AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference

PEOPLE FIRST, PROGRESS TOGETHER

Excellence is evolving, and so are we. As organizations explore the power of AI, sustainability and purpose-driven leadership, the focus remains clear: people are at the center of lasting progress. Join us October 26–29, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the 42nd annual AME International Conference. Designed by practitioners, for practitioners, this global gathering brings together continuous improvement professionals from every industry and at every level, from the front office to the front lines.

At AME Milwaukee 2026, we embrace a "yes/and" approach to enterprise excellence. Learn how innovative organizations are using technology to elevate — not replace — people. Discover how they're creating sustainable systems that serve customers, employees, communities and the environment. Experience operational excellence in action through local tours. Connect in hands-on sessions, interactive workshops, and networking events. Be inspired by visionary keynote speakers and leave with ideas you can apply right away.

Share, learn and grow with us in Milwaukee at the AME International Conference.

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Conference Tracks

TRACK 1: Purpose with People at the Core: How Shared Purpose Unlocks Human Potential

How do we align organizational purpose with human potential to drive sustainable transformation?  This track examines the intersection of shared purpose, human-centered leadership, and operational excellence in lean manufacturing environments.  This track explores how purpose transforms work. It examines how organizations align their mission with the human need for meaning. The focus is on building cultures where purpose guides every decision. People act as creative problem-solvers, not just task performers. Continuous improvement becomes a shared way of thinking. Human potential is unlocked through purpose-driven engagement.

TRACK 2: Culture of Respect and Collaboration: How Trust and Respect Enable Collaboration

What role does psychological safety play in operational excellence? How do organizations operationalize "respect for people" beyond a slogan?  This track examines the foundational elements that enable human-centered transformation: trust, respect, and genuine collaboration. Without these, even the best tools and clearest purpose fall flat. We explore how organizations build and sustain cultures where respect is lived, not just declared. We seek stories from practitioners who move beyond either/or thinking to embrace a yes/and mindset. They create spaces where collaboration does not mean compromise. Every voice helps shape the path of continuous improvement. In these cultures, respect is more than a value. It is a daily practice that drives lasting transformation.

TRACK 3: Tools that Empower: What Structures Translate Values into Practice

How do tools embody and reinforce organizational values?  What daily management systems enable meaningful engagement?  This track bridges philosophy and practice, exploring how organizations translate values like purpose, respect, and collaboration into concrete systems, tools, and structures. We examine tools not as ends in themselves, but as vehicles for empowerment and expression of organizational values. We want to hear stories from practitioners who use Lean tools to unlock, not restrict, human potential. Visual thinking helps teams see problems and possibilities more clearly. Standard work serves as a launchpad for innovation, not rigidity. Tools are co-created to reflect the voices of those who use them. Structure becomes a source of freedom, helping people learn, adapt, and lead together.

TRACK 4: Commitment to Learning and Growth: How Organizations Sustain Growth Over Time

How do organizations maintain momentum, continue evolving, and develop capability at all levels year after year? This track addresses perhaps the hardest challenge: sustainability. We explore learning not as training programs, but as an organizational commitment to continuous growth. We want to hear stories from practitioners who are building true learning ecosystems. In these places, leaders show vulnerability and ask better questions. Setbacks become springboards for innovation and resilience. Learning is woven into daily routines and rituals, not limited to isolated events. Coaching and mentorship encourage reflection and growth. The physical, digital, and cultural environment supports the belief that growth is the work itself. It is the heartbeat of sustained excellence.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Our conference is designed for professionals and organizations across a wide range of industries and sectors. While manufacturing remains at our core, attendees from the following industries will find immense value in our sessions, tours, networking opportunities and thought leadership:

• Biotech and healthcare
• Industrial
• Life sciences
• Aerospace
• Food industry
• Service industry
• Government and defense
• Technology and AI
• Academia
• Maritime
• Automotive
• Consumer products
• Electrical
• Logistics
• Steel products and forming
• And more!

The AME Milwaukee 2026 Conference offers tools and strategies to elevate your organization, no matter your industry or focus.

Meet the Conference Emcee: Jon Colby

Named one of MSN.com’s Top 10 Speakers to Follow in 2025, Jon Colby has been empowering people all over the world with improv for over 27 years. From presenting to performing, his engaging and interactive approach has successfully helped audiences across the world to be better communicators, leaders, teammates, salespeople, and even [insert your job title here].

Colby combines his master’s in education and his background in theatre to craft a meaningful and interactive experience where audiences have the opportunity to apply what they learn.

As a graduate from the world-famous Second City Conservatory comedy program and an educator with 15 years of classroom experience, he is able to keep an audience laughing while sharing practical knowledge that can be put to use right away. He has motivated and entertained hundreds of clients, including some of the nation’s top companies and organizations, as a keynote speaker.