Virtual Conference Focuses on Innovation and Leadership for a Changing Industry
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The global pandemic is rocking the business world, and causing companies to quickly alter their priorities to remain stable. Mills need to be agile and adjust to the changing business climate as well.
TAPPI’s PIMA Division recognized the necessity for an industry-wide conversation to address this new business climate and developed the 2020 Innovation and Leadership Conference, a series of virtual sessions held every Wednesday and Thursday from September 2 – 24. The Conference provides a platform for industry leaders including executives, mill and corrugated plant managers, emerging leaders, and suppliers to engage in high-level discussions about critical topics affecting the future success of the industry in a format that allows easy access and convenient scheduling.
“Conference attendees will learn first-hand from a diverse set of experts about how they shifted operations and businesses in response to changes at their companies,” stated Mike Subilia, PIMA program committee chair. “Discussions centered around attracting and developing strong leaders in the industry will also be a focal point.”
Attendees will hear from industry leaders including Domtar, International Paper, Graphic Packaging International, WestRock, Packaging Corporation of America, Green Bay Packaging, Kruger Packaging LP, Jacobs Engineering, WMU Paper Technology Foundation, Panther Systems, DPAS, Phaidra, OSIsoft, Galileao Global Advisors, Fisher International, Paper360 and AstenJohnson.
Each week, attendees have the opportunity to attend sessions that address specific areas of concern for the industry. They will be able to hear from industry experts, ask questions and participate in conversations during every session. The 1-2 hour sessions are virtual, conveniently scheduled, and offer professionals the opportunity to attend without leaving their home, office, mill or plant.
Weekly sessions include:
Week 1:
- Executive Panel, presented by Paper360, followed by PIMA Division Annual Meeting & Awards - Wednesday, Sept. 2, 11am – 1pm
- State of the Industry - Thursday, Sept 3, 11am – 12:30pm
Week 2:
- Engaging a Generational Workforce: A Conversation on Attracting & Retaining Young Talent - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 11am – 12:30pm
- Future of Leadership, followed by Women in Industry Division Annual Meeting - Thursday, Sept. 10, 11am – 1pm
Week 3:
- The Pillars of the Digital Mill – Wednesday, Sept. 16, 11 am – 12:30 pm
- Mill Manager’s Panel & Roundtable – Thursday, Sept. 17, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Week 4:
- Couch Pit University Superintendent’s Roundtable – Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11 am – 12:30 pm
- Problem Solving & Creating Positive Change – Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 am – 1 pm
For more information about each session, panelists and speakers, and to register visit: TAPPI.org/LeadershipConf. There is a nominal charge of $99 for TAPPI members to attend the entire conference, or $29 per session. For non-members, the cost is $279 for all eight sessions, or $49 per sessions. There are additional rates for Young Professionals, students, and retired professionals. Visit TAPPI.org/LeadershipConf for a full list of rates.
