Join Us August 19 - 20!
Are you a small supplier or manufacturer, service provider or budding startup seeking to navigate the complexities of the automotive industry?
Join us for the 2026 Small Business Supplier Summit as top automotive executives and industry experts define opportunities, discuss challenges and explore solutions for small suppliers with a focus on the future of mobility.
As emerging technologies and the latest innovations transform and disrupt the automotive world we know, get equipped for action with practical strategies to grow your small business and build viable relationships and synergistic partnerships. Learn how to take advantage of resources available to accelerate you on the road to supplier success and gain valuable insight into how to optimize your operations for automotive's future state.
Agenda
| **Agenda subject to change** |
| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 |
| 1:00 p.m. Exhibitor Check-in & Setup |
| 5:00 p.m. Networking Reception Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres and time to network with sponsors, exhibitors and other attendees! |
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 |
| 7:30 a.m. Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. Welcome & Introductions Ron Davis - President, Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association Senator Tommy Tuberville - State of Alabama |
| 8:45 a.m. Automotive Outlook & Forecast Joe McCabe - President & CEO, AutoForecast Solutions |
| 9:30 a.m. Topic TBD Steve Jernigan - Chief Procurement Officer & VP Purchasing, Nissan Americas |
| 10:15 a.m. Networking / Exhibit Break |
| 10:45 a.m. Tier I Supplier Panel Ty Jones - ARD Logistics Panelist TBD - HD Hyundai Robotics Other Panelists - TBD |
| 11:30 a.m. Lunch & Keynote Presentation Tariffs & Legislation Pete Mento - Director, Global Trade Advisory, Baker Tilly |
| 12:30 p.m. Networking / Exhibit Break |
| 1:00 p.m. Access to Capital Brian Anderson - Chief Capital Officer, Triad/Business Consortium Fund Veronica Crock - Senior Project Manager, Alabama Department of Commerce Kenneth Kelly - Chairman & CEO, First Independence Bank / American Bankers Association |
| 1:45 p.m. Future Mobility Brian Engle - Chairman Emeritus, NAATBATT Marc Gibson - Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation Partnerships & Economic Development, University of Tennessee Fred Lee - Director of Strategy, BEACONS Center at University of Texas Dallas Mike Oatridge - Executive Director, Alabama Mobility & Power Center Gabrielle Pierre - Director for Strategy & Partnerships / Editor-in-Chief, Georgia Network for Electric Mobility |
| 2:30 p.m. Networking / Exhibit Break |
| 3:00 p.m. Small Business Success Stories Ron Butler - President, ESSPI Ken Cartwright - President & COO, Hightower EV Alexis Scipio - Founder, The Thrive Point |
| 3:45 p.m. OEM Panel Mark Brazeal - Vice President of Manufacturing, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Hans Crouse - Senior Manager Production Chief Engineer, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Patrick Spence - Director, Supply Chain Delivery, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America - AAP Randy Stec - Director, Supplier Tech Assistance - Exterior & Structural Systems, Ford Motor Company |
| 4:45 p.m. Event Reflections & Closing Comments Chris Lewis - Vice President, Corporate Development & Engagement, Automotive Industry Action Group Rick Youngblood - Executive Director - Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association |
Why Attend?
Attending the Small Business Supplier Summit was an extremely valuable experience. This event brought together OEMs, suppliers, and industry leaders to share real insights on emerging EV opportunities, supply chain trends, and access to capital for growing businesses. As a sponsor and participant, I gained meaningful connections with stakeholders and a clearer understanding of where supplier opportunities are developing. It was an honor to introduce the keynote speaker from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, David Fernandes, highlighting the importance of collaboration between OEMs and capable supply chain partners as the industry continues to evolve. - Derek Bland, VP New Business Development, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
The Small Business Supplier Summit has been an invaluable experience year after year. Being in the room with industry leaders, OEM executives, Tier Suppliers, and government officials gives you a perspective you simply can’t get anywhere else. From the industry forecast to sessions on emerging technology and future mobility, every year I leave with insights that directly impact how we do business as a third-party logistics company. Networking alone is worth it, but the knowledge you gain makes it essential. - Bregitte Braddock, VP of HR, EHS, Corporate Affairs, GAA - ARD Logistics, LLC
Small businesses are the backbone of the automotive industry, driving the innovation, agility, and specialized expertise that keep the supply chain resilient and competitive on a global scale. As the industry undergoes rapid transformation, the Small Business Summit plays a critical role in advocating for these companies, connecting them with key stakeholders, and providing valuable industry insights that help them engage with emerging technologies and evolving mobility solutions. By fostering these connections and conversations, the Summit helps ensure small businesses remain at the forefront of innovation and future growth. – Bob Galyen, Founder & President, Glayen Energy
I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Small Business Supplier Summit as both an attendee and a panelist, and the value has been consistent on both sides. Our company continues to see a strong ROI that pays dividends through new relationships, increased visibility, and real business opportunities. This summit goes beyond networking — it creates a space where small businesses can connect, grow, and compete at a higher level. - Lensey King Jr., President, Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting LLC
The Small Business Supplier Summit delivered tremendous value for small and mid-size suppliers, providing direct access to industry leaders and valuable insight into the evolving EV supply chain. I found the forum to be an excellent platform for building meaningful connections and identifying new opportunities. - Fernando Valentin, President & CEO, The Trinity Design Group, LLC
Attend
Network & Connect!
Attendee Registration
AAMA/AIAG/TAMA Members - $250
Non-Members - $300
Exhibit
Join Our Exhibit Hall!
Exhibit Registration
$1,000
10' x 10' exhibit includes:
*One complimentary exhibitor attendee
*Pipe & drape
*6' table with tablecloth & two chairs
**Additional attendees may be added for $200 each.**
Sponsor
Make an Impact!
Sponsorships At-a-Glance
Presenting Sponsor
$7,500 *2 EXCLUSIVE*
Lanyard Sponsor
$5,000 *1 EXCLUSIVE*
Platinum Sponsor
$3,500
Gold Sponsor
$2,500
For more sponsorship details, download our packages at the link below!
Venue
700 Monroe Street
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Summit will be in East Halls 1 & 2.
*View Parking Map HERE.
Recommended Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville
>> Book at our special rate HERE! Discounted rate of $189 is available through August 6.
Trilogy Hotel Huntsville, Autograph Collection
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
Donna Thompson
General Event Inquiries
donnathompson.aama@gmail.com
Lynsey Delane
Sponsor/Exhibitor/Registration Questions
lynsey.aama@gmail.com