{"id":31106,"date":"2020-07-15T17:47:37","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T17:47:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dvirc.org\/insights\/how-to-host-a-virtual-manufacturing-day-event\/"},"modified":"2023-03-08T14:01:56","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T14:01:56","slug":"how-to-host-a-virtual-manufacturing-day-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dvirc.org\/insights\/how-to-host-a-virtual-manufacturing-day-event\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Host a Virtual Manufacturing Day Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Given the limitations with public gatherings and social distancing practices prompted by the current pandemic, it\u2019s uncertain whether manufacturers will be hosting traditional on-site tours of their facilities on Manufacturing Day (MFG Day<\/a>)\u00a0this October. But as we have learned with so many other aspects of our lives, a virtual option awaits.<\/p>\n

And while there is no replacing the sensory experience of watching a manufacturing process up close for the first time, there may be opportunities with a virtual event to increase community engagement and collect data on visitors who are interested in a career in manufacturing.<\/p>\n

MFG Day is October 2nd<\/sup>\u00a0this year (the first Friday in October), but hosts are able to schedule their event at any time. More than\u00a0325,000 students, teachers, and parents<\/a>\u00a0participated in MFG Day 2019, which consisted of more than 3,000 events held across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n

MFG Day is an initiative of The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). As one of the original co-producers of Manufacturing Day, the\u00a0MEP National Network<\/a>\u00a0continues to promote MFG Day on a state-by-state basis.<\/p>\n

MFG Day resources and toolkits will be uploaded and updated on the Creators Wanted website throughout the summer. Here are some considerations and suggestions for hosting a virtual MFG Day event. If you need any help planning your virtual event, you can always\u00a0contact your local MEP Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Start Planning Three Months Before Your Event<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many of the early preparations are the same for a virtual or on-site Manufacturing Day event, so you can begin planning now without having to make the decision of whether to go virtual. The Manufacturing Institute produced a comprehensive\u00a0Manufacturing Day Host Toolkit<\/a>, A Guide to Successful Manufacturing Day Plant Events. They suggest beginning planning three months out and including several members of your staff, which may change as you determine the format, content and technology needed. If you have event partners, bring them in on the planning right away.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not clear if or how requirements for hosting a Manufacturing Day event may change in the coming months. Current requirements include:<\/p>\n