Manufacturing Conference Agenda

1-OtherRecent Developments in the National and the Regional Economy

Ryo Tashiro, an economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, will discuss recent developments in the economy. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• How did our regional economy perform in 2023?
• What is the outlook for 2024?
• What were some challenges among regional firms in 2023? What do they look forward to in 2024?

1-Other Unleashing AI's Creative Power: How Generative AI Is Transforming Manufacturing

• Generative AI: Moving Past the Hype - Cut through the buzz and understand what generative AI actually is and how it works
• The Promise and Pitfalls of Generative AI - Explore the vast possibilities of generative AI while being realistic about current limitations
• Generative AI in Action - See examples of how leading manufacturers are using AI to create designs, optimize processes, and enhance quality
• The Road Ahead - Discuss practical steps to implement generative AI and preview future applications that could radically reshape business in general and manufacturing specifically

1-TaxResearch & Development Tax Credit for Manufacturers

• A general overview of the R&D tax credit for manufacturers.
• Learn how to identify qualifying projects.
• Understand the various calculation methods.
• Discuss the project implementation and issues to consider.

1-OtherCybersecurity and the Internet of "Things"

• What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
• Understanding security risks and challenges.
• Key IoT security principles.
• What are industry best practices for securing IoT?

1-A&A Accounting and Auditing Update

1-OtherManufacturing Industry 401K Plans and the Impact of SECURE 2.0

• Schneider Downs Retirement Solutions (SDRS) will unpack the major provisions from SECURE 2.0 and their impact on retirement plan sponsors and participants. This will include respective effective dates as well as which provisions are mandatory versus those that are subject to employer adoption on a discretionary basis.

1-Other Steps for Long-Term Succession Planning and Why?

• Why it is critical to begin planning with clients well in advance of a succession event.
• 100% of clients will change ownership.
• The importance of blending tax, estate, and overall business planning with manufacturers.
• Why and how succession planning is different with manufacturing.

1-OtherManufacturing’s Role in Scope 3 GHG Emissions Quantification

• Scope 3 GHG emissions occur upstream and downstream in a company’s supply chain, and typically comprise the bulk of aggregate GHG emissions for most companies.
• Scope 3 is notoriously difficult to quantify due to the complexity of required inputs, data-centric requirements, and assortment of data quality from different parties. 
• Manufacturing will play a crucial role in the quantification of Scope 3 emissions from both an upstream and downstream perspective; hence, manufacturers should be cognizant of the Scope 3 requirements, best practices from a data perspective, and current regulatory landscape.