Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit

Connecticut manufacturers are operating in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment, driven by economic shifts, talent challenges, and emerging technologies. 

What does it take to adapt, innovate, and lead in this moment? 

Join us October 1 at the Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit for a comprehensive look at the forces shaping the industry, including economic trends, workforce strategies, innovation, and the impact of emerging technologies. 

You’ll hear from state and national experts on the latest issues and opportunities, along with insights from manufacturing leaders on how they are adapting operations, investing in growth, and building long-term success. 

Marietta Lee, president and CEO of Westbrook manufacturer The Lee Company, will discuss leadership, innovation, and the critical role manufacturing plays in Connecticut’s economy.

The summit features the release of the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Report, offering key data and analysis on the current state of the industry and what lies ahead.  

RTX Pratt & Whitney’s Pete Bradley and General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Gary Cooper will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping manufacturing’s future, from process optimization to workforce transformation and competitive advantage. 

We’ll also celebrate industry excellence with our annual manufacturing awards, the U.S. Commercial Service’s Connecticut District Export Council’s awards, and the announcement of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut. 

Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to connect with peers during dedicated networking breaks and lunch, while exploring the manufacturing showcase featuring companies and partners from across the state.

Agenda

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast & Manufacturing Showcase 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 

9:30 am | 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Report: Results & Insights 

• Alison Carey Lynch, VP, Carey Manufacturing
• Jaclyn Epstein, COO, Mica Corporation
• Mark Polinsky, President, Forum Contract Manufacturing

10:15 am | Networking Break 

10:35 am | How AI Is Shaping Manufacturing’s Future 

• Pete Bradley, Principal Fellow in Digital Tools & Data Science, RTX Pratt & Whitney 
• Gary Cooper, Director, Attack Submarine Electrical Engineering & Design, General Dynamics Electric Boat 

11:10 am | Built to Last: Leadership, Innovation & the Manufacturing Economy 

• Bank of America’s Joe Gianni talks with Marietta Lee, president and CEO of The Lee Company 

12 pm | Networking Lunch 

1 pm | 2026 Connecticut Export Awards 

• Presented by the Connecticut District Export Council, U.S. Commercial Service, and Shipman & Goodwin 

1:20 pm | 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Awards  

• Presented by TD Bank, CONNSTEP, and ReadyCT 

1:30 pm | Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut  

• Presented by CBIA, CONNSTEP, and CliftonLarsonAllen 

2 pm | Manufacturing Showcase & Networking 

2:45 pm | Adjourn