Manufacturing Confidence Shows Cautious Rebound In February
Manufacturing CEOs report improved current conditions and strong investment plans, though tariff uncertainty and political volatility continue to weigh on long-term outlook.
Manufacturing CEOs report improved current conditions and strong investment plans, though tariff uncertainty and political volatility continue to weigh on long-term outlook.
After a shaky start to the year, CEO optimism is buoyed by steady demand and hopes for greater policy clarity. ‘I’m hoping for split government and gridlock.’
A new survey examines how public and private companies manage short-term demands against long-term strategy—and where governance practices diverge: ‘Long-term thinking is less about ownership structure and more about intentional design.’
New data from Chief Executive’s Financial Performance Benchmark Report reveals nearly one-third of companies are already using AI to reduce headcount, even as 53 percent plan to expand their workforce in 2026.
After ending 2025 on an upswing, manufacturing CEOs open the new year with fading confidence, driven by tariff uncertainty and mounting cost pressures, even as recession fears ease.
After two decades of New Year optimism, America’s chief executives are starting 2026 with unusual caution, as policy uncertainty clouds business outlook. ‘Uncertainty is the new certainty.’
After a turbulent 2025—in which over one-third of companies had to reforecast revenues mid-year—the outlook for 2026 appears more stable and optimistic.
In December 2024, Chief Executive asked hundreds of CEOs around the country for predictions for 2025. How’d you do? Safe to say, this year didn’t make predicting easy—and 2026 looks much the same.
After an incredibly volatile year for the sector, U.S. manufacturers close 2025 with yet another uptick in business confidence––on the back of healthy improvements in both October and November.
Outlooks for the second half of 2026 are growing ever more optimistic amid increasing evidence they can continue to navigate the turbulent economic environment.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.