NFFS 2026 Industry Executive Conference Recap
The 2026 NFFS Industry Executive Conference brought together non-ferrous foundry leaders from across the country for several days of purposeful learning, authentic connection, and shared momentum.
Hosted at El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico, this year’s conference fully embodied its theme: Serious Business. Island Style. Strategic conversations took place in the ballroom. Meaningful relationships were strengthened over breakfast tables, on the beach, and during evening celebrations. The result was an experience that balanced executive focus with genuine camaraderie.
Built on Relationships
From the panoramic Welcome Reception at Trellises to the final conversations at the Closing Dinner, the heartbeat of IEC 2026 was connection.
The NFFS Industry Executive Conference is intentionally structured to create time for real dialogue. Attendees did not just sit through sessions. They exchanged ideas. They compared strategies. They shared challenges around workforce, operations, compliance, supply chain, and growth.
Saturday’s NFFS Day at Palomino Island was a vivid example of what makes this conference unique. In a private island setting, conversations continued naturally. Leaders reconnected with long-time peers while forming new relationships with emerging executives. The relaxed environment strengthened trust and reinforced a shared commitment to advancing the industry together.
Networking was not a side benefit of the conference. It was the foundation.
Education That Equipped Leaders to Act
The educational programming at IEC 2026 was intentionally curated to address the most pressing issues facing non-ferrous foundries today and in the years ahead.
The conference opened with a forward-looking economic outlook that provided data-driven insight into industrial trends, capital investment signals, and broader market forces influencing manufacturing. Attendees gained perspective on where the economy is headed and how to align strategic decisions with anticipated shifts in demand, pricing pressures, and supply chain volatility.
Geopolitical analysis expanded the lens even further. Leaders explored how global instability, trade policy shifts, and defense manufacturing priorities directly affect domestic foundries. The discussion challenged attendees to think beyond short-term fluctuations and consider long-term positioning in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Regulatory sessions provided practical guidance on OSHA and EPA compliance updates, helping foundries prepare for 2026 enforcement priorities while strengthening internal safety and environmental strategies. Rather than focusing solely on compliance risk, the conversation emphasized proactive systems, accountability, and leadership alignment.
Workforce development remained central to the conversation. Sessions on talent strategy, succession planning, and industry pipeline initiatives reinforced that workforce challenges require coordinated, strategic solutions. Attendees examined how to align recruitment, training, and retention with long-term operational goals and cultural expectations.
Defense manufacturing and policy discussions connected the dots between national priorities and foundry opportunity. As federal initiatives continue to emphasize domestic supply chain strength, leaders explored how non-ferrous foundries can position themselves as critical partners in U.S. industrial resilience.
What distinguished IEC 2026 education was not only the quality of speakers but the depth of executive dialogue that followed. Questions extended sessions beyond scheduled time. Hallway conversations carried themes forward. Leaders compared notes on implementation, not just theory.
The integration of macroeconomic perspective, regulatory clarity, workforce strategy, and policy insight equipped attendees with a comprehensive view of the forces shaping their businesses. Participants did not leave with abstract concepts. They left with sharper decision-making frameworks.
Leadership Transitions and Recognition
The Annual Meeting and Closing Dinner served as both a celebration and a meaningful transition point for the Society.
Members recognized George Mugford for his thoughtful and steady service as NFFS President. George’s leadership emphasized collaboration, engagement, and measurable progress. Under his guidance, the Society strengthened programming, reinforced member value, and advanced initiatives that will continue to benefit foundries nationwide. His service was met with genuine appreciation and respect.
The evening also marked a historic milestone as NFFS welcomed Cathy Dolan as the new President of the Society. Cathy becomes the first female President in NFFS history. Her election reflects both continuity and forward momentum. With deep industry experience and a strong commitment to leadership development and innovation, she steps into the role prepared to build on the strong foundation established by her predecessors.
Following the presidential transition, the Society paused to honor another remarkable milestone.
This year marks Jerrod Weaver’s 30th year of service to NFFS.
For three decades, Jerrod has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the organization and its members. His leadership has helped guide NFFS through industry shifts, generational transitions, and strategic growth. He has championed member engagement, strengthened partnerships, and consistently worked to elevate the voice of non-ferrous foundries across the country.
The recognition was not simply about tenure. It was about impact.
Jerrod’s steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and long-term commitment have shaped the culture and direction of NFFS in lasting ways. And while 30 years is a milestone worth celebrating, it also signals continued service and forward progress. His leadership remains active, engaged, and focused on what comes next.
Serious Business. Island Style.
IEC 2026 demonstrated that strategic focus and authentic connection are not separate experiences. They reinforce one another.
Attendees left Puerto Rico energized. They left aligned. They left with new relationships, deeper trust among peers, and actionable insight for the year ahead.
The theme was more than a tagline. It was experienced in every session, conversation, and shared moment.
- Serious conversations.
- Shared perspective.
- Stronger relationships.
- Island setting.
Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and every member who contributed to making the 2026 Industry Executive Conference a meaningful success.
We look forward to continuing the momentum under new leadership as we advance the work of strengthening the non-ferrous foundry community.