U.S. Manufacturers More Optimistic In May, Despite Continued Volatility
Though volatile pressure continues to temper current business forecasts in the sector, year-ahead manufacturing confidence has moderately improved yet again this month.
Though volatile pressure continues to temper current business forecasts in the sector, year-ahead manufacturing confidence has moderately improved yet again this month.
Fewer CEOs expect business conditions to improve over the next 12 months, as more move into the “wait and see” camp.
Chief Executive’s latest poll finds CEO outlook improving amid worry about a potential economic slowdown.
When it comes to pay in 2026, our latest survey finds division heads and supervisors outpacing both frontline workers and the C-Suite.
Despite stressors associated with heightened global risk mounting since early 2026, U.S. manufacturers express increased positive business sentiment again in March.
Survey of 237 U.S. CEOs the first week of March finds optimism moderating (again) as domestic and geopolitical tensions weigh on sentiment.
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.
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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.