Founders Brewing Event Summary

Cast & Connect: The Pour Brings
Foundry Leaders Together in Grand Rapids

On April 14, more than 100 foundry leaders, suppliers, and industry decision-makers gathered at Founders Brewing Co. for NFFS’s Cast & Connect: The Pour.

Held in the Centennial Room, the evening created exactly what it was designed for: a chance for people in the metal casting industry to step away from the show floor, skip the formalities, and have real conversations as the AFS Metalcasting Congress 2026 got underway.

After a long day of setting up trade show booths, attending opening sessions, and preparing for a busy week ahead, attendees welcomed the opportunity to relax, reconnect, and spend time with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

There was no ballroom, no formal agenda, and no presentations. Instead, guests enjoyed drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that do not happen over email or across a conference table.

Grand Rapids delivered picture-perfect weather for the evening, giving attendees the chance to enjoy a cool breeze and great conversations out on the Centennial Room balcony. It created the perfect backdrop for unwinding after a busy day and catching up with customers, colleagues, and friends from across the industry.

Throughout the night, discussions covered everything from workforce challenges and production pressures to customer demands, business opportunities, and what companies were seeing in the market. It was a reminder that some of the best conversations in metal casting happen when people have the chance to step away from the noise and simply connect.

NFFS would like to thank event sponsor USI and Silver Sponsor 5 for helping make the evening possible.

Cast & Connect: The Pour once again proved that bringing the right people together in the right environment can spark stronger relationships, new ideas, and meaningful conversations that carry through the rest of the week.