PN Survival Boot Camp 2007
Over 100 professionals from the plastics industry gathered in Chicago Sept. 13-14 for Plastics News Survival Boot Camp 2007. Attendees learned how to address the challenges of global competition from 15 speakers with firsthand experience, and made connections at various networking opportunities.
Jeff Mengel, principal, Plante & Moran, tracks the performance of North American processors and mold makers via financial and operational metrics, and has a good sense of what successful firms have in common. Here, he shares his insight with Boot Camp attendees.
Tom Murdough, retired president/CEO of Step2, presented his keynote address on “harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit.”
Roundtable discussions were a popular format among attendees. Here Ron Kirscht, president of Donnelly Custom Manufacturing, responds to a question posed by the audience.
Spartech Industries’ Bruce Harrison asks the panelists a question.
Peter Bemis, CEO of Bemis Manufacturing, takes part in a roundtable discussion entitled, “Differentiation & Innovation as Growth Drivers.”
During breaks, attendees took the opportunity to mingle in the exhibits area. Here P&M Corporate Finance VP Matt Jamison (right) chats with speaker Tim Erdmann of OPS Team.
The conference was designed to maximize networking opportunities. Here, Steve Kimm (left) of MSI Mold Builders and Michael Benson of Stout Risius Ross share ideas over lunch.
Thursday’s lunch was sponsored by Frigel North America. Attendees were greeted to the table by a small giveaway item.
The evening networking reception provided additional opportunities for discussion. Dave Spence (center) of Alpha Packaging, John Hart of P&M Corporate Finance (left) and Mike Ruggieri of Comar (right), pause from their conversation to smile for the camera.
The networking reception eats were delish!
PN’s conference events provide a prime venue for learning and making contacts! Attendees take a moment to exchange information at the Boot Camp networking reception.
PN also knows how to throw a party – complete with an Uncle Sam stilt walker!
Uncle Sam also had a few magic tricks up his sleeve! Here, attendees watch a card trick.
The networking reception was sponsored by P&M Corporate Finance.
The exhibits were also open during the networking reception. RTi’s Kevin Roberson talks with an attendee who stopped by the company’s exhibit.
Friday’s breakfast, sponsored by Priamus, featured a wonderful spread! Here, RTi’s Kevin Mitchell decides on the coffee cake.
Before Friday’s half-day of sessions got underway, attendees chatted it up over breakfast.
MSI Mold Builders’ Steve Kimm (left) was the lucky winner of an iPod drawing, sponsored by Gros Executive Recruiters. George Shaw (right) of Gros presented the award, which Kimm won by filling out speaker surveys.
