Let’s Connect
Mission
Providing solutions to help South Dakota manufacturers prosper and grow.
Upcoming Educational Series & Workshops
Embark on a journey of learning and growth with our upcoming educational series and workshops. As part of our commitment to provide excellent learning opportunities, we are thrilled to announce a variety of programs designed to cater to different interests and professional needs. These sessions represent the cutting edge of knowledge and skills within our state. Enrollment for these educational experiences is now open, and we encourage prospective participants to secure their places promptly, ensuring they don’t miss out on this valuable chance for advancement.
2025 Sioux Falls Leadership Summit
The Sioux Falls Leadership Summit is a signature event for SME and features speakers, networking and other opportunities to inspire and teach local business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales and marketing executives. The Summit launched in 2021 with development leader, author, and coach, John C. Maxwell, as its keynote speaker. This event has the vision to bring the best trainers in the world to Sioux Falls to inspire and transform business cultures, both large and small.
Sioux Falls – Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Startup Skills Workshop:
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Session Description:
In this session, we’ll explore essential project management strategies that apply across industries. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, managing multiple priorities, or coordinating with cross-functional teams, this workshop will equip you with foundational tools to organize and execute projects more effectively. It’s a great starting point for building stronger systems and preparing for future deep-dives into more specialized project management approaches.
Who Should Attend:
This session is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to strengthen their project management skills. Whether you’re managing day-to-day operations, leading teams, or supporting others through consulting or services, this workshop will provide practical frameworks and tools to help you plan, manage, and deliver successful projects with greater confidence.
FREE
Sioux Falls – Wednesday, September 24
2025 Technology and Entrepreneurship Summit
Join us for our third annual Technology and Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by the Northern Innovation and Startup Center and the Aberdeen Development Corporation! We’re bringing together industry trailblazers, forward-thinking innovators, driven students, and aspiring entrepreneurs for an exciting event all about blending technology and entrepreneurship.
Expect engaging discussions, prime networking opportunities, and invaluable insights from seasoned tech professionals and successful business owners!
Aberdeen – Wednesday, September 24
Manufacturing & Trade Summit
Building the Future: Innovation, Protection, and Global Reach
Experience the Manufacturing and Trade Summit, where industry leaders unite to explore cutting-edge trends, strategies, and technologies. Discover the future of manufacturing and trade, forge valuable connections, and unlock growth opportunities.
Rapid City – Thursday, October 2
33rd Annual South Dakota Safety & Health Conference
Sharpen your safety skills and expand your network with a variety of sessions. Plus, see the latest and greatest in workplace safety in our jam-packed exhibit hall! This engaging, one-day professional conference features expert speakers, timely topics and premier networking opportunities.
Sioux Falls – Wednesday, October 8
Lean 101 Workshop
Watertown & Sioux Falls
This interactive session introduces Lean principles through a hands-on simulation, where participants act out a company’s transition to Lean using a learn-and-do approach. Key concepts include identifying waste, creating a visual workplace, achieving consistency through Standardized Work, improving capacity via batch size reduction, and exploring the benefits of Pull Systems. By blending theory with practical application, the session equips participants with a clear understanding of Lean’s value and its application in real-world settings.
Cost: $250