"Insights, Innovation and Interaction" attracted a record number of participants to Executive Forum 2005. More than 200 top plastics industry and financial executives from around the country gathered at the beautiful Wigwam Resort & Golf Club in Phoenix, February 27-March 2 for a mix of high-powered conferences and networking.
From coping with soaring resin costs to assessing China's rewards and realities, attendees heard about the hottest topics from expert industry speakers. In the picture on the left, Phil Spanninger, Executive VP, Americhem, participates in a China Q&A panel discussion. In the center photo, Jack Yeung, VP-Marketing & Business Development, Ace Mold & Ace Plastics, explains how China's processing and moldmaking businesses have changed in recent years. In the photo on the right, Dwight Morgan, President & CEO, Accel, gives an overview of current trends in the resin compounding industry.
A relaxed setting allowed speakers and attendees to continue their discussions after formal presentations ended. In the photo on the left, Pliant President/CEO Harold Bevis (left) visits with Georgia Allies director Tim Evans. In the center photo, Ace Mold's Bob Alvarez (left) and Jack Yeung get feedback on Yeung's China panel talk. In the photo on the right, Shirish Patel, Rubbermaid director of resin productivity, listens intently to another Forum attendee.
A highlight of the Forum was a gala award reception honoring four firms as PN Processor of the Year finalists: Hancor, Miniature Precision Components, Rotonics and U.S. Farathane. MPC edged out the other finalists to take home the winner's trophy. The left picture shows PN's Editor/Associate Publisher Bob Grace awarding MPC's Jim Brost, president, the winner's trophy. In the center photo, MPC chairman and founder Jay Brost displays the trophy, surrounded by the MPC team in attendance. From left to right: Jeff Lane, VP-automotive sales and marketing; Jim Brost; Larry Austin, VP-finance; Jay Brost; Pat McIntosh, VP-manufacturing; Jose Maldonado, plant manager-Santa Ana, Mexico. In the photo on the right, a performance by fire dancers highlighted the Processor of the Year reception.
Forum attendees enjoyed other prime networking events including a Mexican Fiesta, a "Leaders of the Pack" biker party with real hog races, golfing, river rafting and fishing. These events, and more, provided attendees with unique opportunities to get to know other top execs on a first-name basis.
Networking opportunities were also available in the exhibit area where 23 companies had booths setup. Attendees who visited the exhibits could play a trivia game for the chance to win a $750 gift card to any Starwood property. Jim Namovich of Cascade Engineering was the lucky winner.
