The Iowa Association of Business and Industry will host the 2022 Manufacturing Conference on Oct. 5 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The annual conference will bring together experts to provide insight and advice on the top challenges and opportunities facing Iowa manufacturers, from using new technology to finding new markets. Gage Kent, chairman and CEO of Muscatine-based Kent Corp., will be the keynote speaker. Attendees will also hear from a panel of manufacturing leaders about challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing industry. The panel will be moderated by Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority. Workshops will explore issues such as leveraging artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, employee recruitment and retention, and risk control methodologies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour local manufacturers, including Accumold, Kreg Tool and Red Boot Distillery. The Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner will be held the evening of Oct. 4. Registration for both the Manufacturing Conference and the Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner is available at this link.