GAM Operational Excellence Conference 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026 4:00 PM - Thursday, June 25, 2026 11:00 AM (EDT)
Description
This conference is open to all manufacturers.
Please join us for the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) Operational Excellence Conference, taking place Monday, June 22 to Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Sonesta Resort located at 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head, SC.
This event is designed for plant managers, safety officers, HR leaders, legal counsel and other facilities professionals seeking to drive continuous improvement, grow sustainably and achieve true excellence in all facets of manufacturing operations.
Please mark your calendar for arrival at 4:00 PM on Monday, June 22. Business and social gatherings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Departure is scheduled for Thursday morning, June 25.
We’re planning a robust agenda of thought-provoking discussions and discovery — but we’ve also set aside time for relaxation and fun. Bring your family and enjoy the many activities Hilton Head Island offers.
HOTEL & ROOM BLOCK
GAM has secured a block of hotel rooms with discounted pricing. To book at the group rate, please use the following link: GAM Operational Excellence Conference. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We encourage early booking!
The last day to book a hotel room is Monday, May 25, 2026.
| CONFERENCE PRICING | |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | $ 1,195.00, valid through Friday, March 20 (CLOSED) |
| Standard | $ 1,395.00, valid through Monday, May 25 |
| Exhibitor | $ 2,000.00, valid through Monday, May 25 |
| Public Partner | $ 395.00, valid through Monday, May 25 |
| Spouse/Guest | $ 325.00, valid through Monday, June 1 |
Registration prices include daily meals and drinks consumed during organized GAM activities. Room reservations are NOT included in your registration fee.
CANCELATION: We cannot accept conference registration cancelations after the deadline, Monday, June 1st. Should you need to cancel your hotel room, please reach out to the hotel directly at (843) 842-2400.
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES:
GAM’s Operational Excellence Conference is a unique way for your company to showcase your products and services and promote your support for Georgia manufacturers. For more information on sponsorships, click HERE.
AGENDA
During the conference attendees will hear directly from leaders and subject matter experts across each Operational Excellence pillar, including:
- People Strategies (HR & Workforce)
- Operations & Artificial Intelligence
- HSSE (Health, Safety, Security & Environment)
- Legal
Engage in peer learning with others facing the similar challenges. Gather practical takeaways that will immediately translate to your workplace. Get the latest policy insights from key state leaders.
Best of all, enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that is a hallmark of GAM events. Even better, bring your loved ones and make a vacation of it.
MONDAY, JUNE 22 Arrival & Hotel Check-In Member Reception sponsored by Factory Automation Systems |
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Talent Strategies for Uncertain Times Drew Epting, Director of Talent Services & Marketing MAU Workforce Solutions
|
Panel: Diversifying Your Talent Pipeline Patrick Lenz, President and COO, Toyo Tires (Moderator) Esther Deveaux-Morgan, Director of HR, Toyo Tires Marc Collier, CEO, Cartersville Career Academy Rick Goble, Early Career Development Manager, Toyo Tires Tammy Gomez, Talent Acquisition Manager, Toyo Tires Mark Mahon, Major, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Gina Ruud, Employee Experience and Community Engagement Specialist, Toyo Tires Video: “What a Great Supervisor Means to Me” Introduced by Patrick Lenz
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Panel: Equipping Frontline Leaders For Your Business Success John Bruce, Co-Owner and COO, Performex Steve Brookshire, Front Line Leader Development Specialist, Toyo Tires Chris DiCarlo, Vice President, Lockton Nozomi Morgan, CEO, Michiki Morgan Worldwide Mia Williams, Senior HR Manager for Talent and Culture, Toyo Tires |
Guest Speaker: Bárbara Rivera Holmes, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Labor
|
3M Safety Roadshow The Fabulous Five in Safety:
Facilitated by Gwendolyn Jordan-Howard, Hoshizaki and Subena Colligan, EHS Transformation Consultants |
Golf Tournament/Shotgun Start (Registration opens soon!) Sponsored by Lockton and Interface Free Time Dinner/Reception/Music |
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
|
Keynote Speaker: Manufacturing What’s Next: Excellence Through Advanced Operations and Workforce Readiness John Kenan, Senior Vice President of Operations Gulfstream Aerospace Masterclass: The Blueprint for a Digital Factory—Linking Business Strategy, Digital Execution and AI Outcomes Jeff Kramer, VP Technology and Digital Factory, Kason Industries Bridging Generations: Adapting Operations for a Multigenerational Workforce Shawn McBride, First Horizon Bank, (Facilitator) Chuck Boyles, Vice President and Co-Owner, Factory Automation Systems Tim Ferguson, Director of Operations Excellence, Siemens Mobility Fredrik Stalberg, Founder and Managing Partner, Arcleef Advisory |
Guest Speaker: Ben Vinson, Chairman State Board of Workers Compensation |
Presentation: Workers Compensation Update Todd Ross, Founder, C. Todd Ross PC Presentation: Build It Right. Run It Tight: The Legal Foundations of Strong Operations in 2026 Joe Ciucci, Partner, Duane Morris Nico Zulli, Senior Associate, Duane Morris |
Free time Dinner Reception/Activities/Music in the Outdoor Pavilion |
THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Hotel Check-Out and Departure |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
130 Shipyard Dr
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
117