    Student Workforce Panel

    Event Details

    Student Workforce Panel

    Hear directly from students pursuing manufacturing-related education and career pathways as they share their perspectives on the next genera...

    Event Details

    More Events

    Thank you to our Partners:

    Thank you to our Sponsors:

    Contact Us

    To find out about the opportunities available for your company, connect with Eric Harmon at publisher@ohiobusinessmag.com or 513-290-2030.

    MAKE FORWARD MIDWEST

    Subscribe

    Sign up to receive updates about our special events.

    Copyright © 2026 MAKE FORWARD MIDWEST - All Rights Reserved.

    Powered by

    This website uses cookies.

    We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

    Accept