In January 2013, Walmart announced a ten-year plan to spend an additional $250 billion on U.S. made products. A key upcoming event for this initiative is the 2014 U.S. Manufacturing Summit, to be held August 14-15 in Denver, Colorado. The Summit addresses the challenges that some suppliers have identified in finding key domestic "value chain providers" – those that make and sell materials, components, technologies, or services to manufacturing possible – for their products.
To facilitate these connections, the Summit includes a full-day "Trade Show" on Friday, August 15 allowing suppliers and value chain providers to meet and explore common manufacturing opportunities. In addition, targeted smaller group sessions on Friday morning will also give suppliers and value chain providers a chance to discuss strategies for U.S. manufacturing together across a diverse set of topics.
For more information or to apply for registration, please visit: http://news.walmart.com/events/2014-us-manufacturing-summit
All applications must be received by July 25, 2014 and will be evaluated on the value chain provider's ability to help suppliers meet current U.S. manufacturing needs, including:
- Product or service: design, quality, and technology
- Domestic operations: footprint and growth
- Ability to execute: production capacity and logistics
If you are selected to attend the Summit, you will be notified within 7 days of registration. For questions, please email USsummit@wal-mart.com. Or for general inquiries, please contact MadeInUS@wal-mart.com
Recommended attendees include:
- Walmart Suppliers
- Mass, Discount and Specialty Retailers
- Raw Material/Component Suppliers
- Representatives from State and Federal Government
- Financial Institutions & Investors
For additional details on the July 8th Open Call to Manufacturers, see our "Walmart Made in USA Open Call" blog post.
