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2026 Operations Managers Meeting
October 20-21, 2026 | Nashville Airport Marriott | Nashville, Tennessee
NEW IN 2026: Leadership Essentials Workshop for Emerging Manufacturing Leaders
An optional half-day training program designed to help supervisors and future leaders build the skills needed to lead high-performing teams.
Join operations, manufacturing, safety, environmental, and HR professionals from across the wire and wire products industry for the 2026 AWPA Operations Managers Meeting. This annual event brings together industry leaders and plant personnel to share best practices, discuss emerging challenges, and explore practical solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, and workforce development.
This year's program features timely sessions on the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 revisions, practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing operations, lessons learned from a significant wire break incident and resulting safety improvements, supplier innovations that can improve drawing performance, and peer-to-peer roundtable discussions focused on the issues facing operations teams today.
New for 2026: Leadership Essentials Workshop
AWPA is excited to introduce a new optional pre-conference workshop: From Team Member to Team Leader: Leadership Essentials for Emerging Manufacturing Leaders.
Designed specifically for supervisors, lead operators, employees transitioning into leadership roles, and those in HR who support them, this interactive workshop will provide practical tools for communication, leadership development, employee engagement, and team performance. Led by Tim Waldo of the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, the program is ideal for developing the next generation of manufacturing leaders and strengthening leadership pipelines within your organization.
Space is limited, and registration for this workshop is available as an add-on to the Operations Managers Meeting.
General Session Program Highlights
- Preparing for ISO 9001:2026: What Wire Manufacturers Need to Know
- AI 101 for Operations: Practical AI for the Factory, Safety, and HR Teams
- Lessons Learned: Reducing Wire Break Risk Through Proactive Safety Measures
- Hear the Latest from Our Suppliers
- Manufacturing Roundtable Discussions
Plant Tour of Mid South Wire and Downstream Product Facilities
Founded in 1967, Mid-South Wire is a family-owned leader in the production of carbon steel wire products. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the company manufactures bright steel wire, plating-quality wire, galvanized wire, and wire mesh while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, and customer service. During the AWPA visit in October, attendees will tour Mid-South Wire's Nashville operations, including the Wire Drawing Facility, where wire rod is transformed into finished wire products; the Galvanizing Facility, where wire receives protective zinc coatings for enhanced corrosion resistance; the Barge Terminal on the Cumberland River, showcasing efficient material handling and transportation logistics; and the Mesh Facility, where wire mesh products for concrete reinforcement are manufactured. The tour will provide a firsthand look at Mid-South Wire's integrated manufacturing process, advanced production capabilities, and commitment to delivering high-quality products safely and efficiently.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Fee |
| Leadership Essentials Workshop Add-On | $150.00 |
| Early Bird Registration, through July 31 | $475.00 |
| Early Bird Multi-Attendee Registration, 3 or more from the same company | $450.00 |
| Regular Registration, August 1 - September 19 | $525.00 |
| Late and On-site Registration, after September 19 | $575.00 |
Schedule at a Glance
| Tuesday, October 20 | |
| 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Leadership Essentials Workshop optional add-on, breakfast included |
| 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | General Session |
| 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Reception & Dinner |
| Wednesday, October 21 | |
| 6:30 am - 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Plant Tour and Lunch at Mid South Wire and Downstream Facilities |
| 1:30 pm | Arrive at Nashville International Airport for drop off |
| 2:00 pm | Return to Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel |
Whether you are responsible for plant operations, safety, workforce development, quality systems, or continuous improvement initiatives, the Operations Managers Meeting offers valuable insights, practical takeaways, and opportunities to connect with peers who face many of the same challenges.
Register today and join us in Nashville for two days of learning, networking, and industry collaboration.
Please check back as additional program details and speaker information are added. Schedule and speakers are subject to change.