An expansive educational lineup for Virtual Engineering Week, November 30 – December 4, will kick off each day with a fireside chat and keynote presentation, including several from packaging thought-leaders.

Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor

November 19, 2020

3 Min Read
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Industry stalwarts scheduled to speak include (clockwise from top left): Jane Chase, Patrick Farrey, Conor Carlin, and Amy Stewart.Photos supplied by the speakers

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.

About the Author(s)

Lisa McTigue Pierce

Executive Editor, Packaging Digest

Lisa McTigue Pierce is Executive Editor of Packaging Digest. She’s been a packaging media journalist since 1982 and tracks emerging trends, new technologies, and best practices across a spectrum of markets for the publication’s global community. Reach her at [email protected] or 630-272-1774.

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