--- title: Catalyze 2026 --- ![CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-1](https://landing.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-1.png?width=1775&height=251&name=CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-1.png)Homepage ![Catalyze 2026 Header V2](https://landing.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/Catalyze%202026%20Header%20V2.png "Catalyze 2026 Header V2") [REGISTER NOW](https://web.cvent.com/event/174255d2-b51d-4657-b48a-913d483944eb/register) # May 13, 2026 | Mill 19, Hazelwood Green ### **CATALYZE 2026** brings manufacturers together for a focused day of peer learning, shared experience, and practical insight. This symposium is designed for small- and mid-sized manufacturers who want to see how others in the region are solving real problems, building capability, and strengthening their operations.   The countdown is complete [REGISTER NOW](https://web.cvent.com/event/174255d2-b51d-4657-b48a-913d483944eb/register) # What You'll Gain: **PEER-DRIVEN INSIGHT** Hear directly from manufacturers facing similar workforce, technology, and growth challenges. Practical lessons. Candid discussion. Real outcomes. **ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS** Breakout conversations focus on decisions manufacturers are making now across people, technology, operations, and business growth. Expect examples you can apply, not theory. **VISIBILITY FOR YOUR WORK** The Manufacturing Showcase highlights manufacturers telling their own stories. Processes improved. Technologies adopted. Results achieved. **AWARENESS OF SUPPORT PATHWAYS** Learn how manufacturers are approaching funding, assessments, and improvement projects, including how grant opportunities are being used to reduce risk and move faster. ![tricia breeger thumbnail](https://landing.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/tricia%20breeger%20thumbnail.png?width=177&height=184&name=tricia%20breeger%20thumbnail.png) ### Keynote Speaker **Tricia Breeger** **President, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.** Tricia Breeger is the Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI), a role she assumed in April 2023 after serving as President since 2022. She is the first woman to serve as CEO across the Mitsubishi Electric Group Companies. In her role, Breeger leads the company’s overall business strategy, growth, and long-term direction, with a focus on advancing digitization and decarbonization initiatives. MEPPI supports the North American power systems, critical power, and rail transportation markets with a portfolio of electrical and electronic products, systems, and services. [REGISTER NOW](https://web.cvent.com/event/174255d2-b51d-4657-b48a-913d483944eb/register) ## Elements of the Day ![Firefly_Photorealistic wide-format image inspired by the interior of Mill 19. Open steel trus 374201](https://landing.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Firefly_Photorealistic%20wide-format%20image%20inspired%20by%20the%20interior%20of%20Mill%2019.%20Open%20steel%20trus%20374201.png?width=864&height=1184&name=Firefly_Photorealistic%20wide-format%20image%20inspired%20by%20the%20interior%20of%20Mill%2019.%20Open%20steel%20trus%20374201.png "Firefly_Photorealistic wide-format image inspired by the interior of Mill 19. Open steel trus 374201") ### Catalyst Conversations Interactive, small-group sessions focused on shared challenges manufacturers are navigating right now. These discussions create space to compare approaches, surface patterns across companies, and explore how peers are making decisions across people, technology, operations, and business growth. ### Manufacturing Showcase A structured spotlight on completed work and tangible outcomes. Manufacturers walk through specific initiatives, investments, or improvements they have implemented, highlighting what changed, why it mattered, and what they would do differently. The focus is on results, not theory. ### CATALYZE Awards Recognition of manufacturers demonstrating meaningful impact. ### CATALYZE 2026 Agenda Click each individual time slot below to expand for additional information. 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Registration, Breakfast and Networking Mill 19, Hazelwood Green  Building A, Second Floor  9:00 - 9:30 AM - Welcome **Dave Rea**, Managing Director of Organizational Development, Catalyst Connection **Petra Mitchell**, President & CEO, Catalyst Connection 9:30 - 10:15 AM - Keynote: Tricia Breeger, President, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Tricia Breeger is the Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI), a role she assumed in April 2023 after serving as President since 2022. She is the first woman to serve as CEO across the Mitsubishi Electric Group Companies. In her role, Breeger leads the company’s overall business strategy, growth, and long-term direction, with a focus on advancing digitization and decarbonization initiatives. MEPPI supports the North American power systems, critical power, and rail transportation markets with a portfolio of electrical and electronic products, systems, and services. 10:15 - 10:45 AM - Networking Break An opportunity to exchange insights, make connections, and build relationships across the room. 10:45 - 11:45 AM - Catalyst Conversations **Breakout sessions:** - **Organizational Development and Business Growth:** fireside chat with a regional manufacturer to share opportunities, challenges, insights, perspectives, etc. alongside the themes of Organizational Development and Business Growth. - Chris Massetti, Donwil - Mark Smith, DMI Companies   - **Operations & Technology:** fireside chat with a regional manufacturer to share opportunities, challenges, insights, perspectives, etc. alongside the themes of Operations & Technology. - John Ciora, Schroeder Industries - Ralph Hardt, Belleville International 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch & Networking Lunch will be held in various breakout rooms. 1:00 - 3:00 PM - Manufacturing Showcase Focused 10-minute presentations by manufacturers showcasing real-world projects they implemented, what changed, and what they learned. Topics will include: - Organizational Development - Business Growth - Operations - Technology Presentations by: - BEA: Leveraging High Performing Culture to Sustain Change Initiatives  - Benshaw: Strategic Planning, GenAI, Learning-by-Doing  - Coherent: Exploring Gen AI tools in the Workplace  - EBARA Elliott Energy: Transformational Innovation, Experiential Learning & Leadership Development  - J.V. Manufacturing: Registered Apprenticeship Program and How It Has Improved Their Talent Pipeline  - KOBOLD Instruments: Commitment to an Employee-First Strategy and Employer Branding  - Mancini's Bakery: Highlights of their Digital Transformation Journey  There will be time for interactive discussion and Q&A. 3:00 - 3:30 PM - Awards Ceremony & Closing Remarks Chosen by attendees from the participating showcase manufacturers and recognized for measurable impact, disciplined execution, and industry leadership.  3:30 - 5:00 PM - Post-Event Social Hour + Networking Come join your fellow Summit attendees, enjoy a drink, and reflect on an amazing day for manufacturing. [REGISTER NOW](https://web.cvent.com/event/174255d2-b51d-4657-b48a-913d483944eb/register) ## Check Back Soon - More Info to Come! [mailto:info@catalystconnection.org](mailto:info@catalystconnection.org) © Copyright 2025. Catalyst Connection ®. All rights reserved.