Al Whatmough on Reinventing Trade Shows | Machining Summit Story

In this special Chairlift Conversations edition of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Al Whatmough to talk about the idea behind the Machining Summit—and how a simple moment on a ski lift turned into one of the most unique events in manufacturing.Al shares how the concept started, why traditional trade shows weren’t cutting it, and what happens when you design an event around real conversations instead of booths and badges.From industry collaboration to intentional community-building, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Machining Summit came to life—and why it works.“when you're stuck on a chair lift for a few minutes, you talk.”Whether you're in CNC machining, running a job shop, or part of the manufacturing industry, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on connection, events, and leadership.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:34 – Meet Al Whatmough of Toolpath01:43 – Where the idea for the Machining Summit started02:02 – “We should just do this instead of a trade show”02:33 – Getting buy-in from the industry03:01 – Why chairlifts create better conversations03:44 – Making events more human (and bringing family along)04:10 – Rethinking how conferences are structured04:37 – From small idea to full event05:02 – Condo sessions, rock crawlers, and unexpected engagement05:54 – Planning the future of the Machining Summit06:20 – Why location matters (and attracts the right people)06:47 – Final thoughts: “Coolest conference ever”