NFFS 2026 Industry Executive Conference

Economic Outlook 2026: Insights and Strategies for a Changing Industrial Landscape

Michael Feuz, ITR Economics
Saturday, February 21 • 9:00am –10:30am

Back by popular demand, Michael Feuz of ITR Economics returns to deliver another dynamic and data-driven look at the economy shaping the future of metalcasting. In this in-depth session, Michael will examine both short- and long-term economic forecasts, highlighting trends in the U.S. and global economies most relevant to non-ferrous foundries and the broader metalcasting industry.

Attendees will gain practical insight into ITR Economics’ Management Objectives, learn to identify their company’s position within the Business Cycle Phases, and discover key leading economic indicators that signal where opportunities and challenges lie ahead. The presentation will also address the latest developments in inflation, interest rates, and tax policy, and explore how current events and market conditions are influencing industrial demand, investment, and workforce dynamics.

As always, Michael will provide actionable strategies to help business leaders make informed decisions, anticipate change, and position their organizations for sustained success—combining serious economic insight with a relaxing "island style" delivery.

From Conflict to Commerce: Geopolitical Risks and Business Strategies for an Uncertain World

Eugene Chausovsky, New Lines Institute
Saturday, February 21 • 11:00am – 12:00pm

In an era of rapid geopolitical change, understanding the forces shaping the global landscape is essential for sound business strategy. Eugene Chausovsky of New Lines Institute will provide a forward-looking briefing on the world’s most critical geopolitical flashpoints—including the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and the evolving China-Taiwan dynamic—and what they mean for U.S. manufacturers and supply chains.

This session will translate complex global events into practical business insight, covering supply chain vulnerabilities, market access challenges, and trade barriers that directly impact industrial operations. Attendees will also gain tools for risk management and scenario planning, equipping leaders to anticipate disruption and make informed, flexible decisions amid uncertainty.

Eugene will close with a discussion of long-term geopolitical, demographic, and industrial development trends, providing a strategic outlook to help business leaders position their organizations for resilience and success in the decade ahead. Because in today’s world, serious business demands a clear view of what’s coming from over the horizon. 

Navigating OSHA and EPA Compliance: 2026 Updates and Strategies for Foundries 

Martha and Skip Guimond, Joseph A. Guimond & Associates
Sunday, February 22 • 9:00am – 10:15am

A cornerstone of every NFFS Industry Executive Conference, Skip and Martha Guimond return to bring clarity—and a little island flair—to the complex world of regulatory compliance. In this fast-paced and highly informative session, the Guimonds will provide the latest updates on OSHA and EPA initiatives, highlighting enforcement priorities, emerging regulatory trends, and key issues shaping the foundry industry in 2026.

Drawing on decades of hands-on experience leading NFFS’s safety, health, and environmental programs, Skip and Martha will translate complex regulations into clear, actionable guidance you can implement immediately. Topics will include inspection trends, air emissions, heat stress and injury prevention, chemical management, and record keeping essentials, all presented with the Guimonds’ trademark easy-to-understand practical approach.

Attendees will leave this session equipped with up-to-date information and practical tools to strengthen their compliance programs, manage risk,  and lead their foundry's occupational safety, health and environmental efforts with confidence. 

Inside ICON: Powering the Future of Defense Manufacturing

Michael Chiero, Valor Group
Sheila Rayburn, ICON Operations Manager
Sunday, February 22 • 10:15am - 10:45am

Take a break from the waves and dive into the future of defense manufacturing with a live demonstration of the ICON Portal, the premier digital platform connecting suppliers and buyers of castings, forgings, and machined products in support of the U.S. defense industrial base. Developed and operated by NFFS, ICON brings together foundries, forges, and machine shops with Department of Defense and prime contractor buyers through a secure, user-friendly environment designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing supply chains.

This session will feature an overview of ICON’s powerful capabilities—including Automated Contract Evaluation (A.C.E.), supplier matching tools, and marketplace features—along with a live demonstration showcasing how foundries can use ICON to access real opportunities, submit quotes, and grow their business.

Whether you are a current user or exploring ICON for the first time, this session will provide valuable insights into how the platform is transforming procurement, driving efficiency, and expanding  the number of real business opportunities for American foundries. 

Casting the Future: Empowering Your Foundry to Inspire Tomorrow's Talent

Josh Cramer, BlueForge Alliance (invited)
Michelle Kerns, Foundry Educational Foundation
Toni Neary, SME
Bill Padnos, Non-Ferrous Founders' Society (NFFS)
Sunday, February 22 • 11:15am – 12:00pm

By 2030, the U.S. foundry industry is projected to face a staggering 383,000 unfilled jobs. The challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity. Foundries that take the lead in cultivating local workforce pipelines will not only secure their future talent but also strengthen their role as community anchors.

In this dynamic panel discussion moderated by Bill Padnos, Director of Workforce Development, top workforce development experts will share proven strategies for engaging students, forging lasting partnerships with schools and training programs, and leveraging community outreach and social media to showcase the exciting opportunities in metalcasting.

Participants will gain practical tools, real-world success stories, and scaleable models they can apply immediately to attract and inspire the next generation of workers. Walk away with fresh ideas and actionable steps to ensure your foundry stays competitive, resilient, and ready for the future.

Politics, Policy & Manufacturing: What Foundries Should Expect in 2026

Omar Nashashibi, Inside Beltway
Saturday, February 21 • 12:00pm – 1:00pm

🏆 Voted 'BEST SPEAKER' at the 2025 NFFS Industry Executive Conference!

Join Omar Nashashibi, founder of the non-partisan consulting and lobbying firm Inside Beltway, and your strategic ally for the Non‑Ferrous Founders’ Society’s Government Affairs Committee, as he delivers a forward-looking briefing on the legislative and regulatory landscape most relevant to the non-ferrous foundry industry.

In this session, Omar will cover:

• The major policy initiatives moving through Congress and the White House in 2026 — including trade, tariffs, supply-chain incentives, taxes, and domestic manufacturing/regionalization.
• The regulatory environment ahead — how changes at agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may impact foundry operations, emissions, and workforce obligations.
• How global macro-trends (such as reshoring, infrastructure spending, defense industrial-base priorities, workforce development and advanced manufacturing incentives) will create both risk and opportunity for non-ferrous foundries.
• Practical guidance on how your company can engage proactively with policy makers, leverage advocacy channels and align business strategy to benefit from supportive programs and avoid compliance surprises.

Whether your focus is operational efficiency, capital investment, export/import strategy or workforce development, this session will arm you with actionable insights to navigate the year ahead with confidence.