2025 Industrial Conference Takeaways from Top CEOs
Baird's 55th annual Global Industrial Conference brought to light various dynamics that are top of mind for Industrial CEOs as we head into 2026. Timing and strength of growth within each end market, strategies to further increase profitability and proactive deployment of capital on M&A were key discussion topics. We hosted 315 presenting companies and over 2,600 attendees in-person in Chicago as well as a virtual private company track.
Baird's Global Industrial Investment Banking team is pleased to share our top 9 takeaways from the conference and our outlook for 2026.
- Expectation of normalization after 5 years of volatility
- Inflection / return to growth in general industrial
- Growth rates vary significantly by end market
- Strength in key long cycle markets builds orderbook
- Weakness in certain consumer-facing end markets
- US to lead recovery while Europe and China stabilize
- Record margins supported by internal initiatives, led by data
- Simplification is driving divestitures and spin-offs
- Proactive M&A to increase long term growth
