South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) brought the region’s manufacturing community together for a summer of practical learning and meaningful connection. Built around the theme “Learn. Connect. Lead. Grow.,” the 2026 Summer Manufacturing Series featured seven official programs spanning business transition, factory operations, energy, quality, relationship-building, cybersecurity and leadership. Additional events beyond the official series expanded the season’s reach through company visits, workforce development and dialogue with public-sector leaders.
The Seven Official Programs
The official series used a range of formats. from classroom learning and facility access to networking and an executive simulation, to turn major business challenges into practical conversations and firsthand experiences.
Building a Transferable Manufacturing Business
Your Business Is Not Sellable: How to Build a Transferable Manufacturing Asset brought Franck Saragossi and Mark Jones to Palm Beach State College for a discussion about creating systems that enable a company to grow or transfer beyond its founder. A Robotics Lab Tour added a firsthand look at technology and training.
Going Behind the Scenes at Print Basics
The Print Basics Manufacturing Experience opened the doors to the company’s 15,000-square-foot Deerfield Beach operation. Participants saw how commercial printing, apparel, promotional products and fulfillment come together within one integrated production environment.
Turning Energy Strategy into Action
Presented with Advanced Green Technologies, the Commercial Energy Strategy & Execution Lunch n’ Learn explored a wide range of energy-related topics, giving manufacturers practical considerations for balancing current operating needs with future energy strategy.
Preparing for New Quality Requirements
Hosted with BioTeknika, an IQVIA business, Supplier Controls with the New QMSR Rule featured Shawn Findlater, Director of Quality Consulting. The session addressed FDA QMSR changes, along with compliance readiness and risk, helping participants consider how evolving requirements affect both operations and supplier relationships.
Strengthening Relationships Through Travel and Networking
House of Travel: An Evening of Cocktails, Networking and Expert Insights combined relationship-building with useful information about travel programs. The event highlighted how thoughtful travel planning can support businesses from several different angles.
Testing Cybersecurity Readiness
During the Cyber Response Experience Breakfast with Forthright, participants stepped into executive decision-making roles during a simulated ransomware scenario. The exercise focused on response responsibilities, communication, operational risk and readiness planning, reinforcing that cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility, not only an IT concern.
Leading with Clarity and Confidence
The official series concluded with Leadership & Innovation Morning with Coach Michael Dill at Palm Beach State College in Boca Raton. The session centered on the human factors that help organizations perform consistently and navigate change.
Beyond the Official Series
SFMA’s summer activities extended beyond the seven official programs through additional events focused on industry access, workforce development and regional connection.
Slate Solutions Board Visit
SFMA board members visited Slate Solutions, SFMA’s 2026 Grand Elite Manufacturer of the Year, for a closer look at the company’s engineering capabilities, skilled production, quality systems and team environment.
Expert Shutters Manufacturing Visit
SFMA joined Congressman Brian Mast and FloridaMakes for a private visit to Expert Shutters in Port St. Lucie. The group toured the manufacturing operation. This visit allowed for direct dialogue between manufacturing and public-sector leaders.
Manufacturing Workforce Expo
At Atlantic Technical College, the Manufacturing Workforce Expo connected manufacturers, students and educators with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor and OpenAI. An exhibit hall and technical-lab tours highlighted pathways into the industry.
Across the seven official programs and the engagements that extended beyond the series, the topics and formats changed, but the underlying message remained consistent: strong manufacturing companies depend on more than equipment. They depend on capable leaders, resilient systems, skilled people and a connected community.
That spirit reflects SFMA’s mission to serve manufacturers and now carries forward to the SFMA 2026 Manufacturing Expo + Annual Meeting, presented by FPL. See what’s next for South Florida manufacturing. Join us November 5 for the SFMA 2026 Manufacturing Expo + Annual Meeting, presented by FPL. Explore the experience, register, exhibit or become a sponsor at SFMA.org/AnnualMeeting.
