Overview of the 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference

The Kentucky Industry Conference (KYIC) is where leaders across manufacturing, metals, energy, innovation, and government come together to share ideas, solve challenges, and celebrate Kentucky’s industrial momentum. Hosted by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2), and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP).

Monday, October 27 — Opening Day + Optional Tours

The conference kicks off with optional industry tours, giving attendees the chance to see Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem firsthand; from state-of-the-art metals facilities to innovative production operations.

That evening, attendees are invited to an Opening Fireside Chat: “Why We Need to Build a Bigger American Arsenal. This optional session brings together national and state leaders from manufacturing, energy, and defense sectors. This conversation will set the stage for the week ahead, exploring how supply-chain resilience, innovation, and security intersect in Kentucky’s industrial growth story.

Tuesday, October 28 — Full Conference Day + Awards Dinner

The first full day of programming features keynotes, breakout tracks, and networking opportunities across five themes: Talent & Workforce, Innovation, Energy & Sustainability, Industry Perspectives, and Contemporary Issues. Attendees can hear from top voices including Joe Craft, Cara Silletto, and MI2's CEO, Mike Buckentin, in conversation with Kentucky Cabinet Secretaries, Secretary Jamie Link, Secretary Rebecca Goodman and Secretary Jeff Noel. The breakout sessions, cover “Telling the Manufacturing Story,” “Talent Pathways into Manufacturing,” and the MI2 Innovation Search presentations.

The MI2 InnoSearch finalists, in both the industry problems and innovative solutions categories, will present to a team of judges during the morning and afternoon breakout sessions. The winner for each category will be announced during the evening industry awards.

The evening culminates with the KYIC Awards Dinner & Ceremony, presented by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Metals Innovation Initiative and sponsored by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). Featuring keynote speaker UK Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Pope, this event honors Kentucky’s leading manufacturers, innovators, and workforce champions who are shaping the Commonwealth’s economic future.

Wednesday, October 29 — Closing Day + Policy Focus

The final day centers on policy, collaboration, and the road ahead. Highlights include:

• The state legislative panel with Senate President Robert Stivers, Kentucky State Senate House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, Kentucky House of Representatives, Frank Jemley, Kentucky Association of Manufacturer, Kerry Creech, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky and Mike Buckentin, MI2.
• The U.S. Senate Candidate Forum, an exclusive closing luncheon where Kentucky’s future leaders share their visions for the state’s manufacturing and economic strategy heading into 2026.
• High-impact sessions on AI in manufacturing, metals recycling, and K-12 talent pathways, connecting policy and practice to the people who make Kentucky’s industry thrive.

Over three days, hundreds of leaders will gather to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate Kentucky’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, energy innovation, and workforce development. This is where Kentucky’s industry connects, collaborates, and builds what’s next.

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