KCMN 2025 SWOT Summit
Oct 14, 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Details
Manufacturers today face an increasingly unstable, uncertain, and complex environment, requiring leadership strategies and organizational capabilities that go beyond past successes. That's why Kansas City Manufacturing Network (KCMN), in partnership with its sister network Central Kansas Manufacturing Network (CKMN), is hosting the 2025 SWOT Summit.
This event brings together manufacturers from across the region to share best practices, insights, and solutions. Led by subject matter experts and peer manufacturers, each session uses SWOT analysis to help attendees identify ways to strengthen their operations, uncover opportunities, and address potential risks.
Membership Reminder
KCMN and CKMN memberships extend to everyone in your organization. If a session is not the right fit for you but would benefit a colleague, invite them to attend. To register at the member rate, individuals must be listed in your company's GlueUp profile. For help, contact Cari Masterson at cmasterson@wearekms.com.
This event is for Kansas and Missouri manufacturers only. Non-member manufacturers welcome!
If you have any questions please contact our Interim Executive Director, Danica Rome, execdir@wearekms.com.
Agenda and Breakout Sessions
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Registration Opens
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Welcome & Keynote Speaker
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM - Networking Break and Visit Sponsor Tables
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Breakout Session #1
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1A. Power Up Your Planning: SWOT 101 for Manufacturing
- This fast-paced session breaks down SWOT analysis through a manufacturing lens. Learn how to identify strengths, resolve weaknesses, spot opportunities, and manage threats to fuel smarter strategic decisions and long-term growth.
- 1B. Dollars & Sense: Tax Strategies for Manufacturers
- Explore key tax laws, credits, and incentives that many manufacturers overlook. Gain insight into financial strategies that could unlock savings and boost your bottom line.
- 1C. Future Forward: Emerging Leaders and Workforce Culture in Manufacturing
- Get an inside look at KCMN’s Emerging Leaders program and discover how developing future leaders goes hand in hand with building a strong workplace culture.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM - Lunch and Networking
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM - Networking Break and Visit Sponsor Tables
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Breakout Session #2
- 2A. Sales Surge: Diversify Your Manufacturing Sales
- Explore proven ways to grow your customer base, diversify revenue, and stay competitive in a rapidly shifting marketplace.
- 2B. Bridge the Gap: Manufacturing Meets Biomanufacturing
- Compare traditional and biomanufacturing practices and discover how manufacturers can leverage shared foundations, workforce crossover, and AdAstra BIO network opportunities.
- 2C. Cyberproof Your Shop Floor: Manufacturing Security 101
- Understand key risks and gain practical tools to protect your data, systems, and operations in the age of smart manufacturing.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM - Networking Break and Visit Sponsor Tables
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM - Breakout Session #3
- 3A. Automate the Everyday: AI in Daily Operations
- Learn how to bring artificial intelligence into your daily tasks—from scheduling and inventory to customer service. See how small shifts can drive big productivity gains.
- 3B. Better, Faster, Leaner: Continuous Improvement Practices that Cut Costs
- Explore techniques that improve efficiency and product quality while driving down operational costs.
- 3C. Knowledge Transfer: Mentorship in Manufacturing
- Learn how to launch or strengthen mentorship programs that pass on critical knowledge and foster leadership development across generations.
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM - Closing