The numbers are daunting. According to the Department of Defense, there are more than 800,000 open manufacturing jobs today across the commercial sector and the defense industrial base. And over the next decade, the manufacturing industry will require more than 4 million jobs.
At the same time, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, quantum, AI and more are seeing renewed investments in developing a skilled workforce to lead the country’s manufacturing resurgence.
The Build Freedom Summit brings together leaders across the spectrum of workforce development, local development, industry and defense to open up conversations on how to train a skilled workforce at this level, identify what works, learn about funding and other opportunities and drive the future of our country’s manufacturing.
Why Attend
The United States faces an urgent national security challenge: we do not have the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
As investments in shipbuilding, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, defense technologies, and critical supply chains continue to accelerate, the competition for talent has become one of the greatest risks to America’s industrial readiness.
The inaugural Build Freedom Summit brings together the leaders responsible for solving that challenge. Over two days, manufacturers, defense leaders, workforce practitioners, educators, economic developers, policymakers, philanthropies, and innovators will explore practical strategies to strengthen the talent pipeline supporting our nation’s industrial base.
This is more than a conference. It is a working forum designed to connect organizations building the workforce ecosystems that national security demands.
Attendees will leave with new partnerships, proven practices, actionable ideas, and a deeper understanding of how industry, education, government, and workforce organizations can work together to prepare the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
This event is for:
- Defense Industrial Base manufacturers and supply chain partners
- Advanced manufacturing employers seeking skilled talent
- Workforce development boards and workforce organizations
- Community colleges, universities, and career and technical education leaders
- Apprenticeship, training, and credentialing providers
- Federal, state, and local government leaders
- Economic development organizations
- Military transition and veteran workforce organizations
- Industry associations
- Philanthropic organizations investing in workforce innovation
- Organizations building regional manufacturing and workforce ecosystems
FAQs
General Information
Who should attend?
The Build Freedom Summit is designed for anyone interested in contributing to shaping the future of manufacturing in our country through a skilled workforce. This includes manufacturing, defense industrial base supply chain partners, higher-education partners, workforce trainers, including apprenticeship, economic development leaders, and local and state elected officials and leaders.
Why should I attend?
This inaugural summit is led by IACMI – the Composites Institute and TEES (Texas A&M Engineering Workforce Development, two organizations with deep experience in training a workforce in the manufacturing sector. With backing from the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program (IBAS), the Summit is bringing together experts and doers from across the manufacturing, defense, workforce, and training spectrum to uncover the best ways to address the manufacturing skills gap.
Are meals included?
Yes, we will be providing breakfast and lunch each day, as well as coffee and other refreshments during breaks.
Is there a dress code?
If you have any special needs, disabilities, or dietary restrictions that we can address to make your participation at the Summit more enjoyable, please let us know when you register.
What if I have special needs onsite or a special dietary requirement?
The dress code at the Summit is business casual.
Sponsorship
Are sponsorship opportunities still available?
Yes, we offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities, from full packages that include premier visibility to hosting networking events. Please visit our Sponsorship page for more information.
Career Expo
Can I register only for Career Expo?
Yes! If you or someone you know is interested in the Career Expo on October 22, you can register. Please visit our Career Expo page for more information.