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!
| Registration | Through April 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Leader Launch Rate | $823 |
Registration prices after the Leader Launch period ends:
| Registration | Through August 15, 2025 | After August 15, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| MAPP Members | $923 | $1,038 |
| Non-Members | $1,264 | $1,264 |
| MAPP Members Group Discount (4+) | $850 | $950 |
| Add-ons | ||
| Lunch and Learn | $76 | $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.
Your Roadmap to Innovation, Leadership, and Industry Excellence Please note: This agenda is a dynamic work in progress.
The Conference Committee is excited to share the preliminary timeline for the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference to assist attendees in planning their travel arrangements. Packed with incredible opportunities to learn, connect, and lead, this year’s lineup promises to be one of the most impactful yet.
Stay tuned for updates as we refine the agenda to create an experience that embodies excellence, collaboration, and cutting-edge insights.
Wednesday, October 1st
Discover the Wednesday Lineup: Innovation, Networking, and Industry Collaboration
Start your Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference experience on Wednesday, October 1st, with an agenda designed to connect, inspire, and empower professionals across the industry. Whether you're a rising star or an established leader, there's something for everyone to kick-start your journey.
1:00 PM Rising Stars Workshop: Ignite Your Leadership Journey: A must-attend seminar tailored for emerging industry leaders. Engage in discussions and learn insights that will help shape your career trajectory.
1:00 PM Pre-Conference Professional Development Programming. These specialized sessions are designed to provide attendees with valuable insights, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities that you won’t want to miss. This has included workshops led by DelmiaWorks, MBS, SigmaSoft and RJG (just to name a few)
1:00 PM Industry Connection Expo: NEW for 2025: Meet fellow processors in an unprecedented networking opportunity that showcases talents, capabilities, and innovations.
Focus Areas could include:
4:00 PM Building Leaders of Character Alumni Reception
Reconnect and share experiences with fellow alumni.
5:30 PM Connections Kickoff: Network and Unwind
Connect with colleagues, relax, and prepare for the exciting days ahead while celebrating community and collaboration during this welcome reception.
5:30 PM 2025 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 & AI Experience: Discover the Future of Industry
This exclusive automation hall is where MAPP’s thought leaders in automation and AI will be exhibiting 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.
Thursday, October 2nd
Dive into a day of exploration, learning, and powerful keynote presentations.
6:45 AM Energize Your Morning: Breakfast with Omelet Station
8:00 AM Conference Welcome and Troy Nix Keynote
8:20 AM Chad Hymas
Prepare to be inspired as Chad Hymas takes the stage to deliver a keynote that challenges perspectives and ignites possibilities. Recognized as one of the most dynamic and impactful speakers of our time, Chad brings a powerful message rooted in resilience, leadership, and creating meaningful change.
Don’t miss this chance to hear Chad Hymas and leave empowered to tackle your toughest challenges with renewed purpose and determination.
9:30 AM Networking Break amongst the Sponsors
10:00 AM Keynote Address Placeholder
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 tailored learning tracks to equip you with actionable strategies for your role 2025 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference LABS:
Since the theory is different than practical implementation, this year the BC LABS will be presented by processors. Attendees will learn from their peers.
12:20 PM Lunch and Learn – Join a Keynote speaker for a lunchtime deep dive. 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.)
1:30 PM BC Labs Session Two
2:30 PM Networking Break amongst the Sponsors
3:00 PM Keynote Address Placeholder
4:00 PM BC MASTER CLASS
During this unique conference session, business leaders will share some of their expert knowledge in leadership during these quick presentations from the main stage.
4:30 PM Keynote Address Placeholder
5:30 PM Members’ Choice Reception (adjourns at 7:00 PM)
Unwind and network with peers as you reflect on an inspiring day!
Friday, October 3rd
Seal your conference experience with high-impact sessions and networking opportunities.
7:00 AM Breakfast
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 methods of improvement. Areas covered will be operations, owners/presidents/CEOs, sales and marketing, human resources, and finance/ERP/IT.
9:15 AM Networking Break amongst the Sponsors
9:45 AM Innovation Awards Ceremony
Celebrate groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of our industry.
10:15 AM Michael Feuz, ITR Economics
Michael Fuez will delve into the ever-evolving economic landscape, equipping attendees with the insights needed to navigate current challenges and capitalize on future opportunities. Building on the ITR Economics outlook, this presentation will focus on:
Drawing from time-tested economic analysis and forecasting methods, this presentation promises to provide invaluable guidance for leaders who want to position their businesses for success in the years to come. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain clarity amidst uncertainty and chart a course for growth!
11:15 AM Omar Nashashibi, Inside Beltway
This presentation promises to deliver critical insights into the evolving landscape of manufacturing policy and its impact on the industry. Attendees can expect an in-depth analysis of the latest developments from Washington, D.C., including:
Prepare to gain actionable knowledge and strategic foresight from one of the industry’s most respected voices. This keynote is a must-attend session for leaders seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
12:15 PM What’s Next? Actionable Takeaways
Take home strategies, lessons, and plans to transform your operations.
12:30 PM Conference Adjourned
 |
Chad Hymas is an internationally acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for safety awareness and personal empowerment. Despite a life-altering accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down, Chad’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination have propelled him to inspire audiences worldwide with his powerful message of resilience, leadership, and purposeful living. In 2003, Chad set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (513 miles). As a sought-after keynote speaker, Chad captivates audiences with his engaging storytelling, profound insights, and practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary success. His presentations on topics ranging from leadership and team building to safety awareness and leaving a legacy leave a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike, empowering them to unlock their full potential and create positive change in their lives and communities. |
|
 |
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. | |
 |
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. |
|
 |
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. |
|
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 2025 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!
MAPP’s mission is to enable leaders within the plastics industry to achieve new levels of success.
7321 Shadeland Station Way, Suite 285
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone: (317) 913-2440
Fax: (317) 913-2445
Copyright © 2025
