TMAC Metroplex

AI for Manufacturers: Bring Defense Aerospace Manufacturing into the AI Era
2026-02-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Savings Thousands with Sensors
2026-01-28 13:00 - 15:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
UPDATE: Due the icy weather conditions, we will be rescheduling this event. Please check back for the updated dates.

Machine Monitoring: Sensors, Systems, & Sustainability
2026-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Automation Awareness: In Defense and Aerospace
2026-01-21 12:30 - 15:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Cobot Awareness Training: For Defense and Aerospace Manufacturers
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Automation Stars of Texas
2025-12-09 00:00 - 2025-12-10 23:59 | Marriot South DFW, 4151 S Centerport Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76115
Step out of the the present and into the future of automation and robotics here in the great state of Texas! Come see what Texas offers in technologies, solutions, AI components, end-of-arm tooling, and robots of every kind.

All the main automation and IIoT brands will be there, for you, the end-user:– No need to travel around the country to see automated solutions– Meet and greet your local guys (ready to help and close by)– Stay up-to-date on the latest opportunities– Network like no other– Free entrance, Free parking, sleep in your bed

This event has an international breadth, with solution providers coming from Europe as well.

Join us for this amazing 2-day event all about automation and building relationships!December 9th and 10th is your time to THRIVE with Automation Stars of Texas!

Workforce Development Workshop & Learn @ Lunch (Ennis)
2025-11-13 11:30 - 13:00 | Ennis Welcome Center, 201 Northwest Main, Ennis, Texas, 75119

Lean Six Sigma Accelerated Black Belt Fall 2025
2025-11-10 08:00 - 2025-12-12 17:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
TMAC’s Lean Six Sigma Program provides a systematic approach to combine the waste elimination methods of Lean with the variation reduction toolset of Six Sigma. The LSS Black Belt class is a rigorous course incorporating both Basic and Advanced problem-solving methods.

To accommodate busy schedules, we are offering an accelerated Lean Six Sigma Black Belt class for certified Green Belts* who need to spend less time away from the office, but still want to increase their continuous improvement skill set.

Price: $5,300

*Registration subject to approval by instructors

Register

Strategy First, Tech Second
2025-10-16 09:30 - 14:00 | Impact Center, 3120 E. Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX, 76010, United States
This is the workshop you asked for: Marketing & Workforce Development. A flat-out, solutions-driven opportunity to learn from one of the manufacturing industry’s leading, creative social marketing and workforce developer, Jacob Sanchez.

Get real action items from “Strategy First, Tech Second: Marketing and Workforce Action to Grow Your Business:”

Steps to develop autonomy in your team

Marketing that speaks your industry’s language

Engaging with the 3 tiers of 21st century social marketing

Creating “Career Quests” for new hired talent

Who Should Attend:

Small and Medium business owners trying to advance past the competition.

Solo industrial marketers trying to grow themselves and their department.

Manufacturers looking to invest in NextGen workers, while growing their current workers as well.

Head programmers and Shop Leads looking to advance their career.

Cost:

$50 per person

Raffle Prize:

Register

Kennametal Swag Box

*must be in attendance to win

Speaker: Jacob Sanchez

Jacob Sanchez represents a new generation of manufacturing and automation leadership. One built on autonomy and a respect for the 21st century tools available. With 11 years of experience as a 5-axis CNC machinist and custom automation engineer, Jacob built his expertise directly on the shop floor before moving into the front lines of creative content, tradeshow hosting, and industrial community building.

One of the starting members for the Titans of CNC, Jacob has become a recognized voice for industry innovation, appearing on more than 18 industry-leading podcasts and speaking on stages across the country. He has hosted national trade shows, key talent for the MSC industrial supply YouTube show “HOW TO”, and has built a personal content reach of more than 10 million viewers worldwide.

Now, as a Gen Z, self-taught marketer and community builder, Jacob bridges the gap between technical expertise and digital influence. He continues to champion inclusion, low-cost automation, and workforce development, showing manufacturers of every size that the future of industry won’t just be built by technology. It will be led by the people bold enough to share it with the world.

Swag Box Sponsor

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Metroplex Manufacturing Day 2025
2025-10-16 09:30 - 14:00 | Impact Center, 3120 E. Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX, 76010, United States
EVENT IS FULL!!!

We are truly sorry to have to close registration for this event, but for the safety of the students and attendees already registered, we need to cap registration. So sorry!

2025 TMAC Metroplex Manufacturing Day isn’t just another campus visit, it’s a full (electric) throttle, hands-on, career-connected experience designed to get students excited about what’s possible in modern manufacturing.

If you’re an instructor looking to show students how their interests connect to real careers, this is the event for you. And If you’re a manufacturer, you’ll see tomorrow’s workforce in action, meet instructors who are shaping talent, and learn how to bring the Werk Wagon to your own facility.

We’re loading up the coolest tech, the sharpest minds, and the most useful career exploration tools this side of the shop floor.

Join the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) and Impact Center Arlington as we bring together students and manufacturers to network and learn about the new innovations that are available in manufacturing careers. Registration is free for attendees!

What’s Happening at the Event?

The Werk WagonA mobile, modifiable, tech-packed training lab that brings automation, robotics, and industrial maintenance training directly to your school or facility. Touch it, walk through it, picture it pulling up to your parking lot. It’s a full manufacturing classroom on wheels.

MozeeExperience a driverless, electric, multi-passenger vehicle developed right here in North Texas. Mozee’s a hit with students and manufacturers alike and a great way to show how automation, AI, and how software meets the shop floor.

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County – VR Goggle ExperienceStep into a virtual job site. These headsets let students experience real work environments in manufacturing, welding, construction, and more, without leaving the event. It’s immersive, realistic, and a great way to explore careers they may not have considered.

Texas A&M Engineer Experiment StationHands-on robotics workshop where students will be able to program a robot and discover what’s possible in industrial automation.

University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI)From robotics to advanced R&D, UTARI is where high-tech ideas go from whiteboard to working prototype. Their demos show how research and real-world solutions collide.

Breakout Mini-Sessions for Modern MakersThese mini-talks feature creators and professionals reshaping manufacturing and community through creativity, business, and social impact.

Who Should Attend:

Instructors and program leaders at high schools, CTE centers, and vocational training schools

STEM educators looking to connect curriculum to real-world careers

Manufacturers who want to meet future hires, find real workforce training tools, or just stop saying “skills gap” into the void.

Students interested in technology, problem-solving, building things, or just figuring out what comes next

Agenda

9:30 AMDoors, Vendor Fair & Demos Open9:30 AMModern Maker: Texas A&M Robotics Workshop – Introduction to Industrial Automation10:00 AMModern Makers Quick Talk 1 10:30 AMModern Maker: Texas A&M Robotics Workshop – Introduction to Industrial Automation10:30 AMModern Makers Quick Talk 211:00 AMModern Makers Quick Talk 311:30 AMManufacturing Keynote Speaker11:50 AMLunch Service Begins12:05 PMRemarks by UTA President Dr. Jennifer Cowley 12:15 PMPanel Discussion Bridging the Gap1:00 PMHigh School Students Depart1:00 PM Speed Job & Apprenticeship Fair2:00 PMEvent Close

Exhibitors and Demos:

Event Sponsors & Partners

Register

Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference
2025-10-08 15:00 - 2025-10-10 12:00 | National Medal of Honor Museum, 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, Texas, 76011
Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference (BBBC) is a national 3-Day business development and entrepreneurial educational experience for the military connected entrepreneur ecosystem.

BBBC is more than a social gathering or networking event. BBBC is a national narrative changing movement that is strategically choreographed to include professionally curated business-to-business networking opportunities, a small business marketplace, veteran business advisor professional development, and an entrepreneur training symposium designed to increase AWARENESS of and facilitate ACCESS to entrepreneurial development resources that inspire ACTION leading to business formation and economic growth through business ownership.

The Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference is a 3-day immersive business development experience that empowers military-connected business owners through relevant and actionable breakout sessions, inspiring keynotes, and professionally curated networking opportunities to grow, improve, and prosper their business.

NTMA Manufacturing Day 2025
2025-10-02 09:00 - 15:00 | Lincoln Tech, 2501 E Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75052, United States
You’re invited! Manufacturing Day celebrates modern manufacturing to inspire the next generation and bridge the skills gap. Be a part of the future!

This event will showcase the latest advancements in manufacturing technology and provide valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals. This year’s event promises to be more dynamic and engaging than ever before!

Dallas College Career Day
2025-09-23 09:30 - 14:00 | Curtis Culwell Center, 4999 Naaman Forest Blvde, Garland, Texas, 75040

Machine Monitoring: Systems, Sensors, & Sustainability
2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

MAVRC Grand Opening
2025-09-16 09:00 - 11:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Fall 2025
2025-09-15 08:00 - 2025-12-12 17:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
TMAC’s Lean Six Sigma Program provides a systematic approach to combine the waste elimination methods of Lean with the variation reduction toolset of Six Sigma. The DMAIC process provides the overarching structure for project management, which helps insure that solutions are sustainable. Students learn through a combination of lecture, student project presentations, exercises, case studies, and simulations. Instructors emphasize practical application of tools and methods. The median payback for TMAC Black Belt projects is $144,500/year.

The LSS Black Belt class is a rigorous course incorporating both Basic and Advanced problem-solving methods. A partial list of tools covered includes value-stream mapping, Little’s Law, measurement system analysis, process control & capability, hypothesis testing, kaizen, pull systems, regression, setup reduction, process balancing, and design of experiments.

Price: $8,500

*** group discounts available ***

Already have a Green Belt and looking for a quicker certification? Check out our Accelerator Option!

Register

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Fall 2025
2025-09-15 08:00 - 2025-10-17 17:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
TMAC’s Lean Six Sigma Program provides a systematic approach to dramatically improve cost, quality, and delivery. The course combines the strengths of today’s two most powerful business initiatives, Lean and Six Sigma, into one integrated program.

The DMAIC process provides the overarching structure for project management, helping ensure solutions are sustainable. Students learn through a combination of lecture, student project presentations, exercises, case studies, and simulations. Experienced instructors emphasize practical application of tools and provide coaching on student projects.

Price: $3,400

*** group discounts available ***

Register

Cobot Awareness Training: For Defense Aerospace Manufacturers
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States

Government Procurement Conference
2025-09-03 09:00 - 2025-09-04 17:00 | Texas

Automation Awareness in Defense & Aerospace
2025-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Texas A&M School of Law, 1515 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, 76102

AI & Smart Technologies in Manufacturing
2025-08-04 08:00 - 2025-08-05 17:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
From the shop floor to the front office, artificial intelligenceand smart sensor technologies are transforming how workgets done. AI and smart manufacturing tools can save time,reduce errors and boost operational efficiencies throughoutyour business. As a part of a National Science FoundationFuture Manufacturing Research Grant project, the TexasA&M Engineering Experiment Station, in collaborationwith the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC),is offering a two-day short course on AI and SmartTechnologies for Manufacturing in the Dallas-Fort Wortharea, August 4-5, 2025. Participants will receive a certificationupon completion of the program.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Identify opportunities tomodernize production andoperations

Learn about Chat GPT andsensor technology applications inmanufacturing

Improve manufacturingproductivity with ready-to-usepractical tools

DAY 1: AI Applications in Manufacturing – AI, Machine Monitoring, Cobot Awareness

DAY 2: Smart Manufacturing & Applications – Smart Manufacturing, Data Acquisition, Case Studies

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Manufacturing Engineers

Manufacturing Technicians

Automation Engineers

SME Owners/Technicians

Production Engineers/Technicians

The State of Manufacturing Presentation @ WBC Southwest’s Construction & Manufacturing Summit
2025-07-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Construction Education Foundation, 101 Royal Lane, Texas, 75019, United States
This half-day summit brings together professionals, procurement leaders, and industry trailblazers to foster powerful relationships and sharpen industry expertise.

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, gain procurement insights, or showcase your business, this event is your platform to connect and thrive. Make sure to hear TMAC Business Development Officer, Brittany Rosenberg, present on the State of Manufacturing.

Event Highlights:

-Strategic Networking Opportunities

-Corporate Roundtable Procurement Discussions

-Insightful WBE & Industry Expert Local Panelists

-Engaging Vendor Tables Featuring Women-Owned Construction Businesses

Agenda

9:00 – 9:45 … Networking/ Vendor Tables

9:45 – 10:00 … Welcome Remarks and Transition to Sessions

10:00 – 10:25 … Corporate Presentation Sessions Round 1

10:25 – 10:30 … Transition Between Sessions

10:30 – 10:55 … Corporate Presentation Sessions Round 2

10:55 – 11:00 … Transition to Vendors

11:00 – 11:30 … Networking/ Vendor Tables

11:30 – 11:35 … Transition to Panel

11:35 – 12:15 … WBE Success Stories Panel

12:15 – 12:30 … Networking/ Vendor Tables

Cobot Test Drive
2025-07-17 10:00 - 12:00 | UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth, TX, 76118, United States
Upskilling your workforce shouldn’t feel like a gamble or a guess. This is a “try it before you automate it” opportunity designed for manufacturers who are curious about cobots, workforce challenged, or just ready to see what the fuss is all about. At this hands-on experience, you’ll get up close with the Universal Robot UR10e and discover how cobots can support your workforce, not shrink it. This isn’t a lecture, it’s a real lab.

This isn’t about hype, it’s about helping your team do more with less burnout, fewer repetitive tasks, and a little high-tech backup that never takes a lunch break.

What’s a Cobot Anyway?

In simple terms, cobots (collaborative robots) are designed to work alongside humans, not replace them. They’re safe, compact, teachable, and surprisingly good at repetitive tasks that your team probably doesn’t love doing.

At this session, you’ll:

Learn the differences between industrial robots and cobots

Discover the role of cobots in augmenting workforce capabilities

Explore common cobot use cases in manufacturing

Get hands-on programming time with the Universal Robot UR10e

Build your own pick-and-place program with guided instruction

Palletize like a pro (or at least like a beginner with potential)

Be presented with a nifty Certificate of Completion

Why Attend?

Because your workforce deserves better tools.

Because your lead operator shouldn’t double as your automation engineer (close your workforce gaps with collaborative technology).

Because watching a YouTube demo isn’t the same as doing it yourself.

Because who doesn’t want robot cred?

Space is limited to 3 attendees per session because real learning takes elbow room. You’ll leave knowing how cobots work, where they fit, and a clear picture of how cobots can support your current workforce. Register today!

Register

Aerospace Partnership Connect & ITAR Overview
2025-05-20 09:00 - 11:00 | UTA Fort Worth, 1401 Jones St, Fort Worth, TX, 76102, United States
Expand your manufacturing connections within the aerospace supply chain while learning how ITAR compliance affects your business. This event brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners to discuss challenges, explore opportunities, and build relationships that can lead to new contracts and collaborations.

A TMAC Metroplex advisor will also provide a brief ITAR overview, offering practical guidance on compliance and business growth in defense-related markets.

Networking Opportunities with:

UTA Research Institute (UTARI) – Learn about opportunities at their new drone testing facility and explore potential partnerships in unmanned aerial systems.

Cross Timbers Apex Accelerator – Explore government procurement and how to secure defense-related contracts.

SBA – Get details on the new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and how it supports small and mid-sized manufacturers.

Fort Worth Economic Development – Understand available resources and incentives for aerospace businesses in the region.

UTA Fort Worth – Discover workforce development programs and partnerships for aerospace companies.

SATOP & TechFW – Learn how to leverage NASA-affiliated resources and technology commercialization support.

TMAC Advisors – Meet our in-house experts who help manufacturers improve efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness in the aerospace sector.

ITAR Overview will cover:

Scope of ITAR and how it impacts aerospace businesses

Who must register and what is required

DDTC registration process and compliance steps

Implementing an effective ITAR compliance program

Integrating ITAR into a current quality management system

Voluntary disclosures, enforcement actions, and potential penalties

Why Attend?

Meet aerospace manufacturers and suppliers to discuss business opportunities

Build relationships with key industry partners and resource organizations

Learn how ITAR compliance affects aerospace suppliers and manufacturers

Share challenges and discuss solutions with industry peers

Agenda

9:00 AM – ITAR Overview and Q&A

9:30 AM – Open Discussion and Roundtable

10:00 AM – Networking

Who Should Attend?

Aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, quality managers, business development professionals, and purchasing managers looking to expand business opportunities, connect with key industry players, and ensure compliance.

Register

Lean Six Sigma Accelerated Black Belt Spring 2025
2025-05-05 08:00 - 2025-06-06 17:00 | TMAC Event Center, 1600 E. Pioneer Parkway, #430, Arlington, TX, 76010, United States

No-Cost Workforce Development Sessions
2025-04-16 08:00 - 2025-05-20 17:00 | Envision Dallas, 1801 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX, 75234, United States
It’s Spring and we’re getting ready to graduate with NO COST Workforce Development sessions for all current and aspiring managers, supervisors, and team or shift leaders. Learn about proven best practices to help you effectively handle any workplace challenge. Whether you’re new to your leadership role or looking to fine-tune your skills, these workshops are for you.

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along: Job RelationsApril 29th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Have you experienced disagreements between coworkers which negatively impact your ability to deliver products or services? Do staff approach you to settle their differences? Feel like you have to be a peacemaker? Learn foundations for a good working environment where your people actually communicate effectively so you can focus on the plan for the day.

Why Can’t You Just Figure It Out: Job InstructionMay 6th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

How do your new employees learn to do the job? Do you have high turnover? If your workforce is stable, do you experience inconsistencies between workers on different shifts? Or variation between workers on the same shift? This session explains the best way to train employees on your procedures so everyone will follow them consistently.

Why Can’t You Just Do More: Job MethodsMay 13th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Like their supervisors, workers get frustrated with the inefficiencies they encounter on a daily basis. Unlike their supervisors, workers typically don’t have a way to improve their processes. This session covers a basic yet practical approach to improve processes resulting in better production (Hint: people aren’t the problem.)

Why Can’t We Solve Problems Together: The Improvement CycleMay 20th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tired of everyone bringing problems for you to solve? Why not empower your staff to solve problems on their own using The Improvement Cycle. In this session you will learn about this 5-step structured and practical approach for team members to think, act, and improve every day.

Limited seating available – Register today!

Register

No-Cost Automation for Manufacturers Workshops
2025-04-15 08:00 - 2025-04-22 17:00 | Envision Dallas, 1801 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX, 75234, United States
It’s tax season and we’re getting ready to save with NO COST Automation for Manufacturers workshops. In session one, we’ll tackle sensors and how they can deliver automated data to help you eliminate waste and reduce cost. Session two will introduce practical AI tools that can streamline daily tasks and reduce downtime, while also helping participants understand their capabilities and limitations.

Tax-Day Automated Saving: Using Sensor TechnologyApril 15th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tax-Day Automation: Using AI TechnologyApril 22nd 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Limited seating available – Register today!

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No-Cost Lean Six Sigma Intro
2025-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Envision Dallas, 1801 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX, 75234, United States
It’s Spring and we’re getting ready to graduate with a NO COST Lean Six Sigma Intro. Participants will learn about Lean Six Sigma, a structured, data-based, team-led approach to solving business problems. You’ll learn basic principles of Lean – which focuses on eliminating waste – and Six Sigma – which aims to reduce variation. The organizational elements of a LSS Program will also be discussed along with typical benefits. We will close with an example of a LSS Project showing how a problem was solved from start to finish.

Limited seating available – Register today!

Register

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Spring 2025
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-05-09 17:00 | TMAC Event Center, 1600 E. Pioneer Parkway, #430, Arlington, TX, 76010, United States
