Spring Into Growth Conference

Details
Start Date
March 20, 2026
Time
7:30am - 12noon
Location
Union League at Liberty Hill, 800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Price
$50

As manufacturers look ahead to spring 2026, new opportunities are emerging at the intersection of innovation, investment, and industrial transformation. Join us for a forward-looking morning event focused on where growth is happening—and how manufacturers can position themselves to take advantage of it.

This conference will explore emerging industries, public and private investment pathways, and the strategic forces shaping the next phase of manufacturing growth. Topics will include:

Federal Investment Pathways: Understanding how manufacturers can access and prepare for federal funding opportunities.

Economic & Policy Outlook: Key trends influencing business conditions and investment decisions in 2026.

Emerging Industries: The expanding role of space, energy, data centers, robotics, maritime, and advanced technologies.

Technology & Innovation: How AI, data, and next-generation systems are reshaping manufacturing and infrastructure.

The program will conclude with networking and discussion among manufacturers, economic partners, and professional services leaders from across the region.

Speakers

Vince Duane

Principal, Copper Monarch LLC

Jon Kirchner

President, Perfero Advisory, DVIRC Board Member

Matthew Herrmann

Principal, Roosevelt Center

Chris Scafario

President & CEO, DVIRC

Melissa Tarte

HR Manager, DelVal Lifecycle

Dean Miller

President & CEO, PACT

Joe Williams

Owner & Welding Specialist, Joe Williams Welding Foundation

Jim Donahue

Defense Industry Liaison, DVIRC

Amanda Page

DVIRC Warfighter Technologies Liaison

Hannah McGarry

Director of Workforce Engagement, DVIRC

Nico de Sousa Serro

Lean/Continuous Improvement Content Expert, DVIRC

Agenda

7:30am – 8:25am
Breakfast & Networking

8:25am
Welcome

  • Chris Scafario, President and CEO, DVIRC (confirmed)

8:30am – 9:15am
Federal Policy Update

  • Matt Hermann, Principal, The Roosevelt Group (confirmed)

9:15am – 10:00am
Panel Session

Making Your Workforce Future-Ready

  • Joe Williams (confirmed)
  • Hannah McGarry, Director, Workforce Engagement, DVIRC (confirmed)
  • Melissa Tarte, HR Manager, DelVal (confirmed)
  • Facilitator TBD

10:00am – 10:15am
Break & Networking

10:15am – 10:50am
Panel Session

Federal Partnerships to Warfighter Competitiveness:
Navigating Manufacturers Onramp to Seeking Federal Investments

  • Amanda Page, Warfighter Technologies Liaison, DVIRC (confirmed)
  • Josh Sturgill, Workforce Development Coordinator, Maritime Industrial Base Program
  • Kristie Coliainni, Small Business Liaison, Naval Surface Warfare Center
  • Moderated by Jim Donahue, Defense Industry Liaison, DVIRC (confirmed)

10:50am – 11:30am
Data Center Session

  • John Kirschner, President, Perfero Advisory (confirmed)
  • Vince Duane, Former General Counsel, PJM (confirmed)
  • Dean Miller