The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) will host its 41st annual international conference on October 6-9, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri, at America's Center. Organized by a large group of volunteers who are passionate about helping manufacturers and other business sectors sustain success through continuous improvement practices, the AME International Conference is the largest lean conference in the world. We are expecting 1,100+ participants from over 20 countries.
AN EVENT BY PRACTITIONERS FOR PRACTITIONERS
Reconnect with your fellow practitioners and meet new peers as you share, learn and grow with the best minds in the lean community. AME is a nonprofit association, and the AME conference is organized by a large group of volunteers who are passionate about helping organizations sustain success through continuous improvement practices.
UNPARALLELED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
The AME International Conference is more than attending great sessions and keynote presentations. It's about connecting with your fellow peers. You'll find plenty of ways to forge those relationships before, during and after the conference. Some of our networking opportunities include the AME-zing Race, Club NuBee, and conference Dine Arounds. Get engaged with the world's largest lean community.
Conference structure
KEYNOTES
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
Hear from inspiring keynotes throughout the week — thought leaders in the areas of innovation, leadership, engagement and continuous improvement.
TOURS
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
Stay current with new and developing management and operational techniques. At an AME conference, you’re not just hearing about Lean — you’re seeing it firsthand. You’ll have the option to choose from a range of best practice facility tours where you will see lean in action. On behalf of our host plants, AME may preclude some attendees from participating in plant tours due to the proprietary nature of some information presented. Attendees may be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before participating in a plant tour. Be sure to review the tour requirements and restrictions before add
ing a tour to your schedule.
SESSIONS
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
The depth and breadth of our sessions allow you to always find something relevant — an idea, a concept or a success story. Industry leaders and change advocates will share the knowledge necessary to keep you moving forward. This year, explore as many sessions as you'd like and gain insights into a broad variety of topics. Various session styles include:
- Practitioner Presentation (45-minutes): A 35-minute presentation led by lean practitioners (no consultants) + a 10-minute Q&A.
- Deep Dive Session (45-minutes): The continuation of a keynote/practitioner presentation + Q&A or a session with subject matter experts + Q&A.
- Idea Exchange (1 hour): A session with a specific topic for discussion with a facilitator guiding the dialogue. Participants can ask questions of the group and share their ideas and perspectives.
- Panel Discussion (45-minutes to 1.5 hours): A panel session with senior leaders/subject matter experts + Q&A (no rotation by panelists).
WORKSHOPS
Monday
Our pre-conference full and half-day workshops are ideal for those looking to maximize learning on select topics, including value stream transformations, technology, culture, leadership, visual management, kata and more. There is an additional cost for workshops, and advanced registration is required.
EXHIBIT HALL
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
AME kicks off the conference with a Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall on Monday. Throughout the conference, you can visit exhibitor booths in the exhibit hall. Exhibitors showcase their products, services and missions versed in lean thinking and continuous improvement. Access to the exhibitors is included with your conference registration.
NETWORKING
All week
AME St. Louis 2025 offers a range of networking opportunities and activities so participants can establish contacts within the industry that last well beyond the conference week. Develop new relationships by connecting with and learning from the best.
Conference program themes
- The archway to culture and people development
- The future of supply chain
- The foundation for the future
- Exploring the future
