New England M.A.D.E. Summit Coming to Warwick This September

Rhode Island - ​Rhode Island manufacturers are being invited to take the day off from the shop floor and invest it in something equally important: their business's future.
The New England M.A.D.E. (Manufacturing, Advancement, Development, and Expansion) Summit is set to take place on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, running from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The event is free to attend for manufacturers, with breakfast and lunch included.
The Summit is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA), Polaris MEP, and the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC).
A Full Day of Learning, Networking, and Growth
Jennifer Wheelahan, Vice President of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, describes it as a day built for manufacturers at every stage of growth.
"It's going to be a huge event," said Wheelahan. "There's going to be a nice ability for networking—not just among manufacturers, but for those seeking funding as well."
The day will feature multiple educational sessions covering a broad range of topics including AI integration, cybersecurity and CMMC compliance, digital marketing, ISO updates, and workforce solutions. Sessions are designed to go beyond surface-level introductions, with subject matter experts on hand to provide practical, actionable insights.
Matt Spoehr of the U.S. Small Business Administration emphasized the breadth of what attendees can expect. "There's going to be a little bit of something for everybody throughout the entire day," said Spoehr. "From workforce solutions to digital marketing—these are all things that companies can come and learn how to integrate into their business, how to use them, how to be more effective and efficient, which helps the bottom line."
AI Front and Center
Artificial intelligence is shaping up to be one of the Summit's standout topics. Experts will go beyond the buzzwords to explain how manufacturers can practically embed AI into their day-to-day operations—from production workflows to process documentation.
"It's beyond maybe some of the hype, but the reality of how you can use it," said Wheelahan. "Our experts are really there to explain how to integrate it into your business and your processes—how you manufacture what you're creating."
An Unexpected Networking Opportunity with Lenders
One of the Summit's more distinctive features is its concurrent SBA lender training. While manufacturers attend educational sessions, local banks and credit unions will be undergoing their own training in the same building—creating a natural opportunity for businesses to connect with potential funders throughout the day.
"Those lenders, those banks, those credit unions who work with small businesses to provide funding are going to be getting a training that day as well," said Wheelahan. "So there's going to be a nice ability for a little matchmaking with the funders that are there."
Open to All New England Manufacturers
While the Summit is being hosted in Rhode Island, it is open to manufacturers across all six New England states. Participants from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine have already begun registering.
"We're so uniquely positioned geographically as a region," said Spoehr. "People can drive from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire within a couple of hours. We wanted to make sure we got partners from across the region together."
Vendors and exhibitors at the event span the full spectrum of manufacturing—from food and beverage producers and machine shops to robotics innovators, shipbuilders, and medical device makers. The only requirement? That your product is made right here in New England.
"If you make it, you should come," said Spoehr.
A Chance to Work on the Business, Not Just in It
Wheelahan noted that one of the most valuable things about the Summit is simply giving business owners the space to step back and think strategically.
"When you own a business, it's hard to work on the business—often you're working in the business," she said. "This gives you that moment to bring some of your staff and cover the breadth of topics and get that education."
How to Register
Attendance for manufacturers is free, but pre-registration is required. Sponsorship and vendor table opportunities are also available. For full event details and to register, visit checkoutri.com or scan the QR code featured in this month's edition of The Wave.


What: New England M.A.D.E. Summit
When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI
Cost: Free to attend (pre-registration required)
Register: checkoutri.com