Mechanism National Gathering 2026

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.

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support

Coming from out of town?

Mechanism has a block of rooms reserved at the Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown. Room bookings at our group rate can be accessed through this link.

Other hotels we recommend can be found on this google map.