Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum 2026
Event Date:
October 1, 2026
Event Time:
8:30 AM
Event Location:
ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Resource Center, and ESSA Bank present the 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum on Thursday, October 1 at the ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus (101 Founders Way Bethlehem, PA 18015).
Welcome to the Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, a hub for professionals, businesses, and stakeholders in the vibrant manufacturing community. This forum serves as a dedicated platform for discussing the unique opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping our local manufacturing landscape.
- Explore the diverse array of industries thriving in the Lehigh Valley, from food processing and plastics to metals and machinery.
- Discuss key initiatives driving growth, such as workforce development, infrastructure investments, and sustainability practices.
- Share insights on leveraging regional strengths like access to major markets, skilled labor pools, and educational institutions.
- Collaborate on solutions to common industry challenges, such as supply chain management, regulatory compliance, and technology adoption.
- Network with peers, industry leaders, and government representatives to foster partnerships and business opportunities.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, service provider, or community stakeholder, this forum invites you to contribute your expertise, learn from others, and collectively advance the manufacturing sector in the Lehigh Valley. Let’s build a stronger, more resilient manufacturing community together!
Presentations:
- Welcome to Northampton County: Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski
- Critical Financial Solutions to Support Your Business Growth: ESSA Bank President Joseph Bonsick
- Manufacturing Trends in the Lehigh Valley: Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation VP of Business Development & Attraction Kristin Cahayla-Hoffman
- Workforce Update: Workforce Board LV Assistant Executive Director, Sarah Lutz
- Trends in AI for Manufacturing and Beyond: MRC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manager Shawn Furman
- 2026 Manufacturing Tax and Efficiency Insights: Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Jeffrey Chrin
- Managing Shop Floor AI: BlueCloud Consultants CEO Chris Rawlings
- Legislative Update: U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie
(PA-7) (Tentative)
Keynote: President & CEO at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co. Thomas Ripsam
PLUS: The 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturer of the Year Award presented to Human Active Technology
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📅DATE: Thursday, October 1, 2026
⏲️TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Registration, Networking, Breakfast, Exhibits, Passports Stamped
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Program
📌LOCATION: ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem PA 18015
Single Admission Ticket: $120
Registration is via the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce website
