2026 Spring Meeting


Monday, April 13, 2026
to Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Category: National Meetings

Tucked in between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico is rich in history and local culture. Boasting hot air balloon rides, desert trails, four luxurious pools, an award winning golf course, Zen Spa, and of course amazing dining options, the Tamaya Hyatt is sure to have something for everyone. 

CLICK THE VIDEO TO VIEW THE HYATT REGENCY TAMAYA RESORT

 

HOST HOTEL INFORMATION:

Tamaya Hyatt Resort  ($329 per night plus $20.00 daily resort fee)
1300 Tuyuna Trail - Santa Ana PBL, New Mexico  87004

505-867-1234

DEADLINE FOR GROUP RATE: MARCH 17, 2026

PHONE:  505-867-1234

ONLINE RESERVATIONS: CLICK HERE


AIRPORT & TRANSPORTATION:
AIRPORTS:  

- Albuquerque International Airport - ABQ (26 miles from hotel)

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: 

- Rental Car - Uber - Lyft


REGISTRATION:

ONLINE:  OPENS JAN 2026

VERY IMPORTANT DATES:

- Early bird registration rate ends March 27, 2026
- All registrations are due by April 6, 2026
- Full Refund if cancellation is received by March 27, 2026
- Partial Refund if cancellation is received by April 3, 2025

  

EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

By registering for this meeting, you agree to abide my MTI’s Event Code of Conduct policy found at:

CLICK HERE


CITY INFORMATION & TRAVEL TIPS:

Things to Do, Shopping, Food & Entertainment: CLICK HERE
Weather:  Attendees can anticipate daytime temperatures in the 70's, and nighttime temperatures in the 40's (*F).  


DRESS CODE:

All events are resort casual.    


NAME BADGE AND MEMBER WELCOME PACKET 

Name Badge & Welcome Packet will be available for pick-up at the MTI Check-In Welcome Desk.


MEETING SCHEDULE:

MONDAY, April 13:

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm: MTI Check-in to Pick up Name Badges & Welcome Packet

Your MTI welcome bag with name badges and drink tickets will be available for your pickup at the MTI Check-in table located in the hotel lobby. If you arrive after 5:30 pm, your welcome bag can be picked up outside the Opening Night Reception.

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: MTI First Timer Reception

As a first timer, you will interact with the leadership of MTI prior to the full membership arriving.


5:30 pm - 8:30 pm: MTI Welcome Reception & Dinner

Enjoy the Southwest's signature cuisine and drinks as you connect with members from all across North America.


TUESDAY, April 14:

7:15 am - 8:00 am: Continental Breakfast for Session Attendees

8:00 am - 8:10 am: Welcome from MTI President, Deidra Minerd from Euclid Heat Treating

GENERAL SESSIONS

8:10 - 9:30:  How AI Will Drive Lean Manufacturing

Presenter:  Severin Sorenson

In this fast-paced, demonstration-driven keynote, Severin Sorenson shows how AI can be applied today inside Lean and manufacturing environments—using tools many organizations already have.  This session leverages proven AI workshop content adapted for the plant floor and deliver a high-impact experience that will include:

  • Visual Gemba with AI: Using a workspace image, AI identifies safety risks and 5S gaps and generates an audit checklist.

  • Accelerated 5-Why Analysis: AI facilitates a structured root-cause dialogue and outputs corrective actions or draft SOPs.

  • Finding Signal in Messy Data: AI analyzes unstructured maintenance logs to surface patterns and early warning indicators.

  • Agentic Excel for Kaizen: AI instantly builds a Lean project tracker with DMAIC phases and savings logic—no formulas required.

Attendees will leave with clear, realistic examples of how AI can strengthen Lean execution, accelerate problem-solving, and reduce wasted effort—starting the very next day.

9:45 - 11:00:  Workplace Culture Made Easy in an AI Revolution

Presenter:  Jamie Notter

Everyone wants a strong culture that drives results and attracts top talent, but most leaders don’t understand how their culture operates, or which changes will improve it. Especially in the new dynamic workforce of AI. Notter can show you how to spot the hidden culture patterns that are standing between you and a stronger culture. He’ll also unpack generational trends and give you a concrete model for changing culture that you can start applying right away. 

11:00 am - 11:20 pm: State of the Institute Update by MTI President

MTI President, Deidra Minerd from Euclid Heat Treating, will share an update on MTI's key industry initiatives impacting your company.

9:00 am- 11:00 am:  Spouse and Guest Connection Event - Escape Game in a Box Challenge

Put your problem-solving skills to the test at the MTI Spouse/Guest Escape Game in a Box Challenge! Guests will team up for an exciting, fast-paced escape game where collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking are key. Teams will race against the clock to be the first to solve the puzzles and break free, with prizes awarded to the fastest team to escape. Brunch will be served, making this a fun and engaging way to connect, compete, and kick off the day together. (This will be done on-site in teams of 5, with each team working to solve a different challenge. We will assign teams upon arrival.)

1:00 pm- 4:00 pm:  Foundation Fundraiser - Strike for a Cause! 

Join us for the MTI Educational Foundation Fundraiser Bowling Tournament at Starlight Bowling Center in Albuquerque, NM. This fun, team-based event brings supporters together for a little friendly competition—all to benefit education and workforce development initiatives supported by the MTI Educational Foundation. Teams will bowl, connect, and enjoy lunch while helping make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re aiming for a strike or just there for the camaraderie, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. (Transportation from the Tamaya Hyatt to the Starlight Bowling Center will be provided)

WEDNESDAY, April 15:

7:15 am - 8:00 am: Continental Breakfast for Session Attendees

8:00 am - 8:05 am: Welcome from MTI President, Deidra Minerd

GENERAL SESSIONS 

8:05 - 9:25:   Robotics, Exoskeletons & the Future of Manufacturing Work

Presenter:  Jacob Li from the Institute of AI & Human Cognition

In this practical session, Jacob Li explains how robotics and wearable exoskeletons are transforming manufacturing jobs today. Learn how human-assist technologies improve safety, reduce fatigue and injury, boost productivity, and extend the careers of skilled workers—without replacing them. Attendees gain a clear view of real-world applications, workforce impact, and how human-machine collaboration is redefining the future of manufacturing work.

9:40 - 11:00:   Being the Unstoppable You!

Presenter:  Alex Weber - NBC Broadcaster and Former America Ninja Warrior Competitor

In this high-energy, inspiring keynote, Alex Weber challenges attendees to unlock the mindset, confidence, and habits required to become truly unstoppable. Blending powerful storytelling with practical takeaways, Alex shows how to break through self-doubt, embrace adversity, and step fully into your personal and professional potential.  This session energizes audiences to take ownership of their choices, lead with purpose, and pursue bold goals with clarity and resilience—leaving attendees motivated, focused, and ready to take action.

*AFTERNOON FREE TO ENJOY ALBUQUERQUE AND SANTA FE NEW MEXICO*

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: MTI President's Reception
All members are invited to the closing night reception to connect experiences, stories and take-a-ways.

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Final Night Dinner & Dancing

MTI's Final Night Dinner is always full of energy and excitement with dinner, drinks, connection to members, dance to your favorite songs . Come share your favorite memories in New Mexico with members from all across North America.   


SEE YOU IN ALBUQUERQUE!

QUESTIONS: 

Kristen Speer - MTI Director of Member Experience

904-249-0448 x101 - kristen@heattreat.net

For More Information:

Kristen Speer

Director of Membership & Financial Administration, Metal Treating Institute

View Profile

(904)249-0448