Overview
The Women in Metalcasting Conference brings together professionals from across the metalcasting industry for a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
Hosted December 7–8, 2026, at The Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, this inaugural event will feature leadership and career development sessions, industry insights, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and inspiring "Tell Her Story" presentations from women who have built successful careers in manufacturing and metalcasting.
Conference topics will address many of the challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry today, including:
- Leadership and career advancement
- Mentorship, sponsorship, and professional networking
- Navigating male-dominated workplaces
- Building inclusive and supportive workplace cultures
Whether you are an emerging professional, a technical expert, a manager, or an executive leader, you'll leave with new ideas, practical strategies, and meaningful connections that can support your continued success in the metalcasting industry.
Location
Hotel Information
Nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota, The Edgewater Hotel combines modern luxury with the charm of downtown Madison. Attendees will enjoy upscale accommodations, exceptional dining, stunning lakefront views, and access to the hotel's renowned spa. As a special benefit, Women in Metalcasting Conference attendees will receive 20% off spa services, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge during their stay.
Speakers
Being the only woman, or one of few women, in a workplace can create pressures that others may not see. Women may feel expected to continually prove their credibility, represent all women, adapt to the dominant culture or choose between belonging and remaining true to themselves.
This interactive “we-note” will combine brief leadership coaching, personal reflection, facilitated table conversations, and insights gathered from the larger group. Rather than simply speaking to participants, Sabrina will invite them to learn with and from one another. The experience will acknowledge both the challenges and strengths associated with being “the only” while helping participants identify practical ways to remain grounded, connected and effective in their leadership.
Why is it when the conversation is important, we get it wrong? When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong we miss the mark? We often try to force our perspective or not allow others to have a perspective or worse, stay silent. This workshop will introduce powerful skills to help you speak up, directly and effectively when it matters most.
Whenever you’re not getting the results you want, it’s likely an important conversation either hasn’t happened or hasn’t been handled well. In fact, both individual and organizational success are largely determined by how quickly, directly, and effectively we speak up when it matters most. At the heart of healthy and high-performance organizations are people willing and able to hold crucial conversations.
Key Takeaways:
• Know and understand crucial conversations
• Understand the value of crucial conversations
• Define the path to action
• Give insight on defining the real topic
Conference Agenda
Conference attendees receive 20% off spa services at The Edgewater. Advanced registrations are recommended.
Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, conversation, and connection as we kick off the inaugural Women in Metalcasting Conference.
Lizeth Medina-Balliet
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry
Women in Metalcasting Chair
Sabrina Moon
Problem Solving Institute
Being the only woman, or one of few women, in a workplace can create pressures that others may not see. Women may feel expected to continually prove their credibility, represent all women, adapt to the dominant culture or choose between belonging and remaining true to themselves.
This interactive “we-note” will combine brief leadership coaching, personal reflection, facilitated table conversations, and insights gathered from the larger group. Rather than simply speaking to participants, Sabrina will invite them to learn with and from one another. The experience will acknowledge both the challenges and strengths associated with being “the only” while helping participants identify practical ways to remain grounded, connected and effective in their leadership.
TBA
Moderator:
Maddie Wilson-Smith
Pittsburgh Foundry and Machine
Panelists:
Lauren Innis
EJ — Connecting with the next generation
Towanda Long
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry — Building a strong team and support network
Justin Scott
American Foundry Society — Male allyship, professional networking and industry involvement
Danielle Smith
Waupaca Foundry Inc. — Advocacy and mentorship
An exploration of the relationships and networks that help women grow, advance, and succeed throughout their careers.
Topics will include:
- Sponsorship vs. mentorship
- Finding the right mentor
- Building a "personal Board of Directors" with multiple mentors for different needs
- Male allyship
- Professional networking
- Industry involvement
- Advocacy
Featured Speaker:
Kathy Hayrynen
Aalberts Surface Technologies
Moderator:
Alexandria Trusov
TruInsights Consulting
A candid conversation reflecting on the changing experience of women in the metalcasting industry.
Topics will include:
- Early career experiences as one of very few women in the industry
- Changes Kathy has witnessed throughout her career
- Progress still needed
- Advice for the next generation
Vicki Updike
New Sage Strategies
Attendees will learn to:
- Recognize and understand crucial conversations
- Understand the value of addressing difficult conversations effectively
- Identify the real issue at the heart of a conversation
- Define a path toward action
Amy Roosa
The Safety Rack
Personal protective equipment is designed to be the last line of defense, but what happens when it doesn’t fit the person wearing it? For many women, poor-fitting PPE can create challenges with mobility, comfort, performance, and consistent use, issues that are often invisible to those responsible for purchasing or managing safety programs. This session explores the PPE fit gap from both the worker and leadership perspective, using real-world experiences, current research, and practical examples. Attendees will gain a better understanding of where fit and access problems occur, why “providing PPE” doesn’t always mean providing effective protection, and what employers, safety professionals, and workers can do to help close the gap.
What do you bring to the table—and can you communicate it confidently?
In this interactive session, attendees will use the results of a brief pre-conference strengths or professional-style assessment to identify what sets them apart. Attendees will then work in small groups to translate those insights into a concise personal brand statement and elevator pitch they can use when networking, pursuing new opportunities, or advocting for themselves at work.
Registration
List: $475.00
Member:$375.00
AFS presents a variety of technical and management conferences (in both in-person and virtual formats). The refund policy for AFS conferences is as follows: 1) Substitutions are accepted at no charge at any time up until the start of the conference; 2) Full refunds are offered if AFS is notified in writing of cancellation at least 30 days in advance of the conference. No refunds or credits are available for less than 30 days written notice.
Sponsors
Gold
