EVENT & TRAVEL INFO
Information You Need
Pre-Summit Workshops: Mon. September 22, Bloomington, Indiana
Summit Sessions: Tue.-Thu. September 23-25, Bloomington/Columbus, IN.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd
Optional Pre-Summit Workshops:
Strengthening Your Competencies
Price: $495 as an add-on to your Summit ticket or $650 for only attending this bonus workshop day
- Monday, 22, September, at the Indiana Memorial Union building on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
7:00am Registration Opens/Breakfast
- Setting Up Your Obeya Room - All-Day Workshop - Sam McPherson
Foundational Lean 101: Continuous Cost Improvement – Jared Thatcher
12:00pm Lunch (Provided)
- Setting Up Your Obeya Room - All-Day Workshop - Sam McPherson
Lean in the Office for Dramatic Transformational Results – Jared Thatcher
5:00pm Networking
TUESDAY - THURSDAY September 23rd, 24th, & 25th
Building a Lean Organization
- Tuesday 23, September, Indiana University, Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
SUMMIT DAY 1*
The day starts by reviewing the elements necessary for establishing a successful Lean Management System and discussing those roadblocks and obstacles that will hinder it. Learn solutions, share ideas, and start developing your roadmap to creating a robust and sustainable Lean culture. The day will prepare you for what to look for when we visit Toyota on day 2.
DAY 1 SCHEDULE:
6:30am Registration Opens/ Breakfast
9:00am Summit Welcome/Kickoff
Keynote
9:30am Break
- TBD
10:45am Networking Break
12:15am Break
12:30pm Lunch (Provided)
1:30pm Break
- TBD
3:00pm Networking Break
- TBD
4:45pm Break
5:15pm – 5:45pm Keynote
- Wednesday 24, September, Toyota Material Handling plant Columbus, Indiana
SUMMIT DAY 2*
A day you will always remember. See theory in practice as we explore the Toyota Material Handling plant for this behind the curtain exploration of Lean implementation. Get a chance to tour their production line, visit their Obeya room, talk with Toyota employees, and see for yourself all of the things you’ve always wanted to see.
DAY 2 SCHEDULE:
6:30am Buses Leave for Toyota
7:30am Arrival and Continental Breakfast
8:25am Welcome & Housekeeping
8:30am This is Toyota (Presentation)
9: 45am Divide into Tour Group & Immersive Session
10:00am Plant Tour Group 1 / Immersive Session Group 2
11:30am Lunch (Provided)/ Toyota Panel Discussion with Q&A
12:45pm Divide into Tour Group & Immersive Session
1:00pm Plant Tour Group 2 / Immersive Session Group 1
2:45pm Final Q&A / Wrap-Up
3:30pm Conclusion of the Day
4:00pm Buses Leave
5:30pm Arrive back at Hotel if you don't want to participate in the Bonus Excursion Trip
- Walking Tour of Columbus – “Lean in Action – Building a Strong Community”
- Ice Cream Social at Zaharakos – Ice Cream Parlor & Museum (since 1900)
- Thursday 25, September, Indiana University, Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
SUMMIT DAY 3*
This will be an incredible day as you see other examples of successful Lean cultures and then design your own Lean management roadmap for actionable steps upon your return. Come prepared by completing your Pre-Summit Workbook to incorporate your answers into your customized Lean Management System Roadmap.
DAY 3 SCHEDULE:
6:30am Registration Opens/ Breakfast
8:00am Keynote
8:30am Break
- TBD
10: 00am Networking Break
Session Topic TBD
11:45am Break
12:00pm Lunch (Provided)
1:00pm Break
1:15pm Session 3: Personalized Lean Management System Roadmap
2:30pm Break
2:40pm – 3:00pm Closing Keynote
6:30am Registration Opens/ Breakfast
8:00am Keynote: Mark Graban
8:30am Break
8:45am Session 1
10: 00am Networking Break
10:30am Session 2
11:45am Break
12:00pm Lunch (Provided)
1:00pm Break
1:15pm Session 3: Personalized Lean Management System Roadmap – Part 1
2:30pm Break
2:45pm Session 4 Personalized Lean Management System Roadmap – Part 2
4:00pm – 4:30pm Keynote: Sam Yankelevitch
*(Times, sessions and speakers subject to change.)
Act Now! Space is Limited
GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE: You and your team will gain the most out of this Summit if you come as a group. As an incentive to encourage you to bring your team we offer the following discounts: From 3 to 9 team members you receive a 10% discount (use code: GROUP10 at checkout); for 10+ team members you receive a 20% discount (use code: GROUP20 at checkout).
Ticket Information
2025 Summit Ticket
Early-Bird*
$1,995 / Ticket *Expires 4/30/25
$2,400 / Ticket
Global Lean Summit
SEPTEMBER 23-25TH
- Pre-Summit Virtual Session on August 14th
- Ticket to the Global Lean Summit September 23-25th
- Post-Summit Virtual Follow-Up Sessions
PRE-SUMMIT WORKSHOPS
& 2025 SUMMIT TICKET
Early-Bird*
$2,590 / Ticket *Expires 4/30/25
$2,995 / Ticket
Global Lean Summit
SEPTEMBER 22-25TH
- Pre-Summit Virtual Session on August 14th
- Ticket to Pre-Summit Workshops September 22nd
- Ticket to the Global Lean Summit September 23-25th
- Post-Summit Virtual Follow-Up Sessions
Cancellation, Postponement, Substitution, and Video and Photography Policies:
We understand that things can change and you can receive a full refund if requested before April 30th. After that date and before August 15th a 10% cancellation fee will apply, with no refunds available after that date. Substitutions are available at any time.
The Global Lean Summit (GLS) is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration or cancellation/postponement of an event. GLS shall assume no liability whatsoever in the event this summit is cancelled, rescheduled or postponed due to a fortuitous event, Act of God, unforeseen occurrence or any other event that renders performance of this summit impracticable, illegal or impossible. For purposes of this clause, a fortuitous event shall include, but not be limited to: war, fire, labor strike, government authority, extreme weather or other emergency.
Please note that while speakers and topics were confirmed at the time of publishing, circumstances beyond the control of the organizers may necessitate substitutions, alterations or cancellations of the speakers and/or topics. As such, the Global Lean Summit reserves the right to alter or modify the advertised speakers and/or topics and workshops if necessary without any liability. Any substitutions or alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible.
By attending the event you grant permission that your image may be captured and used in print, video, and/or electronic medium for commercial, promotional and educational purposes without compensation. No photography inside the Toyota Material Handling plant will be allowed.
TRAVEL & HOTEL INFORMATION
AIRPORT
HOTEL & EVENT LOCATION

Location: Biddle Hotel
Bloomington
Special Summit Room Block (Code: GLS25)
CLICK HERE FOR
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is an annual in-person event that is focused on bringing together leading Lean experts to help individuals and organizations to Get to the next level in their Lean Journey.
This year we are partnering with Indiana University at Bloomington and we will be hosting the Summit in the Indian Memorial Union building in the Alumni Hall and other rooms throughout the building, 900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405
Please use the link on this website to purchase your tickets via credit card. However, for large groups, please contact us if payment by check would be easier.
If you purchased the Pre-Summit Workshop day (Monday, 22 September) then you can attend any of the workshops (full or half-day) that you would like. A registration will be sent out closer to the Summit date. The Pre-Summit Ticket option includes lunch on Monday.
For the Summit (Tuesday thru Thursday 23-25 September) breakfast and lunch are included, transportation to and from the Toyota Material Handling plant is arranged, and all Summit session materials (Summit Playbook). Also included is a Pre-Summit virtual session on Wednesday, August 14th where we will answer questions, and prepare you for an amazing experience.
Yes, you can add on the Pre-Summit Workshop day (Monday, 22 September) for an additional $595.
Absolutely. Just send us an email to let us know about the change.
Indianapolis International Airport
Distance to Event Venue: 47 miles (approx. 45 minutes by car)