The IndustryWeek Operations Leadership Summit brings together manufacturing leaders who are responsible for turning strategy into measurable performance. Designed for today’s rapidly changing industrial environment, the Summit delivers practical, real-world insights on the challenges that matter most, from building stronger teams and sustaining continuous improvement to adopting AI and emerging technologies, strengthening safety cultures, and achieving operational excellence.

The experience goes beyond the conference room, with plant tours, interactive workshops, executive forums and networking opportunities designed to connect leaders with peers who are tackling similar operational challenges. From seeing advanced manufacturing technologies in action to exploring how organizations are developing their next generation of leaders, the Summit gives attendees practical frameworks, proven strategies and new connections they can take back to their facilities and put to work immediately.

Performance Solutions by Milliken (PSbyM) brings a unique, Practitioner-based value proposition to its clients and has built an enviable record of helping companies achieve substantial and sustainable improvements in their operations and safety excellence efforts. This approach, built on the foundation of lessons learned while Milliken & Company created and implemented its own world-class performance system, helps client organizations engage and empower their associates by establishing a culture of continuous improvement and drive breakthrough operations impact. PSbyM currently serves companies in more than 100 operating locations in 28 countries across a wide range of industry sectors.

COO Forum is a peer community built exclusively for Chief Operating Officers and senior operations executives. In today’s environment of constant disruption and accelerating complexity, COOs are expected to drive results while navigating change across every part of the organization. COO Forum provides a trusted space to do that more effectively – through candid peer exchange, expert-led sessions, and a network of experienced operations executives who understand the realities of the role. Members gain practical insight, sharpen judgment, and learn from leaders who have faced similar challenges – leading to clearer decisions and more consistent execution across the business.

Choose from multiple breakout sessions led by expert speakers. Gain practical strategies and proven best practices designed to help your company build a sustainable competitive advantage.

Three In Depth Tracks: 

• Continuous Improvement:

Discover proven approaches to streamline processes, improve performance, and drive lasting results.

• Technology Adoption:

Explore emerging technologies and practical strategies for integrating them into your operations.

• Industrial Safety:

Learn best practices for strengthening safety, reducing risk, and building a stronger safety culture.

Each year, IndustryWeek recognizes exceptional manufacturing companies and performances across the country through its IW Best Plants program.

At the Summit, these industry-leading companies will share:

• What drives their success: Discover the strategies, practices, and innovations behind their performance.
• Lessons you can apply: Learn how to leverage their experiences and insights for your own organization.
• Real-world perspectives: Hear directly from the leaders and teams who are making a difference in manufacturing.
• Answers to your questions: Engage with these outstanding companies and get insights tailored to your challenges.

A unique opportunity to learn directly from some of manufacturing’s best performers and take their lessons back to your organization.

Experience some of the most innovative manufacturing facilities in the greater Spartanburg area firsthand through in-depth facility and plant tours. Go behind the scenes, see advanced technologies and processes in action, and hear directly from plant leaders about the strategies, equipment, and operations driving their success.

• BMW PLANT SPARTANBURG FACTORY: 

Go behind the scenes with BMW plant leaders and explore 32 years of production milestones at BMW’s largest facility worldwide. The tour includes the Zentrum and an introduction to Final Assembly operations.

• SPARTANBURG STEEL PRODUCTS:

See how advanced technology and legacy equipment work together across 575,000 square feet of Tier 1 and Tier 2 stamping operations. Explore applications including cobots and profile-bending while hearing from plant leaders about recent complex launches.

Connect with operations-focused attendees, presenters, editorial staff, and vendors throughout the Summit. From structured roundtables and Q&A sessions to receptions and shared meals, every opportunity is designed to spark valuable conversations and build connections that last beyond the event.

Explore immersive workshops led by solution providers from across the manufacturing ecosystem during Day One of the conference. Get hands-on experience with new products and services designed to help you solve challenges, improve performance, and achieve your business goals.

Explore Tabletop Exhibits

Connect directly with solution providers and explore products, services, and technologies designed for today’s manufacturing challenges. Engage with exhibitors, ask questions, and discover practical solutions you can bring back to your operations.