News & Events

Made in NYC Week 2020 will celebrate New York City’s vibrant manufacturing sector and the dramatic – but somewhat unseen – impact it had in fighting COVID-19. Made in NYC Week 2020 runs from October 2-9, 2020 and will include virtual factory tours, tastings (in the comfort of your home) panel discussions, webinars, a kick-off party, and more. “This year has shown why it’s so critical to help companies grow and thrive in New York City,” said Joanna Reynolds, Made in NYC’s Manager of Programs and Partnerships. “Within weeks, many Made in NYC businesses pivoted their production to provide PPE, hand sanitizer and hospital gowns to frontline workers, while others donated food and other supplies to local hospitals.”

Launched in 2003 to help companies recover after 9/11, Made in NYC fosters innovation and job growth by giving local manufacturers the resources they need to expand their market and grow their businesses. To date, the Made in NYC Community includes more than 1,400 companies representing all of the area’s major subsectors of manufacturing.

This year’s events will focus on recovery, resilience, and racial equity. Made in NYC Week 2020 will explore how local makers and manufacturers are grappling with a global pandemic, climate change, and the systemic barriers which have inhibited inclusive economic growth. The virtual experiences will highlight members’ creativity and innovation, and elevate the voices and stories of BIPOC manufacturers.

“A strong manufacturing sector is critical to the city’s economic wellbeing as a source of good jobs,” said Councilmember Antonio Reynoso. “The sector’s rapid response to COVID and to the city’s need for masks and other protective equipment shows that the sector is also critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

A kickoff party will feature a live-streamed music performance by Adeline and a close-up of some of New York’s most innovative BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ designers working in sustainable fashion. Throughout the week, panel discussions will explore the key challenges facing today’s manufacturers—from issues of sustainability and representation to the public health crisis of COVID-19—along with their innovative solutions.

Live-streamed product demos and tastings will feature Moto Spirits, Bade Collection, Brooklyn Winery, Teknikio and more. Fifteen virtual factory tours will be released with Open House NY featuring Adafruit, Duro UAS, M&S Schmalberg, and Meet the Maker interviews hosted by beloved local personalities will round out the event lineup, offering a behind-the scenes look at the Made in NYC community. The Made in NYC Shop by Uncommon Goods will feature products from 30 local makers, exclusive to the store throughout October.

Made in NYC Week 2020 is generously sponsored by the New York City Council, Square, City Point, GMDC, Goldman Sachs, LISC, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and a growing list of sponsors. “As we fight to build a more fair and equitable New York City, we must support local manufacturing as much as we can especially as we work to recover from this awful pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused,” said Corey Johnson, Speaker of the New York City Council. “The Council is proud to support initiatives like Made in NYC Week that champion economic inclusion, which will be key to our city’s recovery.”

“Made in NYC Week will look different this year, but it remains an important celebration of our local manufacturing community, and a reminder that we are just that — a community,” Reynolds said.