2024 MakingCA Conference Recap

October 29, 2024

Innovation in Manufacturing: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition & Technology

100 people joined CMTA to celebrate California’s 30,000 manufacturers during the 2nd Annual MakingCA Conference on Friday, October, 18, 2024. Speakers included CEO of People’s First Beef Jerky Brian Bianchetti, and Co-Founder/Chief Compliance Officer of BizHaven Anna Towne. Find highlights from our conference below.

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Winner Announced! Coolest Thing Made in California Contest

Northrop Grumman’s World’s Fastest Microchip was crowned the 2024 winner of the Coolest Thing Made in California contest! Congratulations to all of our finalists, who continue to push the boundaries of technology in the industry. Senator Ben Allen (SD 24) and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (AD 66) came together to signify Northrop Grumman as an innovator in the industry by giving the company a member resolution during the awards ceremony.

Contest Highlights

138 Competing Products
246,510+ Total Votes
$1 Million Earned Publicity

Speakers & Panelists Discuss State of Manufacturing

Brian Bianchetti is the CEO of People’s Choice Beef Jerky. Bianchetti shared how the family’s manufacturing facility has stayed in business for over 100 years.

Anna Towne is the Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer at BizHaven. Towne spoke about the importance of being proactive in your HR and compliance needs as a manufacturer.

Energy Panel Sponsored by SMUD

Panelists included Kent Kauss: Sempra Utilities, DaVina Flemings: PG&E, Gregg Fishman: SMUD, and was moderated by Rob Spiegel: CMTA

Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Manufacturing in California Panel

Panelists included Cenk Ündey: Genentech, Vignesh Markandan: Hitachi Digital Services, and was moderated by Margo Parks: Boehringer Ingelheim.

Thank You, Sponsors!

We can’t wait to see you all next year for our 4th Annual MakingCA Conference! Follow us on social media to track all of our upcoming events and stay in the know on manufacturing news across California.