Monday, October 20 | 12:00 pm ET
As the Trump administration continues to prioritize deregulation, manufacturers are seeing a shift in labor policy—particularly through a more business-friendly National Labor Relations Board. This session will examine recent and anticipated changes in labor law, as well as their practical implications for employers in an ever-evolving compliance and workforce dynamic.
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Mekesha H. MontgomeryPartner
Nashville, TN
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Catherine F. BurgettPartner
Columbus, OH
Tuesday, October 21 | 12:00 pm ET
Manufacturers are facing a wave of complex and overlapping environmental regulations at both the state and federal levels. This session will examine two current issues that should be top of mind for manufacturers: California’s climate disclosure laws (SB 253 and SB 261) and the federal government’s evolving regulation of PFAS. We will break down which companies are considered to be “doing business” under California’s expansive nexus test, what is required under the new emissions and climate-risk reporting mandates, and how to prepare for phased assurance and governance obligations. We will also provide an update on federal PFAS rulemaking, explore the growing patchwork of state-level PFAS legislation, and discuss PFAS litigation trends. Attendees will gain practical insights into how these regulatory shifts are reshaping compliance strategies and increasing liability exposure across the manufacturing sector.
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Chris Kim KahnPartner
Cincinnati, OH
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Thierry R. MontoyaPartner
Santa Ana, CA
Wednesday, October 22 | 12:00 pm ET
Manufacturers face a wide range of operational risks. This session will focus on how to prepare for and respond to crisis scenarios that originate within production facilities. FBT speakers will share lessons learned from navigating major disruptions, with discussion covering risk assessments, legal obligations, cross-functional response teams, and stakeholder communications. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen crisis management plans and protect business continuity.
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Steven M. CrawfordPartner
Louisville, KY
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Kyle D. JohnsonPartner
Louisville, KY
Thursday, October 23 | 12:00 pm ET
As manufacturers embrace new technologies to boost efficiency, develop innovative products, and expand market reach, data privacy and security have become critical concerns. This session will explore real-world use cases and practical strategies for managing risk while maintaining consumer trust. Topics will include cloud-based outsourcing, software-as-a-service models, CMMC compliance, and key considerations in due diligence. With data now one of the world’s most valuable assets, manufacturers must navigate a complex regulatory environment and rising stakeholder expectations.
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Gene F. PricePartner
Louisville, KY
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Mason C. ClutterPartner
Washington, D.C.
Friday, October 24 | 12:00 pm ET
This session explores the evolving role of private equity in the manufacturing sector, offering insights into ownership structures, governance models, and strategic exit planning. We’ll also address key considerations around dispositions and succession planning, equipping attendees with practical guidance for managing PE involvement across the business lifecycle.
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Joshua M. O’BryanPartner
Louisville, KY
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David Walden
Director - Investment Team
MiddleGround Capital
David Walden is a Director on the Investment Team, having joined the firm in 2018. Before that, he spent three years at J.P. Morgan as an M&A investment banker. David holds both a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Accounting from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. In addition to his Investment Team responsibilities, he leads the firm’s Associate Program.
