Mechanism invites you to our 2026 National Gathering: Imagining the Future of Local Production.

Attended by thought and community leaders from across the country, Mechanism’s 2026 Gathering will give guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work together on frameworks for a more interconnected production ecosystem—locally and nationally.

In Philadelphia, we’ll learn and collaborate together around four themes: climate adaptation, circular economies, worker power, and shared ownership.

Our 11th National Gathering continues our tradition of bringing together a uniquely broad range of traditional and non-traditional stakeholders—from businesses and workforce development experts to makers and faith leaders—and capitalizing on our collective creative energy to learn, share, and dream what’s possible, together.

Our Gathering is:

• an exploration of what’s possible and
• a demonstration of how communities can lead the way in reimagining local production ecosystems.
• We will explore how local production can:
• sustain local identity
• restore balance with natural systems, and
• foster community resilience.

Come see why past attendees say there’s nothing quite like a Mechanism National Gathering.