Conference

Workforce & Talent Development

F109: Growing Your Greatest Asset: People, Networks, and the future of Manufacturing

  • Date

  • Time

  • Experience Level

    Intermediate

  • Location

    N229-230

Presentations

Building Your Bench: Scale-Agnostic Strategies for a Diverse and Future-Ready Manufacturing Workforce

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Intermediate

The abstract for FABTECH 2026, presented by Tanya Associated Business Services, proposes a blueprint for small-to-mid-sized manufacturing firms to build a diverse and skilled workforce. It addresses the challenge of competing for talent by outlining "scale-agnostic strategies" centered on public-private partnerships with organizations like CDCs and Vo-Techs. The core solution is a funded Co-Op Pipeline Model that integrates the next generation of EPA technicians, Engineers, and Tradespeople directly into the company. The presentation uses Tanya's journey—from decade-long strategic planning to becoming a Prime Contractor—as a case study in resilience, proving that innovative workforce development is essential for profitability and long-term scaling.

Networking Ninja: Practical Strategies to Build Stronger Professional Relationships

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Intermediate

Many professionals attend conferences and industry events without a clear strategy, resulting in missed opportunities and limited long-term value. This session introduces the Networking Ninja framework, a practical approach to building authentic professional relationships before, during, and after events without relying on sales-driven tactics. Attendees will learn how to prepare intentionally, start meaningful conversations, and follow up effectively using simple, repeatable strategies grounded in real-world experience. Participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen relationships, expand their professional networks, and increase the return on time invested in industry events.

About the Speakers

  • Tanya Williamson

    Tanya Associated Business Services

    Biography

    Tanya Associated Business Services, a rapidly scaling Delaware firm specializing in Real Estate, Business Development, and Construction, is poised to become the state's first African American Woman Prime Contractor. After a decade of strategic planning, Tanya now tackles the skilled labor shortage by partnering with CDCs and Vo-Techs. She creates a funded Co-Op pipeline, developing the next generation, offering a blueprint for resilience and innovative workforce development.

    More Details about Tanya

  • David Bryson

    Biography

    David Bryson is a communications professional and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping leaders and teams improve performance through practical, real-world communication strategies. His background spans leadership, sales, and training in fast-paced, results-driven environments. Known for his engaging and actionable style, David equips audiences with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen professional relationships, collaboration, and execution.

    More Details about David

Pricing & Registration

Early-Bird Pricing
Through September 11

Price
Individual Sessions $220 $175
Workshops $600 $480
Full Conference (5-10 Sessions) $900 $720

Price
1 Session $125
2 Sessions $225
3 Sessions $300
4-8 Sessions $450

Early-Bird Pricing
Through September 11

Price
Weld-Ed Conference $75 $50
One-Hour Sessions FREE
90-Minute Sessions $200 $150
Half-Day Sessions $550 $450
Full-Day Sessions $600 $500
Professional Program $425 $325

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