More in Store for Members in 2026

Manufacturing leaders struggle to make training stick when production demands constantly compete for attention. In this episode, Kirby Snead talks with Monica Smith, Member Services Manager at Manufacturers Alliance, about transforming training from a checkbox activity into an organizational habit. Monica shares how to schedule learning like any other business priority, attach training to measurable outcomes, model learning behavior as a leader, and leverage trusted sources instead of reinventing solutions. She also previews what’s coming for manufacturing leaders in 2026, including new community connections, leadership development programs for plant managers, and affordable micro-learning paths. Whether you’re fighting the battle of on-demand training completion rates or trying to develop A3 thinkers instead of just completing A3 projects, this conversation offers practical guidance for building a learning culture that drives real operational results.