Shreveport Manufacturers Get Free Briefing on New ISO 9001 Standard

NWLA APEX, the Manufacturing Managers Council and QMS2GO host a free October 8 lunch workshop in Shreveport on what defense and aerospace buyers now require.

SHREVEPORT, LA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator, the Manufacturing Managers Council of Northwest Louisiana, and QMS2GO will host a free workshop for manufacturing owners and operators on Thursday, October 8, addressing the newly published ISO 9001:2026 quality management standard and what it means for Louisiana companies competing for federal, defense, and aerospace contracts.

The two-hour session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Superior's Steakhouse, 855 Pierremont Road, Shreveport. Lunch is provided at no cost, sponsored by QMS2GO. Seating is limited to approximately 30 attendees and registration is required.

The workshop is timed to National APEX Day, observed October 8 by APEX Accelerator centers nationwide.

Why it matters for Louisiana shops

ISO 9001, the world's most widely used quality management standard, was updated this month for the first time since 2015. Companies already certified to the 2015 edition will need to transition to the new version within a window expected to run approximately three years, subject to confirmation by the International Accreditation Forum.

The timing coincides with growing interest from aerospace and defense prime contractors in expanding their Louisiana supplier base. Those buyers routinely screen potential suppliers for documented quality systems before awarding work — a requirement that catches many capable small manufacturers unprepared.

"A shop can make excellent parts and still lose the bid because it can't produce evidence on the day a buyer asks for it," said Onega Ulanova, co-founder and CEO of QMS2GO and an API-certified lead auditor. "That's a solvable problem, and it shouldn't take a year and a filing cabinet to solve. This session is about the practical version."

What the session covers

Attendees will work through an actual supplier quality questionnaire of the kind primes send to prospective vendors, review what changed in ISO 9001:2026 and what owners should act on this quarter, and learn what certification realistically costs and how long it takes. The Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator will present the no-cost services it provides to companies pursuing government contracts, including bid matching, registration assistance, and proposal support. The Manufacturing Managers Council will outline how local manufacturers can connect with the regional manufacturing community.

The organizers describe the event as education-first, with no sales presentation.

Event details

What: Bid-Ready Shreveport — ISO 9001:2026 for manufacturing owners and operators
When: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT (doors 11:20 a.m.)
Where: Superior's Steakhouse, 855 Pierremont Road, Suite 120, Shreveport, LA 71106
Cost: Free. Lunch sponsored by QMS2GO.
Who should attend: Owners, presidents, plant managers, and quality leads at machine shops, fabricators, industrial service companies, and suppliers across Shreveport–Bossier and Northwest Louisiana
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iso-90012026-is-here-your-next-big-buyer-already-knows-it-tickets-2001119450144

About the Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator

APEX Accelerators help small businesses compete for and win federal, state, and local government contracts through no-cost counseling, bid matching, and proposal assistance. The Northwest Louisiana center is directed by Dr. Gayle Flowers.

About the Manufacturing Managers Council of Northwest Louisiana

MMC is a regional organization of manufacturing leaders focused on idea sharing, education, and workforce development across Northwest Louisiana.

About QMS2GO

QMS2GO is a Louisiana-based software company providing an audit-ready operating system for manufacturers working to ISO 9001 and related standards. Its platform connects production, purchasing, quality, and shipping so that day-to-day work produces the documentation buyers and auditors require.

The Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of War. The content of any written materials or verbal communications of APEX does not necessarily reflect the official views of or imply endorsement by the Department of War. Participation by the Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator does not constitute endorsement of any product or service.

Onega Ulanova
QMS2GO Corp.
+1 3056197439
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