2027 Annual Meeting Save the Date
NFFS IEC 2027: Where Foundry Leaders Connect
What if you could invest three days in your business, strengthen your professional network, develop your future leaders, and escape winter at the same time?
That's exactly what awaits you at the NFFS Industry Executive Conference, February 19-21, 2027, at the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.
The Industry Executive Conference is NFFS's premier leadership event, bringing together foundry owners, executives, senior managers, and emerging leaders from across North America to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our industry. It is where strategic conversations happen, relationships are built, and ideas are exchanged among the leaders responsible for guiding their organizations through an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape.
An Investment, Not an Expense
The best leaders understand that stepping away from the business for a few days is often one of the best ways to improve it.
The Industry Executive Conference provides valuable insights into economic trends, workforce development, leadership, business strategy, and industry issues that directly impact your bottom line. More importantly, it provides access to peers who understand your challenges and are willing to share ideas, lessons learned, and best practices.
Many of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting room. A discussion over breakfast may spark a new approach to a workforce challenge. A networking event may lead to a new supplier relationship. A leadership session could provide the idea that helps strengthen your succession plan.
The return on investment is measured not only by what you learn, but by the relationships you build and the ideas you bring back to your organization.
Bring Your Next Generation Leaders
One of the most important responsibilities of today's executives is preparing tomorrow's leaders.
NFFS strongly encourages members to bring emerging leaders, department managers, family members involved in succession planning, and high-potential employees. The Industry Executive Conference offers a unique environment where future leaders can learn directly from industry veterans while building relationships with peers from other foundries.
Leadership development does not happen by accident. It requires exposure to new ideas, new perspectives, and new experiences. By investing in the next generation today, you strengthen the future of your company tomorrow.
Many attendees tell us that bringing a future leader to the conference was one of the best investments they made. The shared experience creates meaningful conversations long after the event ends and helps align leadership teams around common goals and priorities.
Why San Diego in February?
While much of the country is dealing with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, San Diego offers a welcome change of scenery.
February is one of the most beautiful times of year in Southern California, with mild temperatures, sunshine, ocean breezes, and spectacular coastal views. The Rancho Bernardo Inn provides a relaxing setting that encourages both productive conversations and meaningful networking.
The destination is intentional. Great ideas often emerge when leaders have the opportunity to step away from daily distractions and focus on the future.
Extend Your Experience with Optional Thursday Activities
Arrive early and take advantage of optional pre-conference activities on Thursday, February 18.
Golf enthusiasts can experience the legendary fairways of Torrey Pines, one of America's most iconic golf destinations and home to multiple major championships.
Prefer to be on the water? February is one of the best times of the year for whale watching along the Southern California coast, offering the opportunity to witness the annual migration of gray whales as they travel through the Pacific.
Whether you choose the golf course or the ocean, these activities provide additional opportunities to connect with fellow attendees before the conference officially begins.
Networking Events You Won't Want to Miss
The Industry Executive Conference has always been known for bringing together great people. In 2027, we're taking the networking experience to another level.
Friday Night: A Salute to Old Town San Diego
The conference kicks off with a Welcome Reception celebrating the rich history and culture of Old Town San Diego. Enjoy great food, great conversations, and the vibrant sounds of a live Mariachi band as attendees reconnect with longtime colleagues and make new industry connections.
Saturday Night: An Evening of Yacht Rock & Good Times
After a full day of learning and leadership development, attendees will unwind with an evening of music, networking, and fun as we rock out to a live Yacht Rock concert.
Expect classic hits, relaxed California vibes, and plenty of opportunities to continue conversations with fellow industry leaders in a memorable setting.
Sunday Night: An Unforgettable Evening Aboard the USS Midway
The conference concludes with an extraordinary networking experience aboard the historic USS Midway.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore one of America's most famous aircraft carriers while enjoying an evening of networking against the backdrop of San Diego Harbor. Surrounded by naval aviation history and breathtaking waterfront views, this special event promises to be one of the most memorable experiences in NFFS conference history.
Join Us in San Diego
The non-ferrous foundry industry continues to face significant challenges and opportunities. Workforce development, leadership succession, operational excellence, economic uncertainty, technological change, and customer expectations all require thoughtful leadership and strategic planning.
The NFFS Industry Executive Conference provides the knowledge, relationships, and inspiration needed to lead with confidence.
Mark your calendar now and begin planning who from your organization should attend. Bring your leadership team. Invest in your future leaders. Build relationships that strengthen your business.
Join us February 19-21, 2027, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego for the industry's premier gathering of foundry executives and future leaders.
Save the Date. The future of your company deserves a seat at the table.