Description

Back by popular demand, the 2023 RIMA Exhibit and Show: Connecting People and Moving Businesses Forward.  Be part of the excitement at the Crowne Plaza on November 9th. There will be an exhibit, highlighting the incredible work ongoing in the State of Rhode Island within the manufacturing industry and its' supporters. 

There will be a buffet lunch with a Keynote Speaker and Panel Discussion. Paul Harrington, an economist from Rhode Island College, will discuss his study of human capital and labor market. 

Joining him will be a panel of industry experts commenting on their respective company’s outlook for 2024. The panel consists of Craig Pickell (Bullard Abrasives), Joe Mattiello (Taco Comfort Solutions), Joseph Matthews (Maxson Automatic Machinery Company) and Karl Wadensten (VIBCO).

Also, 3 separate breakout sessions from 6 different speakers! 

First, we know that workforce challenges can limit the ability of employers, employees, and jobseekers alike to achieve their goals. However, The Governor’s Workforce Board is dedicated to assisting in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the workforce today. From connecting jobseekers with employers to providing training and education opportunities, the Board is committed to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to good jobs and career advancement opportunities. During this presentation Olivia Byron, Director of Employer Workforce Programs will illustrate some of the ways in which The Governor’s Workforce Board assists in tackling these challenges.Will Cox, CommerceRI’s Vice President of Business Development and Investments will cover an overview of the incentive programs offered by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation including grants, tax credits, cost offsets, financing,and other tools to support Rhode Island Manufacturers.

The second session discusses the phrase "hitting the ceiling". It is when you, your department, or your company stop growing. It’s the feeling of being stuck, overwhelmed, and frustrated – and it’s inevitable. All entities that grow experience growing pains –it’s scientific. Breaking through the ceiling is also scientific. Your ability to break through the ceiling is indirectly proportion to your ability to master these Five Leadership Abilities: Simplify, Delegate, Predict, Systemize and Structure using the EOS Toolbox. In this workshop, Ellis Waldman, the President of Walco and Jack Keniley, Stafford Ventures, will talk about how Walco has used the EOS Tools get more control of his business. They will present these simple but comprehensive EOS tools to help you to “Break Through the Ceiling” to grow and scale your business. There will be plenty of time to talk about the issues you face and how the tools can help. Understand how more than 10,000 privately held entrepreneurial companies are using the EOS Tools to achieve more from their business.

The last session centers around the question: Is ISO Registration Right for My Business? ISO certification can be beneficial for many businesses but whether it is right for your business depends on several factors. ISO standards provide a framework for organizations to follow best practices in various aspects of their operations, such as quality management, environmental management, information security, and more. Before pursuing ISO registration, you must carefully evaluate your specific circumstances, including your industry, customer requirements, and business goals. If ISO certification aligns with your objectives and resources, it can be a valuable tool for enhancing your business's reputation, quality, and efficiency. Join us to learn how Polaris MEP can help your business build a Quality Management System and become ISO certified. Questions about a company’s sustainability, or ESG performance, is being asked by clients and investors. Why has this become the new business imperative? Come find out what RIMA, Polaris MEP and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are doing to support you. The Fehlig Group, working with RIDEM, will assist in the implementation of the State’s Manufacturing Sustainability Credential. Learn more about sustainability and how this will improve your standing with your customers and investors. If you are not being asked NOW ... you will be soon.

Lastly, a cocktail reception with networking to close the show!

Schedule of Events

7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Exhibitor Set-up

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Final Booth Inspections

10:00 AM

Exhibit and Show Opens

10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM

Pre-Register for an Exhibitor Demonstration at Booth 68

"Small Business Success Starts Here" presented by Nterprisers

10:45 AM

Exhibitor Demonstration at Booth 47

"3D Printing Across Your Manufacturing Floor" presented by R&D Technologies

12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Lunch & Learn Program

Breakout Sessions:

11:00 AM to 11:45 AM - State Incentives for Local Manufacturers

1:15 PM to 2:00 PM - Hitting the Ceiling

2:15 PM to 3:00 PM - Advancing Your Operations & Addressing the New Business Imperative, Sustainability

3:30 PM

Exhibition Closes

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Post Event Cocktail Reception & Networking presented by CCRI and Northern Trust