As 2020 winds down — arguably one of the most difficult years in recent history — most people could use some inspiration to lift their spirits and set up a positive outlook for their careers leading into 2021.
The upcoming Virtual Engineering Week can help. From November 30 through December 4, Informa Markets – Engineering has a full lineup of best-in-class educational sessions, product sourcing prospects, and networking opportunities for the global design, engineering, and manufacturing communities. (Disclaimer: Informa Markets – Engineering is the division of global events and media leader Informa plc that oversees Packaging Digest.)
The agenda includes more than 100 sessions from top engineering and manufacturing thought-leaders — with topics ranging from 3D printing, smart manufacturing, packaging, materials and sustainability, and career development (see “What You Need to Know About Smart Factories, Sustainability, and More”).
“Today’s critical times are requiring manufacturing processes to not only operate smoothly but more quickly than ever before, putting pressure upon these industries to innovate at an unprecedented pace,” says Steve Everly, Virtual Engineering Week Group Event Director. “With the added challenge of not being able to meet in-person, we curated Virtual Engineering Week’s conference to feature ample networking and connection opportunities for attendees to engage with the brightest minds across manufacturing industries today.”
The expansive education lineup will kick off each day with a fireside chat and keynote presentation. “We’re especially proud of our keynote and fireside chat speaker lineup,” Everly says, “that will spotlight trends and new possibilities, and ultimately inspire much innovation.”
The full schedule of sessions for Virtual Engineering Week can be viewed here. Below you’ll find information about the packaging-related fireside chats and keynote sessions. You can learn more about the free week-long “epic” event and register to attend virtually here.
Wednesday, December 2
10:00 a.m. central time
Welcome & Fireside Chat: Jane Chase, CPP, Fellow, Executive Director, Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
10:15 a.m. central time
Keynote: Leading the Change in Medical Device Packaging
Speaker: Amy Stewart, Product Development Manager, Printpack Medical & IoPP Medical Device Packaging Technical Committee, Board Chairperson
Presented on behalf of the IoPP Medical Device Packaging Technical Committee (MDPTC).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, on any given day, one in every 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. It’s these odds that draw professionals to lead change — from medical device manufacturers, their packaging supply partners and package designers, and every individual who feels the gravity of packaging integrity to patient safety.
Thursday, December 3
10:00 a.m. central time
Welcome & Fireside Chat: Patrick Farrey, CEO, Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
10:15 a.m. central time
Keynote: Altering Decisions for Plastics Consumption in a Circular Economy
Speaker: Conor Carlin, Vice President, Sustainability, Society of Plastics Engineers
Attendees will hear about current opportunities to inform decisions in life-cycle assessments, designs for the environment, and application of specific regulatory changes.
Friday, December 4
10:00 a.m. central time
Welcome & Fireside Chat: What’s New for You in 2021? An Anaheim Update
Speaker: Hayley Haggarty, Group Event Director, Anaheim, Informa Markets – Engineering
WestPack — one of the largest trade shows and conferences for packaging technology in the US — will return to Anaheim, CA, August 10-12, 2021, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Find out what educational sessions, networking opportunities, and other can’t-miss experiences are planned.
