Pamela Burgess, Chair of the 2025 Annual Conference, summed it up best: “The MLC community showed up. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
As the team, board members, sponsors, and presenters arrived, what could have been chaos turned into a masterclass in collaboration. “No joke—anyone that was around just did what was needed,” Pamela shared. “I don’t think I carried anything beyond my luggage… actually, someone grabbed that too!”
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✅ Check It Off the List!
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✔️ 3 days of learning and Lean energy
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✔️ 12+ breakout sessions across industries
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✔️ High-impact keynotes and panels
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✔️ Gemba Walks across Frankenmuth, Saginaw, and Bridgeport
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✔️ White Belt Certification track
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✔️ Interactive sessions that brought play and practice together
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✔️ A room full of Lean learners, leaders, and legacy builders
Conference Highlights
Inspiring Keynotes
We kicked off with Alexandra Suchman, CEO of Barometer XP, who reminded us of the power of play in workplace culture. Her interactive session had us reflecting and thinking differently about how we approach continuous improvement.
Mark Cruth, Principal Modern Work Coach at Atlassian, took us into the future with a keynote on Lean + AI. His message: before you make a process faster, make the system better.
And throughout the week, Debra Levantrosser, MLC Founder, guided us with humor and heart as our conference emcee. A Lean legend who kept the flow moving—and the energy high.
Mix, Mingle, and Cruise
Wednesday’s Riverboat Cruise, sponsored by HilCo Global, was a chance to relax, reflect, and reconnect on the beautiful Bavarian Belle.
Breakouts, Panels, and Big Thinking
With over a dozen engaging sessions, we covered everything from Lean in government and healthcare to facilitation, communication, team dynamics, and strategy deployment.
Attendees raved about sessions from:
The White Belt Certification Track—led by Stephanie Welch and Jerry Browne—welcomed new learners into the Lean community with hands-on training and foundational tools.
Bonus Session: Big Thinking Box
One of the most memorable sessions came courtesy of Brian and Allison DeVries, who wrapped up the conference with The Big Thinking of a Small Knight. This engaging, story-driven experience blended creativity with Lean principles and left attendees inspired to take big thinking back to their teams and classrooms.
Friday Gemba Walks
To close out the week, attendees went out into the field for Gemba Walks at:
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Frankenmuth Cheese Haus – Celebrating 50 years of flavorful innovation
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Amigo Mobility International – A showcase of people-first Lean improvements
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Nexteer Automotive – A Lean leader in driveline technologies
Each location offered a unique perspective on Lean principles in motion, and participants left energized by seeing how continuous improvement thrives in different environments.
A Community That Shows Up
Pamela shared it all best:
“Was it perfect? No. Room for improvement? Absolutely. But I couldn’t be more proud of our AC Committee and the Lean community.”
That’s what Lean is all about—progress, not perfection. And this year’s conference proved again that when people come together with purpose, practice, and heart, incredible things happen.
Thank You
To our attendees, sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and the entire MLC Board and planning committee—thank you for showing up, leaning in, and building on the legacy of Lean.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Annual Conference
We're already planning for next year—and you can be part of it!
Secure your spot at the 2026 MLC Annual Conference with Early Bird Pricing available through January 31, 2026:
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center
️ August 4–7, 2026 | Muskegon, MI
Register Today!