A new conference focused on industry key challenges and opportunities around sustainability, innovations in technology and design, systems thinking and factories of the future, will be launched as part of Packaging and Processing Week 2019.
With the theme smart, connected, sustainable, the new conference is for decision makers, owners and key staff from the packaging and processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, along with associated industries such as design and print, marketing and advertising industry associations.
Smart covers IIOT, Industry 4.0, automation, robotics and the like, while connected is equipment and work areas talking to each other to also support IIOT and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Sustainable refers to business sustainability as a result of the impact of these new technologies in both being able to reduce waste and increased profit for both suppliers and end users in our industry.
READ: Registrations for biennial event AUSPACK open
The business and industry conference is all about exploring new ideas and business potential through case studies, interactive Q&A sessions and keynote plenary sessions – of which there will be seven, along with 18 breakouts across two streams, which are packaging and processing, and business growth.
Sub themes include innovation and technology, sustainable solutions, smart packaging, e-commerce, future consumer, export and distribution, blockchain, design trends and strength through diversity.
Among the 35-plus speakers are:
- Opening keynote, day one: Dr Michael Okoroafor, vice president global sustainability and packaging at McCormick USA. Responsible for the strategic direction, policies, development and execution of agricultural, ingredient, product and packaging sustainability, plus packaging innovation capabilities globally, Okoroafor was inducted into the Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame at PACK EXPO International. An innovation leader, he has over 40 patents to his name.
- Opening keynote, day two: economist Stephen Koukoulas. He was the senior economic advisor to the prime minister, chief economist of Citibank and head of global economic research in London for TD. His presentation will break down complex economic analysis into easily understandable terms.
- Closing keynote, day two: Dr Katie Spearritt, CEO of Diversity Partners, will speak about “Innovation and Strength through Diversity”. Diversity Partners is specialist consultancy that helps companies achieve diversity progress and create more inclusive and high-performing work environments, including a range of firms in Australia’s manufacturing sector. Her interactive session aims to have participants talking about diversity and inclusion in ways they might not have previously considered.
- Conference MC: Craig Reucassel is a speaker, writer and comedian best known for his work on ABC’s TV program War on Waste and with The Chaser, which he co-founded.