Following a successful inaugural event, the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) is proud to announce the second annual Men as Allies Conference, taking place on February 18-19, 2026, in Clearwater Beach, FL. The conference is designed for male leaders in manufacturing who are dedicated to strengthening their teams and driving business growth through inclusive practices.
This year’s conference will place a strong emphasis on the direct correlation between effective allyship and a company’s bottom line. Participants will gain actionable strategies to cultivate inclusive environments, which are proven to enhance team collaboration, innovation, and employee retention.
“The Men as Allies Conference is a vital initiative for the manufacturing sector,” said WiM president and founder Allison Roberts Grealis. “By equipping our leaders with the tools to be effective allies, we are not just building better workplaces; we are building stronger, more profitable businesses for the future.”
The conference agenda features expert-led sessions on topics including the key to effective allyship, enhancing allyship through emotional intelligence, and putting allyship into action. Attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions and panel discussions designed to provide concrete tools for driving meaningful change and measuring its impact.
The opening remarks will be delivered by David Fernandes, Senior Vice President, at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. Representatives from companies including Blaser Swisslube, Donaldson, Siemens, and Winnebago Industries will also be participating as speakers and panelists throughout the conference. The full agenda and speaker lineup can be found on the Men as Allies event webpage.
The Men as Allies Conference is generously supported by the Southwire Company.
To learn more, visit the website or contact Jen Kopf at jkopf@womeninmfg.org.
About WiM
The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) is a more than 35,000-member-strong trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women and allies who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry. www.womeninmanufacturing.org
