NFFS ups education hours by 50% for 2024 Industry Executive Conference

Last week, the Non-Ferrous Founders' Society released the schedule for its 2024 Industry Executive Conference, which will take place on February 25-27, 2024, in Duck Key, Florida. 

Registration is now open and full details about the conference can be found at www.nffs.org/IEC.

Expanded agenda—50% more education!
For 2024, the conference agenda has been expanded from previous years to include a new "Lunch with the Exhibitors" on Monday afternoon, followed by two additional education sessions after lunch, for a total of eight education sessions during the conference, compared to six in 2023, and 50% more time devoted to education. 

In today's rapidly evolving world, it is more important than ever to stay up-to-date with changes in the economy, technology, laws, and the business environment. The 2024 IEC schedule includes sessions on some of today's most pressing issues for the foundry industry, with topics and content for employees in all levels and all positions. View the highlights below:

• A Macroeconomic Report from the Federal Reserve – Shari Bower of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will take you on a captivating journey into the world of macroeconomics and the invaluable insights derived from the Federal Reserve Bank data. In this engaging session, Shari will decode the complexities of US economy and how they directly impact non-ferrous foundry owners and operators in the United States.
• From Enforcer to Ally: How to Personally & Positively Impact Your Safety Culture – Whether we wear the title of 'safety' or not, how we interact with others in situations regarding establishing safety expectations, performing audits or assessments of work practices, or responding after an incident forms perceptions about our character. This workshop will cover how to overcome a 'safety cop' persona, balancing leadership with collaboration to help participants become trusted safety advisors. 
• OSHA and EPA Regulatory Compliance Updates – In this highly anticipated session, Skip and Martha Guimond will delve into the most recent changes and updates in regulatory compliance, offering invaluable insights tailored specifically for the foundry. Year after year, this session consistently receives high ratings at our conference.
• Employee Stock Ownership Programs (ESOPs) and Owner Transition Strategies – This presentation will review ownership transition alternatives, emphasizing the importance of understanding the various available options, advance planning, and defining transition objectives. It will also cover how an Employee Stock Ownership Program can serve as a strategic tool for succession planning, ensure a smooth leadership transition while optimizing financial/tax considerations and maintaining organizational stability.
• Winning the War for Talent: Retention and Development Strategies – Back by popular demand after an extremely well-received presentation in 2023, Chris Czarnik will delve deeper into the realm of employee recruitment tactics, equipping foundry leaders with the tools they need to create a winning workforce. 
• Top 10 Middle Market Company HR Mistakes – HR mistakes may be made unknowingly, but they can be very costly to the growth and success of your business. Mark Mitford, who has held top HR positions in Fortune 500 and middle market companies for 20+ years, will focus on the Top 10 HR mistakes made by middle market size companies, including how to fix these issues to run a better company and minimize legal risk.
• Industry 4.0 Self-Assessment Tool and Automation Roadmap – Learn about the Industry 4.0 assessment matrix developed by the University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Center for Business Innovation and Growth, a new tool designed to help companies in the metalcasting industry to start implementing Industry 4.0 quickly.
• Profit & Conversion Secrets... How You Can Immediately Increase Your Conversions to Attract New Business & Maximize Your Profits – In this high-energy and illuminating session, globally award-winning business owner Susan Thomson will share the proven blueprint to increasing your conversion rates and your profits dramatically. Susan's strategies are both immediately actionable and come from years in manufacturing hard goods success. Imagine what it will feel like to have people buying what you are selling – and bringing in more profit!