May 13, 2026 (Schaumburg, IL) — On June 9–10, leaders from across the metalcasting industry will gather in Washington, D.C., for the American Foundry Society’s annual Government Affairs Fly-In, where they will engage with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for the critical role metalcasters play in the U.S. economy.
AFS is pleased to announce that Scott Jennings will headline the Fly-In as the June 9 luncheon keynote speaker. Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. As the network’s senior conservative commentator, Jennings brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day. Jennings’ career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like the LA Times and Gannett. Beyond the campaign trail, Jennings has taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School, is a founding partner of RunSwitch Public Relations, and is the author of A Revolution of Common Sense.
Other Fly-In speakers include:
- Jeff Barron, Senior Economic Advisor, Energy Market Analysis at the American Petroleum Institute. Barron will discuss the state of American oil and natural gas, with an analysis of the fallout from the Middle East conflict on energy production and U.S. manufacturers.
- Nick Iacovella, Executive Vice President, Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA)
- Samuel Boxerman, Partner, Sidley Austing LLP
- Kirbie Ferrell, Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Policy, National Association of Manufacturers covering permitting reform and Surface Transportation Reauthorization
- Mike Davin, Director, Energy and Resources Policy, National Association of Manufacturers covering energy and infrastructure
The two-day event includes:
- Issue Briefings
- Luncheon with Scott Jennings
- A Capitol Hill Club reception honoring lawmakers who support the metalcasting industry (June 9)
- Congressional meetings coordinated by the AFS Washington office (June 10)
- AFS will provide all participants with background materials and talking points tailored for their legislative meetings.
To register for the 2026 Government Affairs Fly-In, click here.