MAPP Association News
by MAPP
Conference attendees heard from companies and speakers that actively PUSH PLAY in the pursuit of innovation, technology, employee developemnt, sales managemetn and operational excellence.
MAPP Hits Record Numbers at Recent Benchmarking Conference
MAPP recently held the annual Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, IN, on October 17-18. This annual conference drew over 400 key executives, representing 181 plastics and rubber companies from across the United States, to convene at the nation’s largest processor-focused event!
The conference schedule included ways to improve on best practices, leading-edge benchmarks, expert presentations and the best networking opportunities in the industry.
New this year was a mobile app that connected attendees even before the event. With the theme of PUSH PLAY, attendees heard from companies and speakers that actively PUSH PLAY in the pursuit of innovation, technology, employee development, sales management and operational excellence. These companies consistently reach for greatness, and attendees were tasked to do the same in their companies and lives.
Kelly Goodsel, Viking Plastics’ president and MAPP president, already has implemented steps in his facility based on information discovered at the conference. "Staff members who attended the conference met the following Monday and reviewed our observations, takeaways and items that we wanted to implement. We reviewed our strategic plan with a view to both 2013 and 2014 to make sure our focus from the MAPP conference was in alignment with what we want to do as an organization. Then, we focused on the three areas of the business we want to improve (per the strategic plan) and set the conference takeaways into actions," said Goodsel.
Additionally, Dan Leedom, president of Poly-Cast, told the MAPP office that his office also has taken steps to implement conference content. "We’ve summarized the MAPP takeaways for all departments, reintroduced 2-Second Lean with weekly summaries for staff meetings, revisited our value proposition and more," he explained.
The most powerful professional learning and development tools can be found through exchanges between people of like interests and like responsibilities. To optimize the learning potential of conference attendees, themed Ignite Sessions enabled attendees to select from a group of business exchanges that most interested them. These in-depth sessions allowed attendees to gain new ideas, find potential resources and expand their business networks.
The conference was not all serious business, however, as early guests were welcomed to the networking reception at the JW Marriott overlooking Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team. Thursday evening also concluded the day’s activities with another networking reception intermixed with the sponsor exhibits to allow attendees to network with fellow executives and potential suppliers.
Friday began with a new Peer-to-Peer Breakfast and Discussion, where attendees were able to share a meal with other individuals in their functional area while discussing key topics and issues. This expanded upon the usual roundtable discussions of previous years and enabled attendees in the same functional areas to exchange information about new ideas and resources used, while expanding business networks.
Finally, Plante and Moran debuted its newly configured North American Plastics Industry Study at the conference. Attendees were given their own copy to peruse, while the report was touched upon for benchmarks throughout the day and a half of the conference. Those unable to attend the conference may purchase their report through the MAPP site later in the year at www.mappinc.com.
The Benchmarking Conference truly has become THE processor event to attend year after year. As one conference attendee stated, "What a tremendous event! It’s the superbowl event for our industry, and you don’t want to miss it. If you haven’t attended, you need to consider investing in yourself and your team to experience the conference. You WILL learn and be better because of it!"
MAPP Breaks Membership Records in 2013
MAPP has experienced a record year in growth and retention for membership in 2013. MAPP has hit over 300 members, and the retention rate is the highest it’s ever been!
Also, this year MAPP reached a record in new memberships. As of October, MAPP welcomed 54 new members. "With the steady growth in this association on par with the rate of growth for manufacturing in the US, the future truly looks bright for manufacturing and MAPP!" said Nix.
Stay Tuned for 2014 with MAPP
Mark your calendars for the 2014 Benchmarking Conference, taking place at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, IN, Oct. 16-17, 2014. Members wanting a jump on registration actually can save $100 off the 2014 rate and get the early bird pricing from 2013 if they register by Dec. 31, 2013. Call 317.913.2440 for details. No cancellations will be accepted, but members can substitute individuals from the same company.
In 2014, MAPP is slated to unveil new networking opportunities, conduct the Wage and Salary report (now annually), report on key benchmarking studies, grow the cost reduction programs available and provide more of the service you’ve come to expect from the MAPP network.
MAPP Celebrates 15-Year Anniversaries of Long-Term Members
MAPP would like to congratulate its 15-year members! These companies have maintained their membership since 1998.
"Their support has been unwavering, even in the midst of several economic crises for over a decade. It is companies like these that make MAPP the successful association it is today. MAPP’s vast network expands across the United States, continuing to grow the plastics manufacturing community as a strong American industry," explained Troy Nix, MAPP’s executive director.
"We are humbled and grateful for the support of these companies over the years and look forward to their future with MAPP."