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As 2026 approaches, manufacturers face a landscape defined by change, innovation, and opportunity. Join us for an exclusive morning event where we’ll explore the trends shaping the year ahead — from policy and economic shifts to workforce and technology transformations.
You’ll hear insights from thought leaders and industry experts on:
Politics & Policy: Navigating regulations, tariffs, and budgets.
Economics: What the 2026 outlook means for manufacturing.
Social Dynamics: Managing the “Grey Wave” and succession planning.
Technology: Harnessing AI, automation, and emerging tools to drive growth.
The morning will conclude with networking among leaders from across the region’s manufacturing community.
Confirmed Speakers
Gus Faucher
Chief Economist, The PNC Financial Services Group
Augustine (Gus) Faucher is senior vice president and chief economist at The PNC Financial Services Group, where he serves as the company’s lead spokesperson on economic issues. Before joining PNC, he spent a decade at Moody’s Analytics and six years at the U.S. Treasury Department, specializing in U.S. economic modeling, policy analysis, and forecasting. A frequent contributor to major media outlets, Faucher holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in economics from Cornell University.
Jonathan Spanier
Hess Family Chair Professor Engineering and Physics & Head, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University
Professor Spanier is a materials scientist whose research explores light–matter interactions and the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of emergent solid-state materials to advance energy-efficient technologies. His work spans ferroelectric and multiferroic systems, with applications in sensors, communications, and power systems. A Fellow of the AAAS and APS, Spanier has led multiple academic and research initiatives at Drexel University, where he has served as Department Head of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics since 2020.
Ken Baker
CEO, NewAge Industries, Inc.
Ken Baker is CEO of NewAge Industries, Founder of the Baker Center of Excellence for employee ownership at Montgomery County Community College Foundation, and Co-founder and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership. Baker has dedicated his career to developing advanced high-purity fluid transfer systems; innovating the use of RFID technology for the pharma, biotech, and medical device industries; and supporting his community through education and guidance on employee ownership. He is a passionate advocate for the ESOP structure and culture as the leader of a 100% employee-owned company.
Kevin McPhillips
Executive Director/CEO, PaCEO
Kevin McPhillips has enjoyed more than 30 years working in both non-profit and private leadership. Before co-founding the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership, McPhillips served as CEO of 1000 Museums, the leading online community destination for museums and exhibitions from around the world. Prior, he was President and Partner at The Princeton Companies, handpicked by the Governor’s Office as a model of NJ Business growth, served as President and co-founder of Direct Group, one of the nation’s largest Direct Marketing firms, and spent 8 years leading non-profit centers for citizens with special needs. His experiences managing and owning businesses taught him that employee ownership and investment IS good business. Kevin is a product of Northwestern University.
Michael Conallen
Founder, MFJ Consulting
Michael will share real-world guidance on what companies should prioritize in 2026 to boost performance and prepare their teams for the future.
Mark Steffens
CEO, Airline Hydraulics
Mark is renowned for his dynamism and commitment to continuous improvement. His professional portfolio includes roles as a mentor in Lean Six Sigma Foundations and a Corporate Executive Safety sponsor. After graduating from Germantown Academy and playing professional baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies, Mark earned an associate’s degree from Pensacola Junior College and a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University. He has transitioned through almost every department at Airline Hydraulics, including aluminum extrusion fabrication, inside and outside sales, product sales management, and business unit management. His journey culminated in his ascension to the role of CEO, reflecting his dedication and leadership.