Welcome Reception
The FORUM will begin with a Welcome Reception giving attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow FORUM participants during this casual event.
Facility Tour
We will tour a local finishing-related facility to see their operations first-hand, learn about their processes, products, and more.
The Year of the Rabbit - Who Wins? Tortoise or Hare?
The economy is suddenly transitioning faster than expected. Inflation seems to be fading and that may reduce the recession threat. However, the old issues of supply chain and workers shortage remain, and both drive higher prices. Is reshoring real and does that alter the future of manufacturing?
Color Trends in Finishing
Using PPG's 2023 presentation, Reflection, as a guide, Misty will highlight the latest direction on color and design. She will explain how trends influence us as individuals, how they are carried throughout the various end-markets and will showcase the 2023 color of the year.
The Role of Automation in Finishing
Let's talk automation! This session will cover a variety of automation topics with a particular focus on robots and their application in various areas of the finishing industry. The typical reasons for hesitation along with the benefits of implementing automation will be discussed. Different types of programming tools, knowledge/safety requirements, as well as identifying processes where automation can be helpful will be addressed. The session will conclude with a discussion on where the industry is heading and the future of automation.
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.
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, you can have a complimentary business photo taken at the WiF FORUM.
Networking Events
The FORUM will begin with a Welcome Reception giving attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow FORUM participants during this casual event. Tuesday evening will feature a Networking Dinner offering attendees the chance to continue conversations about the day's sessions in a relaxed environment.
Why Mentoring Matters
Dr. Murrell will provide an overview and discussion on the power of effective mentoring relationships and well-designed mentoring programs to support organizational efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion along with the impact of effective leadership development. This talk will include examples from her research and consulting with organizations on how to leverage the power of effective mentoring.
Building Your Personal Business Plan
A business plan is commonplace in the corporate world. It is a critical roadmap that outlines a company's goals and objectives and how they will be achieved. Like any business, WE are the writers of our own journey, and the principles of that all-important business plan can and should be applied to powering your personal path. In this session you will learn how to create a personal plan based on five core business concepts: 1. A vision anchored in core values. 2. A strategic plan with milestones. 3. A SWOT analysis with a 360 plus 3D view. 4. Risk management to manage the controllable. 5. Smart goals.
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.
