Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) has planned several new elements for this year’s meeting, including a new Aspiring Leaders’ Program, which will be held during the PMI19 Conference on “Manufacturing Success,” running Nov. 4-7 at The Don Cesar hotel in St. Pete Beach, Fla.
The Aspiring Leaders’ program will be held on Nov. 4 at the nearby Dali Museum. Within an environment dedicated to the work of the highly imaginative artist Salvador Dali, the training experience will offer an ideal setting for PMI’s top talent to tap into their personal creativity and innovation potential. Working in partnership with the museum, the one-day summit will draw from examples in art and business to inspire attendees to see and think differently, foster self-awareness and instill a growth mindset.
“We are encouraging PMI member companies to nominate high-potential employees for this program,” said PMI CEO/executive director Kerry Stackpole, adding that individuals may also self-nominate.
Kim Macuare, Ph.D., education manager of the Dali Museum’s Innovation Labs, will use the four-step framework of the profile instrument FourSight – clarify, ideate, develop and implement – to identify each participant’s creative problem-solving preferences. Each participant will also receive a discount on PMI19 registration fees and an invitation to a VIP reception with industry leaders and Lindsey Pollak – PMI19 keynote speaker – who will be signing her book.
This year’s conference will include sessions on many issues that caused no or little concern a few years ago are now climbing up the list to become high priorities. Issues such as the manufacturing labor shortage, sustainable packaging, accessibility design, personal data privacy, tariffs and the use of waste water will be on the PMI19 agenda. Attendees will learn what actions their companies can take to stay ahead of the curve.
Multigenerational workplace expert Lindsey Pollak to deliver keynote presentation
After participating in the Aspiring Leaders’ Program, New York Times bestselling author Pollak will open the day on Nov. 5 with a presentation titled “The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace” – a reflection of her book of the same title. Pollak is a leading expert on millennials and the multigenerational workplace. Her consulting clients and keynote speaking locations have included more than 250 corporations, conferences and universities. Her advice and opinions have appeared in media such as the Today Show, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN and NPR.
Conference emcee Joel Zeff will take humorous approach to reaching success
Conference emcee Joel Zeff will lead attendees through the Nov. 5-6 agenda. Zeff’s central message – that organizations and individuals should celebrate everyday successes – aims to increase collaboration, productivity, passion and innovation. He takes a humorous approach to helping his audiences adopt new perspectives and reach professional success.
Sessions on important issues during the day; fun networking activities at night
The Nov. 5 agenda will include a panel on human resources and workforce development and sessions on accessibility design with Dave Yanchulis, director of technical and information services, U.S. Access Board, and sustainable packaging with Trina Matta, senior manager of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, GreenBlue. The sustainability session will cover innovative ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics in product packaging in favor of more recyclable options. That evening, attendees will enjoy a reception and dinner on the water aboard the Starlite Sapphire.
On Nov. 6, Zeff will open the day with a keynote address. He will be followed by sessions on industry economic trends with Alex Chausovsky, ITR Economics, and advocacy/government affairs issues including trade and tariffs with Gary Stanley, U.S. Department of Commerce; water reuse with Daniel Yeh, Ph.D., professor, University of South Florida; WaterSense with Beth Livingston, WaterSense brand manager; and consumer data protection. The day will conclude with the general membership meeting, a reception featuring local craft beer and dinner.
Nov. 7 will feature technical topics including the latest industry research studies on potentially hazardous microbes and chemicals, water quality in buildings, hot water delivery and much more. Presenters will be Dr. Andrew Whelton, Ph.D., associate professor, Purdue University; Patrick Gurian, Ph.D., associate professor, Drexel University; and Gary Klein, president, Gary Klein and Associates. A closing ceremony will be held for all attendees.
Platinum, gold, silver and event sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more and register for PMI19 at https://safeplumbing.org/2019-pmi-conference.
