Manufacturing Confidence On The Rise Again In December
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.
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.
CEOs’ confidence in their ability to navigate continued volatility is pushing optimism higher in November polling, though many say there are still a lot of unknowns on the horizon. ‘Very hard to say what that looks like in a month, let alone a year.’
Amid rising retention risks, private companies are taking a page out of public companies’ playbook and using long-term incentives as a strategic lever. Here’s how to make LTI work for your business.
October polling from Chief Executive finds U.S. manufacturers regaining their confidence after a months-long slump, even as tariff pressures and geopolitical tensions continue to cast their shadow over the sector.
Our latest survey finds CEOs increasingly confident in their ability to find growth in the current economic environment, despite ongoing uncertainties and turmoil in Washington.
A long-term analysis of our ongoing CEO Confidence Index finds anticipation of disruption is almost always worse than what actually happens. With two exceptions: The Great Recession and 2025.
Just-released compensation data at private U.S. companies finds CEO bonus pay as a percentage of base salary at multi-year lows, with 2026 forecasts pointing to little improvement.
U.S. manufacturers rate current conditions at their worst level since the pandemic, but continue to hold out hope that tariff resolutions will bring increased stability.
CEOs are toning down their optimism for the coming months, amid continued worries about tariffs, trade, the Fed, the overall economy. “Too hard for people to create strategies when the ground moves every 30-60 days.”
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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.