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Conference Education Sessions

Full Conference registration is required to attend education sessions.

What's New, What's Next - Fastener Industry Update
Thursday, March 12, 9:15 - 10:15 AM

Speakers: Tim Roberto (Star Stainless Screw), Paul Tiffany (Copper State Bolt & Nut), Jun Xu (Brighton-Best International)

Join us for an in-depth look at the latest developments in stainless steel and carbon fasteners, along with insights into what to expect from suppliers in the months ahead.

Our industry experts will cover:

  • Current trends shaping the fastener market - from steel and stainless to domestic manufacturing.
  • The most pressing challenges facing our industry today.
  • What you need to know to stay competitive and successful in the fastener business.

We'll wrap up with time for audience questions and discussion, giving you the chance to engage directly with our panelists.

The Creator Mindset - How to be More Creative at Work
Thursday, March 12, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker: Nir Bashan, The Creator Mindset® LLC 
 

According to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, the #1 in-demand skill at work today is creativity and innovation. Yet there are so few places where people can learn actual creativity and innovation they can use at work immediately. 

In a groundbreaking new keynote, Nir Bashan helps attendees who think they are not creative or innovative to learn how to be innovative. It turns out that creativity is a skill that anyone can learn. You just need to learn how to become more creative. 

This is not about art or painting or sculpture or dance. This is a repeatable workplace creativity and innovation that anyone can learn. 

Attendees will learn skills such as: 

  • Little Victories 
  • A.I. and how to use it 
  • Choosing Positivity 
  • Real Listening 
  • And see how viewing the world as it can be, not as it is, will yield the innovative power of The Creator Mindset. 

Learning Objectives & Keynote Audience Outcomes: 

  • Staff and leadership learn 10 fresh new ways creativity can boost performance and profit 
  • Attendees leave with actionable plans for effective growth —practical, pragmatic, and immediately applicable knowledge 
  • Attendees receive useful tips on how creativity helps deal with change 
  • Attendees learn how to implement innovation at work

Nir Bashan is a top business speaker leading innovation for high performing leaders and individuals around the globe. As founder and CEO of The Creator Mindset® LLC, he helps organizations and leaders foster a culture of innovation with his groundbreaking creativity and problem solving keynote speeches that supercharge business models to improve profitability, increase sales, and boost customer service. He speaks at conferences and events on the creative potential in every single human being on earth. He is represented by 6 speaking bureaus and is consistently ranked as a top innovation keynote speaker. As an invited guest, he regularly speaks to some of the most beloved brands on earth such as Rolex, Porsche, and many more.

Roundtable Discussions & Lunch
Thursday, March 12, 12:00 - 2:30 PM

Connect with peers over a lunch buffet and participate in lively, small-group discussions with other attendees. Each table will feature a moderator to facilitate conversation and idea-sharing. Have a discussion topic or question in mind? Submit in advance to [email protected]

Economic Outlook for 2026
Friday, March 13, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Speaker: Dr. Chris Thornberg, Beacon Economics

Dr. Christopher Thornberg, a renowned economist and founder of Beacon Economics, presents his highly anticipated data-rich outlook for 2026. Attendees will gain insight into key economic indicators, such as commercial and residential real estate markets, employment trends, labor costs, consumer spending, international trade, policy implications, and population decline. The presentation will also focus on the leading risks facing the economy including ideologically driven political dysfunction that occurs when pervasive narratives diverge from economic realities.

Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct. A renowned economist with deep expertise in economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy, and labor and real estate markets, Dr. Thornberg has consulted globally for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies.