As we continue to celebrate MoldMaking Technology’s 25^th anniversary year with a look back over the past quarter century, I took the opportunity to ask readers during our recent Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) to look ahead too.

My question was simply, “What excites you about the future of moldmaking?” The resounding answer was the next generation of workers entering this trade eager to become moldmaking professionals. And I can see why. Youth — and the energy that comes with the young — was evident on the show floor and off-site at various networking events. For example:

• A last-minute American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) Emerging Leaders/Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Future Leaders in Plastics (FLIP) Happy Hour after the first day of the trade show had triple the expected attendance.
• MoldMaking Technology’s Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) has an increased number of young professionals in various roles within the industry, including sales & marketing, project management, academia, ownership, corporate management and business development. Most members attended the show and manned the MMT booth. (EAB members advise on timely issues and trends, and generally act as a sounding board for the publication.)
• The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Mold Technologies Division “Track the Apprentice” video series superstar Taylor Bartelt, a machinist at CDM Tool & Manufacturing, was on site and even sat down with me briefly in the MMT Studio. She shared an update on her apprenticeship since the launch of the series one year ago. She is still motivated to share her experiences to influence and inspire others to join apprenticeships like hers.
• A noticeable rise in under-40 technical staff at many technology supplier and mold builder booths.
• A student attending Virginia Tech — a soon-to-be graduate with a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree — who has been reading MMT for years came out to the show looking for a job in moldmaking because he is “ready to work hard all the way up.”

The MMT team and Gardner Business Media overall are also excited about these future leaders. Take my teammates, Managing Editor Grace Nehls and Digital Editor Cara Decknadel, who you most likely saw tirelessly working the MMT booth. They are two of many newer employees in the trade media excited about learning and connecting with the many industries our 11 brands cover. If you ask me, I believe Grace and Cara are falling in love with this community too😉!

Come to think of it, it might be time to revisit MMT’s 30 Under 30 Honoree Program!