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 one, or if it's time for an update, have a complimentary business photo taken at the WiF FORUM on Monday afternoon.
Welcome Reception and Networking Activity
The WiF FORUM kicks off with a welcome reception paired with an interactive networking activity. This engaging icebreaker offers a fun and creative way to get to know your fellow participants. Continue the conversations and connections during the reception.
Plant Tour
Tuesday morning, we will tour PPG Coatings Services. The facility features electrocoat, powder, pretreatment, and liquid coating lines as well as state-of-the-art systems for aluminum adhesive bonding and robotic applications. The site is also home to PPG 's Equipment Solutions Division which delivers coating equipment and service solutions from custom engineered lines to fully managed operations.
Building Internal Teams to Break Down Silos
Breaking down functional silos to form effective internal teams is essential for cultural success. This session will provide practical strategies for building an internal customer-centric organization.
Attendees will learn how to develop metrics that are used to empower teams to work collaboratively across the walls of the organization and will apply the process to create ideas for their own department and organization. We will explore organizational models that create cross functional teams to increase effectiveness at every touchpoint. During the session, we will engage into a deep dive and role play activity with crucial conversations, a communication model that will help foster more productive communication to improve relations and team performance. By the end of the session, attendees will have actionable insights that prioritize team development across departments.
Practical AI: Strategies to Save Time and Work More Efficiently
You do not need to be a tech expert to start using AI in meaningful ways. In this session, Donna will share practical strategies to help you save time, work more efficiently, and strengthen how you show up professionally. Through realworld examples, you'll see how AI can support everything from streamlining research and polishing communications to managing your workload with more ease. Whether you're on the plant floor, managing projects, or leading a company, you'll walk away with simple, actionable tools you can put into practice immediately. This session is about helping you do your best work with less stress and more impact.
AI Tools Highlighted: ChatGPT, Descript, Canva, Seamless.ai
Charged for Change: Electrifying the Future of Finishing
Sustainability continues to drive innovation across the finishing industry-and the move to all-electric systems is a powerful example. In this session, Aaron will share insights from his company's role in developing Siemens' first all-electric paint line. He will discuss what motivated the transition, the steps it took to design and install the system, and the impressive results it delivered-including a dramatic reduction in natural gas use and CO2 emissions. You will also hear how the team optimized other aspects of the process, such as powder chemistry and heat reuse.
Team Building Exercise
Experience team building with purpose. Instead of competition, this year 's activity focuses on collaboration and compassion as participants come together in a spirit of generosity, teamwork, and purpose. More than an activity, it 's an opportunity to grow relationships while giving back-an experience that promises to stay with you long after the conference ends.
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.
Two Decades, Countless Lessons
What can two decades in the finishing industry teach you? More than you might imagine. In this candid and energizing session, Courtney draws from her 20-year career to share practical strategies to help women succeed professionally and personally. She 'll explore why failure is a critical steppingstone to growth, how to advocate for yourself and gain visibility, and will share tactics to accelerate your career path. Attendees will also hear real-world insights on navigating career transitions, leading with resilience in the face of adversity, and balancing a demanding career with family life.
Whether you 're launching your career, aiming for the next level, or preparing to pass the torch to the next generation, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, actionable tools, and the reminder that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.
My Journey to Leadership Panel
A signature session of the Women in Finishing FORUM, this engaging panel brings together women who embody leadership in many forms across the finishing industry. Representing a wide range of roles, from technical experts to team leaders to organizational influencers, our panelists share their unique journeys, challenges they've navigated, and the lessons that shaped their career. With time for open discussion and Q&A, this session is designed to help every attendee see a piece of their own journey reflected in the panel and leave with practical insights to apply to their career.
Topic-Based Round Table Discussions
Dive into dynamic discussions led by subject matter experts on topics selected directly from past WiF FORUM evaluations. Attendees may join up to three sessions and will choose their preferred topics during registration.
Planned topics include:
- AI Strategies
- Company Culture
- Work/Life Balance
- Executive Management
- Presentation Skills & Effective Communication
- CCAI Programs & Initiatives
- ...and more
