More than 150 women executives, managers and supervisors will gather in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 25-26, 2011 for the first annual Women in Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA). The event, designed exclusively for women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry, will provide a unique opportunity for participants to share perspectives and network with colleagues and with leading female executives in the manufacturing sector. Moira Forbes, vice president and publisher of ForbesWoman, a multi-media platform serving successful women in business and leadership, will deliver the keynote presentation at the event on "Management Best Practices." Forbes also is the associate publisher of ForbesLife and the host of Success with Moira Forbes, a weekly video series featuring candid, one-on-one interviews with today's top women leaders.

"The first-ever PMA Women in Manufacturing Symposium brings together women in manufacturing to focus on best practices and interaction that will provide another platform for engaging the industry," says Kellie Johnson, president of ACE Clearwater Enterprises and board member of the National Association of Manufacturers. "Manufacturing is at a pivotal point in our nation's history. This event represents productive knowledge, innovation and enterprise and will help shape the future of manufacturing through involvement in policy, education and networking."

The symposium also will feature panel discussions on "Manufacturing Best Practices" and "The Importance of Sponsoring and Mentoring." Panelists include representatives from high-profile manufacturers including Boeing, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, GE Appliances and American Greetings. Additional presentations are scheduled on the topics of "Bridging the Gap: Attracting, Retaining and Promoting Women in Manufacturing" by a representative from Deloitte Services; "The Eight Principles of Leadership" by Martha Mayhood Mertz, founder of ATHENA International; and "Communication Strategies for Women in Leadership" by Claire Scott Miller, Weatherhead School of Management/Case Western Reserve University.