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Join us on May 12th as NextFab hosts the Welcome Reception for Mechanism’s National Gathering. What follows is three days dedicated to reimagining the future of local production.
This isn’t your typical conference. Now in its 11th year, the Mechanism National Gathering brings together makers, manufacturers, community leaders, and innovators from across the country for real conversation and collaboration. The conference aims to create an “interconnected production eco-system” on both a local and national scale.
This year, we’re thrilled to be opening our doors as the official welcome spot.
When: Monday, May 12, 2026, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Where: 1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Before the main event kicks off at BOK, come spend the evening with us. Tour our workshops, see our community of makers in action, and connect with fellow attendees who are just as passionate about building resilient local production ecosystems. It’s the perfect way to ease into the gathering, meet new collaborators, and get inspired by what’s possible when creativity meets community.
Over three days (May 12–14), you’ll dive deep into “Imagining the Future of Local Production” alongside thought leaders, makers, workforce experts, faith leaders, and entrepreneurs from coast to coast.
This 11th National Gathering explores four central themes:
Together, we’ll build frameworks for a more interconnected production ecosystem; one that sustains local identity, restores balance with natural systems, and fosters genuine community resilience.
Past attendees say there’s nothing quite like a Mechanism National Gathering. It’s a rare space where traditional and non-traditional stakeholders come together to learn, share, and dream about what’s possible.
This is your chance to:
Whether you’re a maker, manufacturer, community organizer, or someone who believes in the power of local production, this gathering is for you.
The Welcome Reception at NextFab is where it all begins. Come for the vision, stay for the community. See our space, meet fellow attendees, and get ready for three transformative days.
May 12, 2026
Welcome Reception at NextFab
May 13 – 14, 2026
Main Event at BOK 1901 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19148
Register here before it fills up! We can’t wait to welcome you to NextFab and kick off this incredible gathering together.