May Day, observed annually on May 1st, has roots that go back centuries and carry different meanings around the world. In many cultures, it represents spring, renewal and growth. In other worlds, it is a celebration of energy returning to work, to the land and to the community after a long winter.
It is also recognized as International Workers’ Day, honoring the contributions of workers whose efforts quite literally keep our world running. It is about celebrating people and their collaboration and continuous push to improve how work gets done. Sound familiar... it sounds like what we, as continuous improvement and operational excellence professionals, do every day.
This May Day celebration is especially meaningful as we gather for the AME Charlotte 2026 Lean Summit next week. AME was built on the belief that excellence is created through sharing, learning and growing, and there is no better place to be than with the attendees celebrating this year’s summit theme of “People driving excellence — banking on success.”
This will be a week focused on how organizations can achieve lasting performance by investing in people, strengthening systems and applying practical lean strategies.
I’m looking forward to the conversations, learning and ideas that will help us continue shaping the future of manufacturing excellence. If you cannot join us next week, there are many other ways to connect at AME events, conferences, summits and lean workshops.
And don’t forget we still have great opportunities to attend, sponsor or exhibit at our capstone event, the AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference on October 26-29.
You will hear more about the Southeastern Lean Summit later in the month. I hope to see you next week.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
