More than 300 registrants representing 31 states and four countries gathered in Denver, Colorado, June 23–25, 2026, for the annual IACMI Members Meeting. Centered on the theme, “IACMI’s Impact: Expanding & Integrating,” this year’s event showcased how IACMI and its members are driving advancements in smart manufacturing, digital manufacturing, automation, and advanced composites technologies.
Throughout the meeting, one message was constant: collaboration among industry, academia, and government remains essential to strengthening U.S. manufacturing, accelerating innovation, and expanding workforce development opportunities.
Distinguished Speakers and Industry Leaders
Attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers and panelists representing organizations across the advanced manufacturing ecosystem, including:
- Carolyn Overmyer, Lockheed Martin Space
- William Kreysler, Kreysler & Associates
- Diana Bauer, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Kristopher Rick, U.S. Department of Defense
- Jud Virden, National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)
- Rama Harris, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- Reality of AI & Smart Manufacturing panel: Huijuan Dai (DOE), Tonya Cole (Dassault Systèmes), David Snowberg (NLR), Wenbin Yu (Purdue University)
- Technical presenters: Venkat Aitharaju (General Motors), David Branscomb (DB Technologies), John Tyson (Trilion), Jeff Valentage (ExxonMobil), Dario Pigliafreddo (Cannon SPA), Tonya Cole and Wenbin Yu
- SME presenters: Leyla Mirmomen (DBA Optimous), Peter Levesque (TxV / Victrex), Karl Johnson (PTM&W), Michael Campbell (James Cropper)
- IACMI presenters: Chad Duty, Jason Gibson, Andrew Pokelwaldt, Uday Vaidya, Ray Boeman, Elliot Keys, and Mike Kubaki
Their insights highlighted emerging technologies, manufacturing innovation, public-private partnerships, and strategies for strengthening America’s industrial competitiveness.
Driving Collaboration Through Working Groups
Collaboration is at the heart of IACMI’s mission, and the Members Meeting provided numerous opportunities for members to shape future initiatives through Working Group sessions.
This year’s Working Groups focused on:
- Infrastructure & Construction
- Energy
- Composites Recycling
- Future Mobility & Vehicle Technologies
- High-Rate Aerostructures Fabrication
These collaborative discussions helped identify priorities, share expertise, and generate ideas for future projects that will continue advancing the composites industry.
Investing in the Future Workforce
Workforce development remains a cornerstone of IACMI’s mission.
Representatives from America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL), and IACMI’s internship programs gathered to discuss strategies for building the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent.
The meeting also welcomed 11 interns representing six IACMI member companies across four states. These students had the opportunity to network with industry professionals, share their research and projects, and gain valuable exposure to leaders across the composites community.
Since launching its internship program, IACMI has supported more than 170 internships , with participants going on to careers throughout the advanced manufacturing workforce or continuing their education through graduate programs. This program is expanding to include career pathways for those not enrolled in a four-year program.
Networking Beyond the Meeting Room
The Members Meeting is designed not only to share knowledge but also to foster meaningful connections.
Attendees enjoyed the IACMI Welcome Mixer, toured the National Laboratory of the Rockies’ Flatirons Campus—hosted by David Snowberg and the NLR team—and explored the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. These events provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and build new partnerships that will continue long after the meeting concluded.
Presented in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the 2026 Members Meeting would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to:
- Airbus
- Boeing
- Dassault Systèmes
- Northrop Grumman
- Composites One
- Berndorf Band Group
- Crown Composites
- James Cropper
Your partnership and commitment to advancing the composites industry help make events like this possible.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Thank you to our members, speakers, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees for making the 2026 IACMI Members Meeting an outstanding success.
We are already looking forward to continuing the momentum at the 2027 IACMI Members Meeting, taking place June 22–24, 2027, in Detroit, Michigan. We hope to see you there!