Plant Tour

Tuesday morning, we will tour Toyota Material Handling Services in Columbus, IN. Through 20 expansions, what began in 1990 as a 280,000 ft² facility has transformed into nearly two million square feet of manufacturing space. In summer 2026, Toyota opened a 295,000 ft² facility which houses a new automated powder coat line and wet paint (acrylic urethane) processes developed for the redesigned Toyota Stand-up Counterbalance forklift. In addition to touring this new facility, attendees will get a glimpse into Toyota's history, manufacturing journey, and the principles of the Toyota Production System that continue to guide how products are made.

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Leading Across Generations: Building a Workplace Where Every Generation Wants to Stay, Contribute, and Thrive

Five generations are working side by side in today's manufacturing workforce, yet too many leaders still rely on stereotypes instead of strategies. Experienced employees are preparing to retire, younger workers bring different expectations, and communication gaps can quickly become productivity, engagement, and retention problems. The challenge isn't getting everyone to think alike. It's creating an environment where every generation feels valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best.

Lisa Ryan will show how to move beyond generational labels and build stronger communication, deeper trust, and meaningful connections that improve collaboration, strengthen workplace culture, and increase employee retention across every generation. Attendees will learn practical strategies for improving communication across generations, techniques for recognizing unique strengths each generation brings, approaches for transferring knowledge between experienced employees and newer team members, and appreciation and recognition strategies that strengthen workplace culture.

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Take the Chance

What happens when you step away from the noise, climb into a raft with a group of near-strangers, and let the river ask the questions you have been too busy to answer? Marhya Osheaski spent four days rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon as part of a leadership journey. She arrived with 30 liters of carefully packed panic, a healthy fear of sleeping on the ground, and absolutely no intention of getting into anything called a “ducky.” She left with greater clarity, a calmer nervous system, a renewed sense of purpose—and far less emotional weight than she carried in.

The river taught her about fear, control, vulnerability, leadership, and the difference between perseverance and paddling upstream. It challenged her to consider what she is here to build, what she wants to carry forward, and what she finally has permission to leave behind.

In this session, Marhya will share her experience through anecdotes about taking chances, leaving our comfort zones, trusting others, laughing through discomfort, and finding the courage to enter the next chapter of our lives while encouraging attendees to consider what might be waiting for them just beyond the edge of their own comfort zone.

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Take Your Seat at the Table – You Belong There

Throughout her career, Nell Wheeler-Mislang has embraced challenges that stretched her, helped her grow, and taught her to trust herself along the way. Drawing from more than 25 years in the automotive coatings industry, Nell will share candid stories from her own journey navigating a male-dominated industry, balancing career and family, taking on leadership roles with increasing responsibility, and championing new ideas even when others said, “It won't work here.” She will also share the profound impact mentors have had on her career and why finding people who believe in you, and becoming that person for someone else, can be transformational.

At the heart of Nell's message is a simple philosophy: “Don't listen to yourself, talk to yourself.” She will encourage you to move beyond self-doubt, recognize the value of your unique perspectives and abilities, embrace opportunities that stretch you, and have the confidence to take your seat at the table, because you belong there.

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