Speakers confirmed for APPEX Women in Processing & Packaging

The inaugural APPEX Women in Processing & Packaging event is taking shape, with the keynote speaker and team of panellists now confirmed.

Taking place at the MCEC during APPEX, on the morning of 13 March, the event will provide a platform for some of the industry's most inspirational and accomplished women to share their personal stories, career journeys, and insights on overcoming gender disparities in STEM-based occupations.

Keynote speaker, CEO of the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO), Louise Weine, will present on Achieving gender balance in processing & packaging: Systemic change that works.

Weine will reveal the levers organisations need to pull to better attract, retain and promote female talent. She’ll examine inclusive leadership, what it is and why it matters, and take a closer look at the value of mentoring and sponsorship, explaining the need for parallel focus.

Weine’s talk will be followed by a panel discussion featuring four accomplished women from different areas of processing and packaging, sharing their personal stories, career journeys, and insights on:

·         Overcoming gender disparities in STEM education and careers

·         Mentorship and empowerment for women in STEM

·         Encouraging diversity and inclusion in the industry

Panellists included in the line-up are Dr Angeline Achariya, CEO, Innovation Gamechangers; Rosanne Jessop, MD, Pilz Australia & New Zealand; Tania Carey, GM, Food Processing & Equipment; and Supriya Suhale, category manager – Connectivity, Beckhoff Automation (and a finalist in the Emerging Leader award category for the 2024 APPMA Awards of Excellence).

Owned & presented by APPMA, the event will be an opportunity for all individuals across the industry to connect and be inspired by women leaders in processing and packaging.

Date: Wednesday 13th March, 2023

Time: 8.30 arrival | 9.00am start | 10.30am close | 11.00am networking finishes   

Where: MCEC, Melbourne

Tickets are on sale now, at $25 each, with all proceeds going to the Good Friday Appeal.

Food & Drink Business

The April/May issue of Food & Drink Business magazine is a showcase of innovation and adaptability in Australia's food and beverage sector. From its feature on the 2025 finalists in The Hive Awards, a bumper processing tech section looking at new equipment, systems, and automation, to the latest trends and developments in beverage production. There is something for everyone. Read on.

Sullivans Cove has appointed Andy Gaunt as its new CEO. Gaunt was managing director for Fever-Tree ANZ and Asia and was a founding member of Diageo’s luxury division in global market development.

Plasdene Glass-Pak in New Zealand has acquired the Auckland-based Glass Packaging Division of Wainhouse Distribution.