OPERATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES
SUPERIOR NETWORKING
FINANCIAL BENCHMARKS
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!
At the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference, we bring together industry leaders, innovators, and experts nationwide to explore the forefront of manufacturing technology and its impact on plastics manufacturing businesses. With a mission to inspire, educate, and connect professionals, our conference serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving the future of manufacturing.
This conference is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in manufacturing processes, automation, industry data, robotics, supply chain management, leadership strategies and more. Through engaging keynotes, interactive breakouts, and insightful panel discussions, we aim to empower attendees with practical strategies, real-world case studies, and actionable insights.
Whether you're an industry veteran, a young professional, or a business leader, the Benchmarking Conference offers valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. Connect with like-minded professionals, forge partnerships with leading solution providers, and gain a competitive edge by staying at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.
Join us at the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of manufacturing. Together, let's explore new possibilities, unlock potential, and revolutionize the way we design, produce, and deliver products in the digital age.
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and transformative experience at the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference this October!
Download your attendee badge below to tell your network you'll be at the Conference!
In-Person pricing:
| MAPP Members | Through August 16, 2024 | After August 16, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $923 | $1,038 |
| Group Discount (4+) | $814 | $932 |
| Lunch and Learn | $76 | $76 |
| Non-Members | Through October 5, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Individual | $1,264 |
| Lunch and Learn | $76 |
Industry Service Providers (or sponsors):
Sponsor This EventIf you are a company that provides a service to the plastics industry please contact Letha Keslar about attending this event. You can reach Letha at 317-913-2440 or lkeslar@mappinc.com.
Please note, this agenda is still a work in progress. The Conference Committee wanted to share the general timeline of the event to assist attendees with travel arrangements. All times are EDT.
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM Registration
Sponsored by DelmiaWorks
2:00 PM DELMIAWorks Pre-Con Session: Innovate, Update, and Elevate!
DELMIAWorks welcomes customers and all interested conference attendees to our pre-conference session - on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference.
This year's agenda will include:
Click Here To Register For This Pre-Con Event
2:30 PM Young Professionals Pre-Con
Join MAPP and ARPM’s Young Professionals Network at a YP Pre-Conference session. This professional development program focused on young industry professionals looking to grow their network and their leadership skills. The YP Pre-Conference will feature a keynote address from John Vermeesch. This session is available to anyone under the age of 45.
John Vermeesch, Founder of Narrow Road Coaching, will provide an inspiring and interactive session on leadership in turbulent times.
In today's VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment, leaders must adapt quickly, overcome adversity, and safeguard their people and organizations. Drawing from his 28-year Army career and private sector experience, John will share practical lessons applicable to any leader or organization.
Key Takeaways:
Through real-world stories and interactive discussions, you'll gain valuable insights to apply in your own leadership context.
Click Here To Register For This Pre-Con Event
Sponsored by: PCS Company
2:30 PM SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding Pre-con - Defects Workshop
This interactive workshop explores six common mold defects, focusing on accurate identification and root cause analysis. Each defect is examined using real-world examples and SIGMASOFT simulation results for a deeper understanding. The workshop will cover Burn Marks/Dieseling, Air Entrapment/Short Shots, Sink Marks/Voids, Bonding/Adhesion, Scorch, and Shrinkage and Warpage.
Click Here To Register For This Pre-Con Event
3:00 PM MBS Advisors Pre-Con - Hiring Update and Craft Beer Sampling
Join MBS for a sampling of the most popular (and hard to get) New England-style IPAs in the world…from iconic craft breweries The Alchemist and Tree House Brewing Company. We’ll also be conducting an interactive discussion on the state of hiring in plastics. Topics will include hiring trends, US Labor stats, how employers can be more successful in the hiring process, and the recent results of our 2024 Employee Satisfaction Survey.
Our team looks forward to seeing you at the Benchmarking Conference. Click Here To Register For This Pre-Con Event
4:30 PM Sponsor Meeting
Sponsored by: Plastics Business
5:00 PM Building Leaders of Character Alumni Reception
5:30 PM Industry Welcome Reception (adjourns at 7:00 PM)
Sponsored by: Bamberger Amco Polymers
INCOE Corporation
M. Holland Company
MBS Advisors
5:30 PM Bourbon Tasting Sponsored by: M. Holland Company
5:30 PM 2024 Champion Pin Pick-up
The Champion designation recognizes and honors the top 100 individuals from MAPP member companies, and top 25 from ARPM, who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their associations through active participation in programs, boards and committees, events and aiding others over the last twelve months. These individuals have contributed their time and talents to the betterment of the network and industry overall and have participated in at least five MAPP or ARPM-sponsored activities.
Those identified as Champions exemplify the values and ideals of MAPP and ARPM, including the spirit of sharing and camaraderie, individual contributions that build collective intelligence of the networks, and business ethics of integrity and responsiveness.
5:30 PM Automation Hall Opens
This exclusive automation hall is where the thought leaders will exhibit their technological advancements and automated achievements. Attendees will experience the newest innovations and proven industrial automation solutions used in best-in-class facilities across the country. You will find the industrial technologies to optimize your operation from the ground up – systems that are intelligent, connected, and scalable to define your competitive advantage and push your business to the next level.”
Sponsored by: Rehmann
6:30 AM Breakfast with Omelet Station
Sponsored by:Americhem Engineered Compounds
Chase Plastic Services Inc.
Federated Insurance
6:45 AM Omelet Station Sponsored by: Chase Plastic Services Inc.
7:00 AM Registration Opens
Sponsored by DelmiaWorks
8:00 AM Conference Welcome and Troy Nix Keynote
8:30 AM Connect the Dots: How to Unleash Your Hidden Ingenuity! Bill Stainton
Sponsored by: Captive Solutions & Options
We all know that the manufacturing industry lives on innovation and ingenuity. From collaborative robots to nanomaterials to big data and analytics, innovation and ingenuity have defined us. But what if you don't consider yourself to be one of "the creative ones"? What if you think - as so many do- that innovation and ingenuity are for "the others," but not you? In that case, Bill Stainton - our 29-time Emmy Award-winning keynote speaker - would like to have a word with you. Because he believes - and will prove - that innovation, creativity and ingenuity are NOT part of a "private club," but are instead an "open playground" - you are invited! In fact, you've already got everything you need! Don't believe us? You will be the end of Bill's program! In fact, you'll start to unleash your hidden ingenuity before his keynote has even finished!
9:30 AM Networking Break amongst the Sponsors
Sponsored by: Plante Moran
Yushin America, Inc.
10:05 AM Manufacturing in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Jim Carroll
There is no doubt that AI will have a profound impact on the future of manufacturing - but what is reality, and what is hype? Join us as Futurist Jim Carroll takes us on a voyage into the future, specifically with a view to how the AI Megatrends involving advanced robotics and cobotics, digital twin technology, and spatial virtualization take us into a world of change with existing manufacturing design, implementation, and operational concepts. A world in which humanoid robots will come to work alongside existing production lines, blurring the line between reality and science fiction. A future of manufacturing that involves accelerated opportunities for machine vision-based quality control and agile manufacturing processes based on advanced, AI-enabled industrial-Internet-of-Things technologies. In today's world, smart manufacturing executives are furiously busy with innovation, reinventing their capabilities, processes, and business models using advanced ideas, materials, methodologies, and technologies - and are coming to appreciate the potential powerful role that AI will play in helping to achieve these objectives.
11:15 AM BC LABS Session One
The BC LABS are comprised of a series of parallel presentation sessions or learning tracks suggested for each functional area below. Each BC LAB is designed to equip attendees with indispensable insights, advice, and tools to achieve the mission-critical priorities of today and build the successful organizations of tomorrow.
Below are the learning tracks for the 2024 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference LABS:
Since the theory is different from practical implementation, the BC LABS will be presented by processors this year. Attendees will learn from their peers.
12:25 PM Lunch and Learn – Join Bill Stainton for a lunchtime deep dive on Connect the Dots: How to Unleash Your Hidden Ingenuity! This is a ticket-only event.
Or Networking Lunch- Take a break from the educational sessions to catch up with peers and meet new Benchmarking Conference attendees during this traditional networking lunch. (No tickets needed.)
Lunch Sponsored by RJG Inc.
1:35 PM BC Labs Session Two
The BC LABS are comprised of a series of parallel presentation sessions or learning tracks suggested for each functional area below. Each BC LAB is designed to equip attendees with indispensable insights, advice, and tools to achieve the mission-critical priorities of today and build the successful organizations of tomorrow.
2:40 PM Networking Break amongst the Sponsors
Sponsored by: Plante Moran
Yushin America Inc.
3:10 PM Staying Ahead of the Curve in 2025–2026, Michael Feuz, ITR Economics
2024 has included a tapestry of conflicting economic trends, with some industries enjoying ongoing growth and others in overt recession. Manufacturing and much of the industrial portion of the economy experienced a mild recession, but that decline will soon give way to a rise and additional opportunities in 2025 and 2026 for well-prepared businesses. The services sector of the economy slowed in its rate of rise in 2024 and is expected to increase its rate of rise in 2025 and into 2026. Join us with our outlook for key industries over the next two years. We will discuss consumer spending, inflation, interest rates, the labor market, and key leading indicators. Our examination will extend to global markets and their impact on the domestic landscape. This presentation will provide information on necessary tactics and strategies that will prepare you for an upswing in the business cycle post 2024. Knowledge gained from the presentation, in conjunction with ITR Economics’ time-tested analytical tools, will provide you the means to maximize profit in the years ahead.
4:00 PM Basically Incredible, Matt Booth
There's no question that having a great attitude, being able to communicate effectively, taking care of us, and having a plan are all essential ingredients for a great life. But what if I told you that basic doesn't mean easy? It's definitely worthwhile though! And when these things are done consistently, they lead to incredible outcomes. Are you ready to live a basically incredible life?
5:00 PM Members’ Choice Reception (adjourns at 7:00 PM)
Sponsored by: Bamberger Amco Polymers
INCOE Corporation
M. Holland Company
MBS Advisors
7:00 AM Breakfast
Sponsored by:Americhem Engineered Compounds
Chase Plastic Services Inc.
Federated Insurance
7:00 AM Bloody Mary Station
Sponsored by: Wipfli, LLP
8:00 AM Peer-to-Peer Networking
This session is back by popular demand! Growing peer-to-peer networks is a primary component of the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference. Attendees will have the chance to interact with peer groups during this session on topics that are unique to their job functions in their specific groups. Driven by past attendee feedback, these focused sessions have been highly requested and are expected to be one of the biggest hits of this year’s conference. They are a perfect way for professionals to find new ideas, expand their professional networks and explore new improvement methods. Areas covered will be operations, owners/presidents/CEOs, sales and marketing, human resources, and finance/ERP/IT.
9:00 AM BC Labs Session Three
The BC LABS are comprised of a series of parallel presentation sessions or learning tracks suggested for each functional area below. Each BC LAB is designed to equip attendees with indispensable insights, advice, and tools to achieve the mission-critical priorities of today and build the successful organizations of tomorrow.
9:50 AM Networking Break among the Sponsors
Sponsored by: Plante Moran
Yushin America Inc.
10:20 AM Trade, Elections and Manufacturing, Omar Nashashibi, Inside Beltway
An Update from Washington, D.C., Omar Nashashibi, will provide insights and updates on the latest from policymakers, trade talks with allies, efforts to increase taxes and regulations and what steps lawmakers are taking to address workforce and supply chain challenges. This presentation not only will shed light onto the inner workings today but what the election and coming year could mean for the immediate future of the manufacturing industry.
11:10 AM Data-Driven Leadership: Empowering Success in the Plastics Industry, Laurie Harbour, Wipfli
Each and every person attending the Benchmarking Conference plays a role in creating a productive, innovative and positive work environment. As leaders, you need access to the right data and information to be results-oriented, adaptable and decisive to drive operational excellence. Laurie Harbour will share insights from this year’s MAPP Plastics Benchmarking Study, recent market trends impacting processors and how data empowers companies to be better and delivers business growth.
12:05 PM Innovation Awards Ceremony
The Innovation Award celebrates, recognizes, and shares best practices from forward-thinking companies that incorporate new ideas to maintain a competitive edge in the manufacturing industry - specifically for the two categories for this year's awards: Smart Manufacturing Solutions (ex. Lights Out, IoT, Industry 4.0, Remote Monitoring, etc.) and Labor Solutions (Projects that have impacted the labor shortage or allowed for redeployment of labor).
12:20 PM What’s Next?
Don’t miss this incredible review of lessons learned from the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference 2024. Nix will share several take-aways that attendees gained from the conference. The success of the conference is not in the number of attendees or the quality of the speakers, but in the action plan that is created by attendees when they gain takeaways to improve their operations.
12:30 PM Conference Adjourned
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Troy Nix serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference. Known for his spirit, enthusiasm, and belief in American manufacturing, Nix will deliver an opening address that will focus on lessons in leadership and the importance of becoming more in tune with one’s inner self. Professionals over the last decade who have heard Nix deliver his opening address know that the first 30 minutes of the conference will spark emotion in each attendee’s inner core. This year’s message will focus on tapping into that internal fuel source to inspire, motivate and overcome obstacles encountered every day. Nix’s tagline “America Is What America Makes” is an essential ideal that motivates those attending the conference to strive for excellence. | |
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Michael Feuz Michael Feuz is a key member of ITR Economics’ team of expert economists and consultants. Backed by a decade of experience working for technology start-ups, he contributes to the production of client reports, forecast reviews, economic research, and regular client-facing communications. Michael majored in business administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville and earned his master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. His accomplishments include building, implementing, and executing multiple go-to-market plans for technology start-ups, advancing as a national finalist in a public speaking competition, and publishing multiple op-eds in major media outlets while working in public relations. Prior to joining ITR Economics, Michael worked as a technology consultant. He helped manufacturers, construction companies, oil and gas firms, financial institutions, and small businesses enhance their operational efficiencies. He worked with C-suite executives across a wide range of industries to improve intra-company communications, data capture and analysis, sales numbers, and profitability. |
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Matt Booth is an Attitude Expert who has shared his message of positive attitude change throughout the United States and internationally. He is known for his humor, quick wit, and ability to connect with people. Matt believes that if we want to make a real difference in the world, we first need to change our attitudes. |
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Jim Carroll is the futurist that CEOs trust. Carroll is recognized as the world’s leading futurist, trends, and innovation expert, with a massive global blue-chip client list. Over the last 30 years, more than 2 million people have shared his insight. Jim’s global client list gives him a front-row seat to the high-velocity change that is occurring as disruption comes to take hold of every industry and every organization. With that insight and the customized research that he undertakes for every engagement, he helps to transform growth-oriented organizations into high-velocity innovation heroes! He has been invited in by NASA (twice) to share his insight on the future of the space industry; by Disney, to advise on new strategies for creativity and innovation; by the PGA of America for his thoughts on how to accelerate the golf industry; by Pfizer for insight on the future of medical science; by the World Bank for his thoughts on opportunities for manufacturing and economic development; and by the Wall Street Journal for his perspective on disruptive trends. Among countless others… |
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Omar S. Nashashibi is the Founder of Inside Beltway, a nonpartisan lobbying and strategic consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Having worked in the nation’s capital for over twenty-five years, Mr. Nashashibi provides strategic consulting services to companies while also lobbying the White House and Congress on behalf of manufacturing, associations, defense firms, nonprofits, and other sectors. He works with policymakers on trade, taxes, environmental and workplace regulations, supply chains, job training and identifying grants and funding to support projects. Having started his career in Washington D.C. in 1996, Mr. Nashashibi worked for the Office of Management and Budget, a branch of the White House, a large multi-state law firm, and founded a previous lobbying firm in 2005. He graduated from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he studied Political Science and International Affairs. |
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Bill Stainton is an expert on innovation, creativity, and breakthrough thinking; a 29-time Emmy Award winner; and a Hall of Fame keynote speaker who takes the mystery out of innovation for leaders and their teams worldwide. For 15 years, Bill produced the longest-running, highest-rated, and most award winning regional comedy TV show in the United States. In 2019, he was inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame®, a lifetime award that honors professional speakers who have reached the top echelon of speaking excellence.
Bill is the author of The Innovation Blueprint; and has been cited in Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. He has also written for HBO, Comedy Central, and The Tonight Show, and is the creator of the Elite Innovation Roundtable, a think tank for innovative leaders. Bill's clients include Microsoft, Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Amazon, Whirlpool, Nike, and Costco, among hundreds of others. On a personal note, he is also a pilot and a musician, although rarely at the same time. |
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Laurie Harbour is a partner with more than 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience. Prior to joining Wipfli, she was the co-owner of Harbour Results, Inc., and has spent her career helping clients develop strategies, improve operations, reduce risk and optimize business performance. Clients benefit from Laurie’s ability to work with leadership teams to assess the current state of their business and provide strategic and operation recommendations for improvement. Specializations
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Book your room today! Click here.
SCAM NOTICE: MAPP has received several reports of invalid third-party hotel room scammers contacting our attendees and exhibitors regarding the upcoming Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference. These hotel booking scammers have no affiliation with MAPP or the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference. Any company requiring full pre-payment should be viewed with extreme suspicion. We strive to protect our attendees and exhibitors from conducting business with room poachers. The only legitimate emails about the conference will come from @mappinc.com.
To make your 2024 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference Hotel Reservation, please use the link above or, you can call the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott directly at 877-640-7666 and mention the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the MAPP staff at info@mappinc.com.
Step into the future of industry at the Automation Hall. Here, MAPP’s leading experts in automation will showcase their groundbreaking technological advancements and automated solutions.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations and time-tested industrial automation technologies that set the standard in top facilities nationwide. Discover the tools and systems designed to optimize your operations from the ground up – featuring intelligent, connected, and scalable solutions that will give you a competitive edge and elevate your business to new heights.
Don’t miss this chance to transform your approach to automation. Join us and experience the future today!
Sponsored by REHMANN
MAPP is pleased to announce submissions for the 2024 Innovation Award
There is a slight change this year, there are two categories for this year's awards: Smart Manufacturing Solutions (ex. Lights Out, IoT, Industry 4.0, Remote Monitoring, etc.) and Labor Solutions (Projects that have impacted the labor shortage or allowed for the redeployment of labor). Member companies may submit multiple entries for each category.
Winners will be announced at the Conference. Stay tuned!
MAPP’s mission is to enable leaders within the plastics industry to achieve new levels of success.
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Phone: (317) 913-2440
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