MAPP Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference 2026

The 2026 MAPP Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference will bring together leaders from across the plastics processing industry for three days of benchmarking, operational insight and peer-driven learning. Taking place September 29-October 1 in Indianapolis, the event provides manufacturers with practical strategies to improve performance, profitability and long-term competitiveness while sharing best practices with peers facing similar challenges.

This year’s conference focuses on putting empowerment, engagement and excellence into action through keynote presentations, peer-to-peer sessions, BC Labs and the Innovation Hall showcasing emerging technologies. The agenda is designed to move beyond discussion and deliver real-world application.

NEW to this year is the Made in America: Tooling Trade Fair that will bring together American mold builders and plastics and rubber processors to strengthen domestic manufacturing partnerships. The event provides processors an efficient way to connect with qualified US tooling suppliers while giving mold builders access to decision-makers seeking new partners, expanded capacity and specialized expertise.

Featuring

The Conference team is pleased to welcome the following keynote speakers:

Troy Nix, executive director, MAPP
Troy Nix is the executive director of MAPP and serves as the emcee for the 2026 Benchmarking Conference. Known for his spirit, enthusiasm and belief in American manufacturing, Nix delivers an opening address that never fails to spark emotion in each attendee’s inner core. This year’s message will focus on lessons in leadership and the importance of becoming more in tune with one’s inner self, tapping into that internal fuel source to inspire, motivate and overcome obstacles encountered every day. Nix’s tagline, “America Is What America Makes,” is an essential ideal that motivates those attending the conference to strive for excellence.

Sebastian Terry

Unlocking Limitless Possibility – Together.

Seb Terry is not a typical keynote speaker. After the unexpected loss of a close friend in his 20s, he asked himself one simple question: “Am I happy?” That question led him to create a list of 100 life goals and completely change the direction of his life. Over the past 16 years, Terry has pursued bold experiences around the world, turning his journey into a best-selling book, a reality show and a keynote that has inspired audiences on all seven continents. Known for his humor, energy and ability to connect with audiences in a real way, Terry delivers more than motivation. He challenges leaders and teams to think bigger, embrace change and take action. Having spoken for companies like Google, Bank of America and Berkshire Hathaway, Terry brings practical insight on leadership, mindset, connection and high performance that attendees can immediately apply both professionally and personally. This is a session attendees will be talking about long after the conference ends.

Jay Kiew, The Change Fluency™ Co.

How to Flourish in the Complexities of an Uncertain World

Jay Kiew brings a powerful mix of innovation strategy, leadership insight and real-world resilience to the stage. With more than 15 years of experience leading major organizational transformations, Kiew has helped create over $2 billion in impact for companies and executives navigating disruption, growth and change. From leading large-scale healthcare and technology transformations to advising organizations on AI adoption and innovation, he delivers practical strategies leaders can apply immediately. What makes Kiew especially compelling is his ability to connect business transformation with the human side of change. As a half-blind cancer survivor, his perspective on resilience, adaptability and leadership is authentic and hard-earned. Dynamic, engaging and forward-thinking, Kiew challenges audiences to embrace disruption instead of fearing it. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas, renewed energy and a clearer understanding of how to lead confidently in an AI-driven world.

Michael Feuz, ITR Economics
Michael Feuz is part of the expert economist team at ITR Economics, where he supports economic forecasting, market research and strategic insights for business leaders across manufacturing and beyond. With a background in technology consulting and economics, Feuz brings a practical, business-focused perspective on economic trends and their implications for manufacturers. Before joining ITR Economics, he worked with manufacturers and executives across multiple industries to improve operations, profitability, communication and data-driven decision-making. His engaging presentation style and real-world experience make complex economic topics understandable, actionable and highly relevant for today’s manufacturing leaders.

BC LABS

Each BC Lab is designed to equip attendees with practical insights, expert advice and actionable tools to address today’s mission-critical priorities while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. Here is a preview of a few of the BC Lab sessions that will be offered.

Getting Started with AI in Your ERP: A Practical Playbook for Manufacturing Teams
>> Bobby May, SAY Plastics
This session provides a practical, step-by-step guide to launching AI using the data already within an ERP system, helping attendees identify high-value use cases and safely connect AI to existing data. Rather than focusing on complex implementations, the session emphasizes small, manageable steps, quick wins and avoiding common pitfalls.

The Future of Safety is Predictive: AI’s Role in Plant Safety
>> Haleyanne Freedman, Novara
This session will explore how manufacturers can use AI, automation and analytics to transform disconnected safety data into earlier warnings and faster action on the plant floor. Attendees will learn practical strategies for digitizing inspections, identifying trends, automating corrective actions and strengthening leading
safety indicators.

HR Think Like A Marketer
>> Brittany Neish, What You Do Matters
This session will share how HR leaders can apply marketing strategies to build credibility, strengthen relationships and create greater engagement across their organizations. Attendees will learn how to use the marketing funnel to position HR initiatives, gain buy-in and create momentum for programs that drive impact.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Developing Sales Teams for Today’s Informed Buyer
>> Keith Bradt, Kallan Sales Development
This session will explore how manufacturers can strengthen sales teams to better connect with today’s informed and empowered buyers. Attendees will learn how shifts in buyer behavior, digital influence and AI-driven tools are reshaping the sales process, and why outdated approaches can create missed opportunities.

Stop Giving Away the Deal: How to Build Leverage and Negotiate with Discipline
>> Doug Drummond, Polygone Composites
This session will share strategies for building leverage and negotiating with greater discipline. Attendees will learn how to identify sources of leverage, uncover buyer motivations, set stronger negotiation targets and make concessions that protect value.

Below are the learning tracks for the 2026 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference LABS:

• Engineering/Automation
• Executive Stakeholders/Owners
• Finance/IT/ERP
• Human Resources/Safety
• Operations
• Presidents/Senior Leaders
• Procurement
• Sales and Marketing
• Senior Leaders
• Tooling

Sponsors