2026 IMA Women Makers Series Stop #3 - Marion, Illinois

Event Details

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

EThOs @ The Citadel

504 Tower Square Plaza, 5th Floor, Marion, Illinois 62959

11:00 AM until 1:00 PM

This is an in-person event

Lunch will be served

This event is open exclusively to women makers.

Registration closes Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Cancellations must be received in writing by November 11, 2026. Refunds will not be made after November 11, 2026.

WOMEN MAKERS: BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

Expanding Opportunity & Breaking Down Barriers in

Southern Illinois

Women Makers: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow will bring together women leaders, employers, workforce professionals, and community partners to explore two sides of the workforce challenge: expanding the talent pipeline and removing the barriers that prevent people from fully participating in it.

The conversation will focus not only on the challenges facing employers and workers, but on practical strategies and partnerships that can strengthen the workforce throughout Southern Illinois.



Open to women at every stage of their manufacturing career.

Agenda:

11:00 am: Welcome 

Speakers:

• Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
• Jennifer Olsen, Director of Economic Development, City of Marion

11:05 am: Panel 1: The Workforce Is Changing: Rethinking Who, How & Where We Hire

As employers compete for talent—especially in rural communities—it’s time to look beyond the traditional workforce pipeline. From engaging the next generation to tapping into overlooked talent, this conversation will explore fresh approaches to recruiting, training, and retaining the workforce of tomorrow.

11:50 am: Networking Lunch

12:15 pm: Panel 2: Beyond the Job: Removing Barriers to Work in Rural Communities

A job opportunity only matters if people can actually get to work—and stay there. In rural communities, challenges like limited childcare, unreliable transportation, and a lack of accessible housing can become major barriers to building and retaining a strong workforce. This conversation will look beyond the job itself to explore how employers and communities can tackle the workforce infrastructure challenges standing between people and opportunity.

1:00 pm: Closing

• Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

Welcome Speakers:

Sarah Hartwick

Senior Vice President

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

Jennifer Olson

Director of Economic Development

City of Marion

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor- $15,000 (Only one available)

Includes:

• Company name/logo on promotional materials 
• 10 event registrations at each of the 2026 series events
• Podium time at all four of the events
•  Full Table at Kick Off Luncheon 10 tickets

Lunch Sponsor - $12,500 (Only one available)

• Company name/logo on promotional materials 
• 5 event registrations at each of the 2026 series events
• Full Table at Kick Off Luncheon 10 tickets

Host Sponsor – $7,500 (4 available)

Includes:

• Company name/logo on promotional materials 
• 5 event registrations at each of the 2026 series events
• 1/2 Table at Kick Off Luncheon 5 tickets

Single Event Sponsor – $2,500 (Unlimited)

Includes:

• Company name/logo on promotional materials
• 10 registrations to the sponsored event

Individual Ticket – $50

For questions regarding IMA Women Maker’s Series, please contact Trish Overturf at

(630)869-5401 or toverturf@ima-net.org  

The sponsorship deadline to be included in printed materials is

November 11, 2026

Thank you to our Sponsors

Thank you to our Partner