Complimentary Business Portraits
There are many situations where a selfie just won't do. A professional photo is a must have regardless of your job function. If you don't have a headshot or need an updated photo, have a complimentary business taken photo at the WiF FORUM on Wednesday afternoon.
Speed Networking & Welcome Reception
The FORUM will begin with speed networking and a welcome reception. Speed networking is a fun and creative way to meet and learn about fellow FORUM participants. You will have the chance to socialize with your new connections during the welcome reception which follows the exercise.
Plant Tour
We will tour a local manufacturing plant where we will see their finishing operations first-hand, learn about their processes, products, and more. Past tours have been held at OEMs, fabrication shops, and custom coaters, offering attendees the opportunity to see and learn about a wide range of finishing technologies including powder coating, powder coating on wood, liquid coating, e-coat, and robotic gel coating.
The Power of "Thinking Right" in Achieving Your Dreams
What would you do if you weren't afraid? In this session, we will learn a simple framework of setting meaningful goals in your life that help you overcome fear and take necessary steps to achieve your dreams. We will understand the power of our thoughts, and how mindset either helps or hurts our ability to accomplish our goals and live the life of our dreams. Incorporating brain science, real-life goal setting, and dream achievement from the manufacturing setting, Dr. Selking will leave you both inspired and equipped to take meaningful steps in your personal and professional life.
Imposterista: Why is an English Major Running a Chemical Company?
Molly Kellogg has never taken a chemistry course, and she was rejected from all the business schools she applied to because her math scores were abysmal. So, who put her in charge of an international specialty chemical company and why does she think - most of the time - that she 's qualified to run it?
Emerging professionals in all industries struggle with "Imposter Syndrome" - self-doubt and fear of failure, leading to a cycle of setting unrealistically high standards for oneself, a doom loop of compare and despair, and difficulty internalizing success. For women operating in traditionally male dominated arenas, imposter syndrome can be especially pronounced and potentially paralyzing.
PFAS: What They Are and Why You Should Know Them
Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, is one of the new buzzwords in the coatings industry. Why? What makes these chemicals so toxic that environmental agencies are pushing to remove them from almost every sector? Learn what PFAS are, where they are located, and why their reach is greater than just the coatings and manufacturing markets. Get ahead of new regulations and understand how regional restrictions will affect your business and supply chain processes.
Team Building Exercise
Get to know and connect with your fellow FORUM participants in a different light during our team building exercise. In addition to being fun, team building exercises develop leadership, problem solving and communication skills. Collaborate with your team members and develop a plan to reach the defined goal.
Networking Reception & Dinner
Following the team building exercise, Thursday evening will feature a networking reception and dinner. Continue conversations with fellow attendees about the day's sessions and activities in a relaxed environment.
Own Your Own Journey to Thrive in Your Career
Unlock the power of self-definition in your professional journey. In this session, you 'll learn how to create critical components, including a personal vision and core values, that serve as a foundation for your career plan. Discover how these guiding principles can help you increase visibility, navigate opportunities, overcome obstacles, and align your actions with your long-term goals. Whether you 're looking to excel in your current role or chart a course for future success, this session will equip you with the tools to lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
My Journey to Leadership Panel
A FORUM favorite, this moderated panel discussion features women in a variety of leadership roles within the finishing industry sharing their career journeys. Learn about the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, as well as tips you may be able to apply to your own career pursuits. Our panelists have diverse backgrounds to provide perspective from both technical and non-technical viewpoints.
This session will be interactive, allowing ample time for questions and answers.
Topic-Based Round Table Discussions
Subject matter experts will lead discussions on specific topics of interest expressed in past WiF FORUM evaluations.
Planned topics include:
- Nuances of small and family-owned businesses
- Human resources & company culture
- Engineering & robotics
- Social media & personal branding
- ...and more.
