Our AME St. Louis 2025 International Conference theme, “Gateway to the future: AI and beyond,” couldn’t be more fitting. As we explore the future of continuous improvement, we’ll also explore the vibrant city of St. Louis through our signature facility tours, one of the most beloved experiences at every AME conference. Some of the impressive organizations opening their doors for tours this year include:
- Cambridge Air Solutions
- The Saint Louis Zoo
- The Gund Company
- Duke Manufacturing
- John Henry Foster
- Beckwood Press
- Beltservice Corporation
- Boone Center, Inc.
- Clemco Industries Corporation
- Commercial Electronics
- Essex Industries
- Melton Machine and Control Company
- O’Fallon Casting
- PLZ Corp
- Raymond Central Intralogistics Solutions
- Seyer Industries, Inc.
- True Manufacturing
- Watlow
- Woodard Cleaning and Restoration
These tours provide hands-on insight into operational excellence across diverse industries and allow you to experience St. Louis in a unique way.
At AME, we love fun facts! Here are a few to get you excited about our host city:
- Underground city: St. Louis has a vast network of limestone caves, once used by early breweries to keep beer cool. The historic Lemp Brewery even had tunnels that connected across the city.
- World’s Fair origins: At the 1904 World’s Fair, St. Louis introduced iced tea, ice cream cones, hamburgers, Dr Pepper, cotton candy and peanut butter to the masses.
- Amoco legacy: The world’s largest Amoco sign still stands near I-64. At nearly 100 feet tall, it’s never been turned off and is now a protected landmark.
- Sliced bread: The world’s first commercial bread-slicing machine — giving rise to the phrase “the best thing since…” — was invented in St. Louis.
As we count down to October (less than 10 weeks away), I hope you’ll plan to join us and come ready to share, learn and grow, not just through our powerful conference content, but through all that St. Louis has to offer. Here are some must-see spots and activities, some of which are walking distance from the conference venue:
St. Louis Experiences
- Explore Forest Park, home to a wealth of free attractions, including: 1,300-acres of woodlands, waterways, recreational areas and prairies, over 30 miles of paths and trails, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, The Muny (America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre), the Saint Louis Zoo (one of the best free zoos in the country. Plus, it’s one of our featured facility tours at the conference!), The Boathouse (where you can dine and paddleboat) and more!
- Visit the Gateway Arch, a short walk from the conference hotel.
- Sample local favorites like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, pork steaks and Imo’s thin-crust pizza.
- Visit Anheuser-Busch for a classic beer experience, Clydesdales included.
- Explore the Missouri Botanical Garden or take the kids to the City Museum or the Magic House.
St. Louis Neighborhoods
- Enjoy the nightlife and dining along Washington Avenue, just steps from our conference venue and hotel.
- Experience the Central West End, on the edge of Forest Park, for its eclectic and classy vibe, featuring upscale dining, historic architecture, chic boutiques and lively nightlife, all in a walkable, tree-lined setting.
- Check out The Grove for a bold, creative energy. This vibrant district is packed with colorful murals, craft breweries, live music venues, LGBTQ+-friendly bars and an exciting food scene.
- Stop by Soulard, home to the nation’s second-largest Mardi Gras celebration, a vibrant nightlife and a diverse foodie scene
Seasonal
- Take a tour (or ghost tour!) at the Lemp Brewery during October's spooky season.
- And don’t forget sports! Depending on the schedule, you may be able to catch: The St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) at Busch Stadium, The St. Louis City SC (MLS) at CityPark or the St. Louis Blues (NHL preseason) at Enterprise Center
St. Louis truly is a gateway, not just to the west, but to the future of continuous improvement. Register now to join us Oct. 6-9, and don’t forget to book your room at the Marriott St. Louis Grand, located directly across from America’s Center, at the AME discounted rate.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
