Following the success of its inaugural event two years ago, the APPMA Business & Industry Conference will return in 2021, taking place on 16 September at the International Convention Centre (ICC), and will this year focus on the theme of Investing in Resilience.
Amid the uncertainty brought about by the global pandemic disrupting the norms, economic trends have positioned packaging and processing as essential industries, both playing a vital role in securing Australia’s supply chains, as well as being the catalyst for jobs and growth.
This is according to the Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which believes that, coupled with a sharper focus on sustainability, there is no better time for the packaging and processing industry to “invest in innovation, technology and talent to ensure it is at the forefront of the economic recovery”.
To address the multiple challenges and opportunities the sector faces in the new economy, the APPMA will bring together a mix of high-profile industry experts and international thought leaders to its 2021 event.
Also in attendance will be industry associations and government agencies representing the following sectors: food and beverage; pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; machinery manufacturers; packaging production; technical and engineering suppliers; print and design; and distribution and e-commerce.
And, in light of the recent pandemic, this year’s event will be a hybrid between the conference in ICC Sydney and live-streamed via a fully interactive and secure online event platform called OnAir. This will enable APPMA members, partners and supporting industries to participate both in person or online from virtually anywhere.
The program will provide the packaging and processing industry with a source of independent, expert professional development tailored specifically to addressing their business needs.
A key aim of the conference is to deliver ‘how-to’ information that addresses the day-to-day business challenges industry is currently facing, including:
- The role the Australian manufacturing industry will play in the economic recovery;
- Adapting to the new normal and how to future proof;
- The growing importance of cybersecurity in the age of Industry 4.0;
- Risk management in uncertain times;
- Automation, robotics and digital transformation for manufacturers;
- Developing circular strategies;
- Tapping into low-cost, renewable energy;
- Packaging and processing innovation case studies;
- Workforce management, talent attraction and retention;
- Health & safety case studies;
- Sustainability innovations; and
- Technical presentations.
APPMA has put out a call for speakers, and says it is looking for “anyone who has a great story to share with regards to innovation and creative solutions relating to the packaging and processing/manufacturing industry”.
APPMA says presentations should primarily be “educational, informative and engaging, rather than to promote a company, product or service”. If you wish to do a technical demonstration, there will be a dedicated session for these.
APPMA is seeking abstracts from a diverse range of perspectives and industry sectors with a focus on case studies that relate to the conference theme of Investing in Resilience.
Early bird registrations will be opening in mid-April, while the call for speakers closes 22 March.
For more information, head to the conference page on the APPMA website.
