CHICAGOLAND, IL — June 16–17, 2026 — Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will convene manufacturers, defense leaders, government agencies, and economic development partners for its annual Defense Industry Day, a two-day event focused on strengthening the U.S. industrial base and preparing Illinois manufacturers to compete in the rapidly evolving defense sector.
The event will take place June 16–17 across the Chicagoland region, beginning with exclusive, invite-only manufacturing tours at TRUMPF and DMG MORI on June 16, followed by a full-day conference on June 17 at Embassy Suites Chicago – Naperville.
As global competition intensifies and supply chain resilience becomes increasingly critical to national security, Defense Industry Day is designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers understand how they can play a larger role in supporting the Department of Defense (DoD). The event will provide practical guidance on entering the defense supply chain, meeting evolving requirements, and building capabilities aligned with national security priorities.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Elana Broitman, Principal at The Roosevelt Group, a bipartisan government affairs and strategic advocacy firm specializing in national defense, intelligence, homeland security, and advanced technologies. Broitman brings more than 30 years of experience across government, technology, and nonprofit sectors, including serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy and as a senior advisor on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Her keynote will provide insight into the evolving defense landscape, supply chain readiness, advanced manufacturing, and the critical role manufacturers play in strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base.
Attendees will also gain insights through defense supply chain panels, expert-led breakout sessions on cybersecurity, certifications, and contracting readiness, as well as direct access to procurement and industry leaders through structured networking and supplier matchmaking opportunities.
“Strengthening our defense industrial base is not optional, it’s essential to our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Jaclyn Kolodziej, Director of Marketing at IMEC. “Illinois manufacturers have the capability to play a much larger role in supporting the Department of Defense. Defense Industry Day is about helping them understand where they fit, what’s required, and how to take the next step to compete and win in this space.”
“Illinois has a large and diverse manufacturing sector that is well-positioned to help meet our nation’s need to build and strengthen our defense sector,” said Mark Denzler. “Amazing and innovative Illinois manufacturers are providing the research, engineering, and products equipping the U.S. military. Defense Industry Day is an opportunity to further build these critical supply chains to grow our economy and protect our nation’s security.”
“Collaboration across industry, government, and economic development partners is key to building a strong defense ecosystem,” said Christy George. “Defense Industry Day highlights the capabilities of Illinois manufacturers and creates an important opportunity to bring those partners together to help more Illinois companies drive innovation, attract investment, and strengthen our state’s position in the global defense economy.”
Illinois is uniquely positioned to support defense manufacturing, with a diverse network of manufacturers, a strong workforce pipeline, and robust innovation resources. Defense Industry Day reinforces the importance of collaboration across industry, government, and ecosystem partners to strengthen supply chains, accelerate innovation, and enhance national readiness.
Manufacturers, ecosystem partners, and industry sponsors are encouraged to attend. The event is especially valuable for manufacturers interested in entering or expanding within the defense sector, organizations supporting manufacturing growth and innovation, and companies seeking to build strategic partnerships across the defense supply chain.
Registration is now open, and early registration is strongly encouraged. Space for the June 17 conference is limited, and demand is expected to be high. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are also encouraged to secure participation early to maximize visibility and engagement with key decision-makers and manufacturers from across the region. For more information and to register, visit: IMEC Defense Industry Day
About IMEC
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is celebrating 30 years of helping Illinois manufacturers become stronger, more competitive, and prepared for long-term growth. Through tailored solutions, hands-on expertise, and strategic support, IMEC partners with small and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce performance, drive innovation, and build resilient businesses. With a statewide team of industry improvement specialists, IMEC works alongside manufacturers to help them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful change. In 2025, IMEC assisted 3,742 companies and helped create or retain 6,871 jobs, generating more than $905 million in economic impact across Illinois. Learn more at IMEC.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Kolodziej
Director of Marketing
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
Phone: 608.201.5076
Email: jkolodziej@imec.org
