KCMN Annual Networking Event 2026: Event Recap

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | Union Horse Distilling Co., Lenexa, KS

What a way to spend an evening! On Tuesday, August 11, the Kansas City manufacturing community gathered at Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa for the KCMN Annual Networking Event. Manufacturers, service providers, and community partners came together to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the people moving our region's manufacturing forward. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

The Live Manufacturing Happy Hour Podcast

The centerpiece of the night was a live taping of the Manufacturing Happy Hour Podcast with host Chris Luecke, part of the All American Manufacturing Summer Tour. Two panels of local leaders took the mic for a genuine, energizing conversation.

Panel one explored what manufacturing means in Kansas and Kansas City, and how the region is moving manufacturing forward:

• Eric Young, Alpha Robotics
• Nathan Goodpasture, ProCon Manufacturing
• Jason Andrews, Gemtech

Panel two turned to operations leadership:

• Tim Stevens, Seats, Inc.
• Matt Wyre, Hallmark
• David Murphy, Asset Watch

Thank you to Chris and to every panelist for sharing such candid insight on the state of manufacturing in our region.

A Toast to the Manufacturing Community

Following the podcast, Craft Sponsor Kansas City Managed IT raised a toast to the community, led by Jarrad Shull. It was the perfect way to celebrate the people who give so much to our industry.

Remarks From the Stage

Tiffany Stovall, CEO of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, took the stage to introduce Representative Sharice Davids. Representative Davids spoke on the importance of manufacturing and the value of advancing and supporting our region's manufacturers for the future. It was a meaningful reminder of how much our community contributes and how much opportunity lies ahead.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors and Partners

KCMN Network Manager Rachel Keck took the stage to recognize the sponsors and partners who made the day possible:

• Kansas City Managed IT, Event Sponsor
• Brown & James, who provided the Kansas City Chiefs tickets
• AGH CPA's & Advisors, our Connect 4 sponsor

A special thank you to A. Wever Advisory, RSM, and Wagner Logistics for buying a round of drinks for everyone, and to all our network partners and sponsors for their continued support throughout the year. We could not do this without you.

Thank You, Dave Stein

In a special moment, Rachel welcomed Tiffany Stovall back to the stage to honor Dave Stein for his years of dedicated service as he approaches a well-earned retirement. Thank you, Dave, for everything you have given to this community. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

Looking Ahead

Tiffany closed the night with a look at what is ahead, including exciting changes on the horizon and what the future holds for Kansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Kansas City Manufacturing Network. Rachel also shared a preview of upcoming events, and there is a lot to look forward to. Keep an eye out for what is next!

Games, Prizes, and Connection

Throughout the afternoon, guests played Networking Bingo and Connect 4, meeting new faces and making new connections along the way. Rachel returned to the stage to draw the prize winners, and the night wrapped up the way it began, with great conversation and open networking.