Georgia Manufacturing Summit draws nearly 300 leaders in Atlanta

Nearly 300 manufacturing leaders, suppliers and industry professionals gathered Sept. 15 at Cobb Galleria Centre for the 2026 Georgia Manufacturing Summit. The event focused on education, networking and business development, with 2027 planning already underway.

Why it matters: - The Georgia Manufacturing Summit gave manufacturers a place to find practical guidance on automation, workforce, cybersecurity and profitability in one day. - The event also created direct business connections between Georgia manufacturers and the companies that support them. - GMA is already using the 2026 turnout to build momentum for the 2027 summit.

What happened: - Nearly 300 manufacturing leaders, suppliers and industry professionals attended the 2026 Georgia Manufacturing Summit on Sept. 15 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. - The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance hosted the event as a return of its statewide manufacturing summit. - Jason Moss, founder and CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, said the summit produced real conversations, new resource connections and ideas attendees could take back to their companies.

The details: - The program included presentations and sessions on automation, workforce development, operational technology, cybersecurity, legal issues, profitability, artificial intelligence, marketing and relationship development. - Brandon Seadorf of PAI Manufacturing delivered the morning keynote, “Automation in Manufacturing: From Cages to Collaboration.” - The Georgia Manufacturing Workforce Forum, presented by TRC Talent Solutions, focused on attracting, developing and retaining manufacturing workers in Georgia. - Attendees responded strongly to speakers and panelists who emphasized practical information instead of sales pitches. - The exhibit hall and networking portions of the summit gave manufacturers and solution providers a place to discuss business needs directly. - Exhibitors reported productive conversations with attendees. - Manufacturers met companies offering products, technology and services for Georgia’s manufacturing sector.

Between the lines: - The summit was designed to do more than educate; it was structured to turn attendance into business relationships. - Moss said the success of a manufacturing event should be measured by the introductions made, problems discussed and business conversations that happen in the room. - Attendee video testimonials were a prominent part of the event and will be used in GMA’s post-summit coverage. - Those testimonials will also help GMA tell the story of Georgia manufacturing through the voices of industry participants.

What's next: - Planning for the 2027 Georgia Manufacturing Summit is already underway. - Companies that participated in the 2026 summit can place a $100 deposit to get early access for 2027, lock in 2026 pricing and gain priority booth selection before the new floor plan is released. - Full registration for the 2027 summit is expected to open in May. - GMA says the relationships and business opportunities created at the summit will continue throughout the year.

The bottom line: - The 2026 Georgia Manufacturing Summit paired education with deal-making, and GMA is betting that formula will carry into 2027. - For more information, visit the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance website.