The right people. The right resources. The right time.
MANUFACTURING
CONNECTIONS
THAT MOVE
Date:
Nov 9th, 2026
Built Around Real Manufacturing Challenges
Less wandering. More relevant conversations, resources and connections.
Needs Survey
Challenge Areas
Neighborhood Stops
Connected Ecosystem
Not Another Networking Event.
A Better Way to Connect.
Manufacturers don’t need more information. They need the right conversations with the right people at the right time.
Hops & Hardware brings manufacturers, resource partners, public programs and professional advisors together around real business and operational challenges — creating targeted connections that can move initiatives forward.
RIGHT PEOPLE.
REAL NEEDS.
Ideas that spark change.
We’re Bringing Resources
and the First Round.
Planning to hire or train, purchase equipment, expand your facility, develop new products, or upgrade your infrastructure? Here’s a sample of answers we’re bringing to your neighborhood.
Workforce Grants, Hiring and Training SupportGRANTS / TRAINING / HIRING SUPPORT
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants to offset new hire onboarding wages
- Incumbent Worker Training & apprenticeship subsidies for technical upskilling
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) screening for new hires
- California Competes state tax credit application support
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Facility Energy & Clean InfrastructureENERGY REBATES / EFFICIENCY / CLEAN MANUFACTURING
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Commercial Utility Rebates and peak demand rate management
- Strategic Energy Management (SEM) for operational efficiency
- Clean Manufacturing & Energy Credits for solar, battery storage, and EV infrastructure
- USGBC California sustainability programs and compliance guidance
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Tax Savings, Strategies & R&D IncentivesR&D TAX CREDITS / COST SEGREGATION / TAX STRATEGIES
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- R&D Tax Credits for product design, prototype development, tooling, and process automation
- Section 174A Domestic R&D Expensing recovery strategies
- Cost Segregation Studies to accelerate building depreciation
- Reverse Sales Tax Audits to uncover overpaid manufacturing taxes
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Capital Access & Facility ExpansionEQUIPMENT FINANCING / SBA LOANS / EXPANSION SUPPORT
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- 100% Bonus Depreciation & Section 179 expensing for new machinery
- 100% Expensing for qualified production facility expansions
- Commercial Financing, lines of credit, and equipment loans
- SBA 504 Real Estate Loans for purchasing or expanding production space
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Managing Employee Benefits, Risk & SafetyHEALTHCARE / WORKPLACE SAFETY / RISK MITIGATION
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Healthcare Market Transition Strategies to navigate major carrier changes (e.g., HealthNet CA commercial exit) while managing benefit costs
- Workplace Safety Program Design and risk mitigation
- Workers’ Compensation Cost Control strategies
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Permitting, Talent Development with Regional R&D ProgramsSITE SELECTION / TALENT PIPELINES / TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Expedited Site Selection & City Permitting guidance
- Regional Business Network Integration through local chambers and EDCs
- University, College & Trade Talent Pipelines (vocational, technical, and engineering)
- Technology Commercialization & Prototyping via UCR’s 39,000 sq. ft. OASIS Park
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Meet the People Who Help Move Business Forward
Connect with professionals, public resources and industry partners who understand the challenges manufacturers face — and can help turn conversations into action.
George Sevilla
Craig Russom
Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
Derrick DeBruyne
Paul Smith
US Small Business Administration
Dr. Tim Gramling
CEO of Corona Chamber of Commerce
Emma Richardson
James Carter
Sophia Turner
William Scott
Less Agenda. More Action.
A simple format designed to get you to the right conversations faster.
Registration
Spotlight
Matchmaking
Activations
There’s a Place for You at the Table
Whether you’re building, supporting or advising manufacturers, Hops & Hardware is designed to create relevant connections.
What Our Community Says
Real experiences from the people building, supporting and strengthening manufacturing communities.
Tour Sponsor
Challenge Sponsor
Powered by Partnership
Corona
Ontario/Chino
Murrieta/TemecuIa
Riverside
Our Impact in Action
See how we connect manufacturers with the resources, people, and opportunities driving local business forward
No images in this tab.
Powered by Partnership
Toronto, Canada
Opening keynote & networking night, Oct 14 at the Metro Convention Centre.
New York, USA
Flagship summit with 40+ speakers, Nov 3–4 at Javits Center.
Chicago, USA
Workshops & product labs for teams, Dec 1 at McCormick Place.
Los Angeles, USA
Closing celebration & awards night, Dec 18 at the LA Convention Center.
Local Connections. Regional Impact.
Get insights into attendee engagement, sessions, and overall event participation details.
Ready for the Right Conversation?
Ideas, Resources & Opportunities
The Challenges Manufacturers Are Talking About Right Now
Manufacturing has always been about solving problems. What has changed is how interconnected those problems have become. A challenge that looks like…
Finding the Right Resources to Move Your Business Forward
One of the interesting things about running a manufacturing business is that the resource you need may already exist — you simply…
Where Technology Can Make the Biggest Difference in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are surrounded by conversations about automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, connected equipment, data and digital transformation. The possibilities are enormous. But possibility…
Why Better Networking Starts With Better Questions
Most people know exactly how a traditional networking event works. You arrive. You pick up a name badge. You grab a drink.…
