BGSU Advanced Manufacturing Summit 2026
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Summit Overview
The BGSU Advanced Manufacturing Summit brings together manufacturers, students, educators, workforce partners and regional leaders to explore the future of advanced manufacturing and strengthen connections between education and industry.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain fresh insights into emerging technologies, workforce trends and talent strategies while building relationships that support innovation and economic growth across Northwest Ohio and beyond.
Industry Partners & Employers
- Connect with industry leaders
- Discover emerging talent
- Expand strategic partnerships
- Share workforce insights
- Strengthen your talent pipeline
Students
- Explore career pathways
- Connect with employers
- Learn from industry leaders
- Discover industry trends
- Build your professional network
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 a.m. | Student Preconference Session |
| 9:30–10:00 a.m. | Doors Open
Registration, coffee and networking |
| 10:00–10:20 a.m. | University Welcome |
| 10:20–11:00 a.m. | Panel Discussion
Leadership in Manufacturing |
| 11:00–11:15 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Explore: The Future of Work in Advanced Manufacturing Connect: What Makes Students Say Yes to Manufacturing? |
| 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:00–1:45 p.m. | Keynote Address: Andrew Stocking
President and CEO, Principle Business Enterprises (PBE) Bowling Green, Ohio |
| 1:45–2:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 2:00–2:45 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Explore: The Manufacturing Ecosystem: Supply Chain, Logistics and Regional Competitiveness Connect: Making Manufacturing Visible: How Employers Can Show Up for Students |
| 2:45–3:00 p.m. | Closing |
| 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Industry Networking Happy Hour
Industry professionals, faculty and invited guests. (Student programming concludes at 3 p.m.) |
Featured Keynote Speaker
Andrew Stocking
President and CEO
Principle Business Enterprises, Inc.
Andrew Stocking, Ph.D., is CEO and President of Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE), a manufacturing firm based outside of Bowling Green, Ohio that manufactures and markets a variety of innovative, high-performance absorbent products, with the largest application being incontinence products for those with heavy to severe incontinence. The company is fueled by its mission to uplift the lives of both its customers and employees.
PBE was founded in 1961 by Andrew’s grandmother, and he is the third generation to lead the company. Over the past decade, he has continued to elevate the mission while also bringing a focus on operational and financial efficiency and enriching the lives of its people. Prior to joining PBE, Andrew held a succession of roles within the federal government, first at the Congressional Budget Office and then with the Department of Energy. In those roles, he conducted work in energy security, clean transportation, renewable energy, electricity markets, and cap and trade programs. He has also written and published on a variety of topics in environmental and healthcare economics, including auction design, oil and gas development, the strategic petroleum reserve, Chinese trade policy, electricity markets, prescription drug benefits, Medicare, and competition in healthcare.
Andrew taught economics as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and at Bowling Green State University. Andrew has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, master's degree in civil engineering, both from Stanford University and a master's degree and PhD in Resource Economics from the University of Maryland.
Who Should Attend?
- Manufacturing and supply chain organizations
- Students exploring manufacturing careers
- Workforce and economic development partners
- Career technical and higher education institutions
- Engineering, technology and professional services firms
- Construction and energy organizations
- Government and community leaders
Registration
The BGSU Advanced Manufacturing Summit is free to attend thanks to the support of our partners. Advance registration is required, and capacity is limited.
Location & Parking
Lenhart Grand Ballroom
Bowen-Thompson Student Union
1001 E. Wooster Street
Bowling Green, OH 43403.
Parking information and event arrival details will be emailed to registered attendees prior to the summit. A campus map is available to help you plan your visit.
Updated: 08/19/2026 07:28PM