The Supplier Matchmaking Program on August 20 at the Global Aerospace Summit to connect with leading aerospace industry suppliers and foster valuable partnerships.
[Edwardsville, IL / July 27, 2026] – The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will host its popular Supplier Matchmaking Program at the 2nd Annual Global Aerospace Summit in O’Fallon, Ill., on Thursday, August 20. The program, scheduled for 1 pm to 4 pm, facilitates targeted, one-on-one networking opportunities connecting manufacturers from across the bi-state St. Louis region with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) actively seeking new suppliers. Participating OEMs submit real-time sourcing needs in advance, and IMEC curates personalized meeting schedules to connect them with qualified manufacturers and suppliers whose capabilities align. IMEC is encouraging companies to sign up for this unique opportunity at https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/ no later than August 10.
“Supplier Matchmaking will give manufacturers a direct path to the right conversations with OEMs that are looking for capable, responsive suppliers,” said Dan Hofmann, Interim President of IMEC. “By bringing these companies together at the Global Aerospace Summit, we will help strengthen Illinois’ manufacturing supply chain, create new opportunities for growth, and support the relationships that drive long-term business results.”
The Global Aerospace Summit takes place August 19–20, 2026, bringing together aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, government leaders, educators and workforce development partners for a two-day program focused on advancing innovation and strengthening the industry’s future. Hosted by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison County, St. Clair County and the St. Louis Regional Freightway, the 2026 Summit will take place at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Illinois, with additional programming hosted throughout the Metro East.
More than 230 attendees, 140+ job seekers and companies representing more than 10 states and Canada were a part of the inaugural summit, making it a truly global event and establishing it as a premier platform for industry collaboration. The 2026 program will feature keynote presentations, industry panels, networking opportunities and a career fair in addition to the targeted supplier matchmaking program.
“The matchmaking program was a highlight of our inaugural summit last summer and we’re thrilled to welcome IMEC back as part of this year’s agenda,” said Kyle Anderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. “The event fosters high-value business connections, with the pre-scheduled, private meetings enabling participants to address immediate sourcing needs while building the foundation for long-term partnerships.”
The Global Aerospace Summit is expected to draw more than 200 attendees from across the region and beyond. To learn more about the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit, view the full agenda and register to attend or sign up to have a booth at the career fair, visit: https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/
About the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is celebrating 30 years of helping Illinois manufacturers become stronger, more competitive, and prepared for long-term growth. Through tailored solutions, hands-on expertise, and strategic support, IMEC partners with small and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce performance, drive innovation, and build resilient businesses. With a statewide team of industry improvement specialists, IMEC works alongside manufacturers to help them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful change. In 2025, IMEC assisted 3,742 companies and helped create or retain 6,871 jobs, generating more than $905 million in economic impact across Illinois. Learn more at IMEC.
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