A new flexible format and compelling line-up of expert speakers is driving strong interest in this year's AUSPACK Leaders’ Forum, taking place on 18-19 May. Engaging content will be pertinent to all businesses in the processing and packaging sector.
The not-to-be missed Forum, to be held during AUSPACK 2022 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will cover themes of future technology, sustainability and the circular economy, investment and collaboration, future supply chain, adapting and diversifying for commercial success, and the future workforce.
Early bird tickets are available until 15 April, after which tickets will be full price.
Mark Dingley, chairman of the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which owns AUSPACK, said, “We changed the format quite a bit, and I think this has also encouraged ticket sales.
“This year, we’ve deliberately created three breaks during both days, from one to 1.5 hours, that will allow people to network with others at the forum, or give them time to visit the exhibition floor and not rush. In this way, they can spend time talking to companies whose products, solutions or services they’re interested in, properly, so they get full value out of their visit to AUSPACK 2022.
“It also means that if exhibitors are interested in the Leaders’ Forum, they can attend the sessions of their choice, and still have time to be on their own stand.”
High-level start
Dingley said after the short opening remarks on day one, Rose Herceg, president – Australia & New Zealand, WPP, will talk about the 10 trends that businesses need to know for 2022 and beyond.
“Rose is one of Australia’s leading social forecasters and futurists and the author of three books on business leadership and innovation. She is a powerhouse presenter, and this is a fantastic, high-level way to begin the AUSPACK 2022 Leaders’ Forum.”
Following will be the CEO Leaders’ Panel Breakfast, where delegates can listen to a discussion on “where are we at and what’s next?” while eating breakfast. Led by Nicholas White, CEO of Flavour Makers, business leaders will share their experiences and insights in an in-depth discussion on future strategy for the industry, looking at critical steps for the “next normal”, the role of technology in transforming businesses and growth opportunities.
“The rest of the morning is all about ‘Sustainability and the Circular Economy’, with an international keynote presentation on sustainability innovation followed by a panel discussion on ‘Future packaging, recycling & the circular economy’.”
Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation CEO Brooke Donnelly will lead this panel discussion, with TerraCycle’s Jean Baillard, Mondelez International’s Paul Chatfield, and Amcor’s director of Sustainability, Richard Smith. These leaders will talk about the packaging industry’s responsibility when it comes to waste, practical design steps that businesses can take to move to a circular economy, growth and collaboration opportunities, and how to change consumer behaviour through packaging recycling messaging.
Technology TALKS
Dingley said, “The afternoon is all about technology, with a keynote presentation from Christian Ruberg, the Future Digital Manufacturing lead with CSIRO, talking about Industry 4.0, followed by a panel discussion on Industry 4.0, 5.0 and the future of technology.
“We hear a lot about ‘Industry 4.0’ and I think many manufacturers will be interested to hear his comments, because while some Australian SMEs have Industry 3.0 well under control, 4.0 is more challenging and really, not many businesses have actually fully achieved it. So Christian will cover insights in the Industry 4.0 ‘toolbox’ to build competitive advantage, for manufacturers across the board.”
Ruberg will then be part of a panel discussion with Allan Frydman, founder and MD of DC Works, and Simon Dawson, director – Industrial Transformation with IMCRC.
This trio will talk about “lights-out” business processes, highly automated manufacturing and self-managed supply chains as future realities, covering roadblocks in adopting 4.0, overcoming them and then looking towards Industry 5.0.
Infrastructure investment
Dingley said, “Another highly interesting panel discussion – this time about how manufacturers can get a seat at the table as part of Australia’s infrastructure investment explosion – rounds out day one, led by Emma Greenhatch, CEO, Agribusiness Food Network and Director – Turbine Sunshine Coast.
“Emma, the 2021 Outstanding Sunshine Coast Business Woman of the Year, is well known for being a translator of ideas into strategies and actions that deliver sustainable outcomes. This is such a timely session on finding and optimising opportunities for the processing, packaging and manufacturing industries, including creating a coalition with other manufacturers, in light of the Australian government’s $4 billion infrastructure stimulus package to help support the national economy after Covid-19.
“At 4:30, we’ll then stop for a networking session we’re calling ‘Cocktails and Contacts’, which will be a fantastic way to round out day one.”
Day two ‘highly informative’
Day two of the forum will also be highly informative, with speakers including Kate Whitehead, from Avant Group Pty Ltd; Diem Fuggersberger, founder and CEO of Berger Ingredients; Brown Family Wine Group’s Dean Carroll; Australia Post’s Solutions consultant, Brendan Stayte; Coles’ head of marketing Own Brand, Belinda Anderson; Mikey Hart, creative director of Hulsbosch; Jennifer Keegan, head of Retail and Product Portfolio Delivery Group Business Enablement with Woolworths Group; Andrew Steele, GS1 Australia’s director – Retail; Greg Calvert, Co-founder and director of FreshChain Systems; Laava’s joint-CEO and commercial director, Gavin Ger; Luke Wood, CEO and founder of Escavox; David Inderias, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Supply Co.; Nestle Oceania’s director – Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Margaret Stuart; and Melissa Crawford, GM Future Workforce with Vector NZ.
Dingley said, “We’re very proud of this wonderful line-up of international and domestic speakers.”
“As well, the new-format AUSPACK 2022 Leaders’ Forum offers opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge from other business leaders, and the interactive breaks will allow visitors to ‘get other things done’ out on the show floor to maximise their AUSPACK 2022 visit.”
AUSPACK 2022 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 17-20 May 2022. Tickets to the exhibition are free; early bird tickets to the AUSPACK 2022 Leaders’ Forum (18-19 May) are on sale until 15 April.
Visit www.auspack.com.au for more information.
