Digital Transformation Leadership Program

The Premier Executive Digital Leadership Course for Manufacturers

Early Registration Deadline: October 12, 2026
Final Registration Deadline: January 11, 2027

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

Unlock value from digital investments across key manufacturing functions.

This intensive 5-day, in-person program delivers the management tools, leaderships skills and technological concepts that manufacturing executives need to develop, implement and scale effective digital transformation frameworks.

MLC’s Digital Transformation Leadership Program deepens your understanding of the management practices you need to turn data into decisions, implement machine learning and AI at your company, scale digital transformation in operations, and build resilient supply chains in an evolving digital landscape. Through a series of expert lectures and interactive sessions, the program builds your competencies in strategic planning, business agility, organizational design and change management.

Virtual Information Session and Q&A

Watch the session recording to find out more about the program’s curriculum, agenda, faculty, key benefits and overall learning experience.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council, in partnership with Northwestern University’s top-ranked Kellogg School of Management, designed this program to meet the needs of manufacturers to improve agility and competitiveness through digital technologies. This rigorous program offers a vibrant learning environment where fresh perspectives and real-world experience drive meaningful and dynamic conversations centered around practical application.

This program is held at the Kellogg Global Hub, at the heart of Northwestern’s Evanston, IL campus overlooking Lake Michigan. Because learning should not be confined to the classroom, the Global Hub’s flexible and multifaceted building features a variety of signature convening spaces to inspire innovative forms of experiential learning. This quiet campus environment is within close proximity of downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.

Key Benefits:

The program offers a wide range of essential topics in technology, leadership, and management that manufacturing executives need to reimagine business functions using digital technologies and AI.

By the end of the program, participants will understand how to:

• Establish “good” data and build lasting habits of evidence-based thinking.
• Future-proof operations and align strategic investments with emerging trends.
• Scale Manufacturing 4.0 technologies across plants and geographies, striking a balance between centralized platforms and local autonomy.
• Leverage digital technologies to enhance the resilience and agility of supply chains.
• Embed AI into business workflows and overcome organizational and architectural barriers.
• Transform your company into an agile enterprise by rethinking its offerings, processes, organization design and IT systems.
• Navigate the evolving relationship between AI, work, and workforce development, and identify where AI can create leverage for innovation and growth.
• Lead teams to advance organizational goals, reach their full creative potential, and maximize their results.
• Develop and execute an effective stakeholder engagement strategy in the context of significant and rapid change.

Who Should Attend?

• Seasoned manufacturing leaders with at least 10-15 years of experience in any industry.
• Manufacturing directors and executives actively engaged in digitalization and digital transformation initiatives across one or more key manufacturing functions, including operations and supply chains.
• Manufacturing leaders who currently hold digitalization-focused roles, or those aspiring to transition into such positions, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Kellogg School of Management’s Executive Education meticulously selects faculty based on expertise, practical experience, and teaching style to precisely meet the diverse needs of our students. Northwestern prioritizes academic excellence and seeks professors who can effectively translate research and industry insights into actionable knowledge. This careful selection ensures an enriching educational experience tailored to enhance participants’ leadership and business acumen. Please note that the faculty list is subject to change.

Program Fees:

• Secure early registration pricing by October 12, 2026 and save $1,000 — $12,625 for MLC members and $14,775 for non-members.
• Beginning October 13, 2026, program fees move to $13,625 for MLC members and $15,775 for non-members.
• Final registration deadline is January 11, 2027. Full payment is due by February 1, 2027.
• The program fee includes tuition, materials, a single guest room for four nights, breakfasts, lunches, coffee breaks, as well as welcome and closing dinners and access to a late lounge afterward for additional networking opportunities.

If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides answers to the most common questions about the Digital Transformation Leadership Program. It serves as a quick reference to help you locate essential information about the program’s location, fees, payment processes, and logistics.

How can I register for the Digital Transformation Leadership Program?

• Click here to register. You may pay in full or place a $1,500 non-refundable deposit to hold your place to attend the program. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the schedule for the Digital Transformation Leadership Program?

• The program will start at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 8 and end at 4:15 pm on Friday, March 12.

Where will the Digital Transformation Leadership Program be held?

• The Digital Transformation Leadership Program classes will be held on Northwestern University’s campus at The Global Hub, 2211 N Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208.
• Accommodation will be at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Downtown Evanston, 1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 which is about a 20-minute walk from The Global Hub. The program will provide daily transportation between The Global Hub and the Hilton Orrington Hotel.

How much does it cost to attend the Digital Transformation Leadership Program?

• If you register by October 12, 2026, the program fee is $12,625.00 for MLC members (savings of $1,000) and $14,775.00 for non-members (savings of $1,000).
• After October 12, 2026, program fees increase to $13,625.00 for MLC members and $15,775.00 for non-members.

Can I make partial payment?

• When you register for the program, you may pay in full or place a $1,500.00 non-refundable deposit to hold your place to attend the program.
• If full payment is not received by February 1, 2027, you will lose your seat and non-refundable deposit.

What does the program fee include?

• The program fee includes tuition, materials, a single guest room for four nights at the Hilton Orrington Hotel, daily transportation between The Global Hub and the Hilton Orrington Hotel, all breakfasts and lunches, all coffee breaks, as well as welcome and closing dinners.

What is not covered by the program fee?

• The program fee does not cover airfare and airport transfers.
• Personal charges such as laundry and dry cleaning etc., which will be payable directly to the Hilton Orrington Hotel at checkout.
• Additional hotel nights which will be payable directly to the Hilton Orrington Hotel. The rates for these accommodations vary and are subject to availability.

When should I arrive in and depart from Chicago?

• Participants must arrive on Northwestern’s campus no later than 12:00 pm on Monday, March 8 and depart from Northwestern’s campus no earlier than 4:15 pm on Friday, March 12. The program will not offer airport transfers.
• The Kellogg School strongly encourages participants to take a taxi or limousine to campus. The campus is located approximately 45 minutes from O’Hare International Airport and 1 hour from Midway Airport by taxi.

Can I check in at the Hilton Orrington Hotel before March 8 or check out after March 12?

• If you are interested in arriving early or departing late, please contact us upon registration for more information.
• The program fee does not cover additional hotel nights. Early arrivals and late departures will result in additional fees payable directly to the Hilton Orrington Hotel. The rates for these accommodations vary and are subject to availability.

What is the dress code for the program?

• Business casual.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

• We will do our best to coordinate with our academic partner to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please indicate any dietary restrictions or other needs during registration.

If I am a member of the MLC, do I already have a reserved spot?

• No, your MLC membership offers you a discount to attend the program, but you will still need to register and at least place a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot.

Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend the program?

• By February 1, 2027, if you cannot attend the program, you must make a request in writing to us. You may transfer your spot to a substitute participant or defer your registration to the following year. It is your responsibility to find a substitute attendee. If no qualified substitute participant can be arranged, a refund will be issued, minus the $1,500 non-refundable deposit.
• After February 1, 2027, no transfers and no deferrals will be accepted, and no refunds will be issued.

What level of English proficiency is required?

• To gain the most from the Digital Transformation Leadership Program, participants must possess full professional proficiency in English, as this enables clear communication with faculty and peers and a full understanding of the program content.

I still have a question about the Digital Transformation Leadership Program. How can I contact MLC?

• For further questions, please email us at [email protected].

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