30 Sep CEO Insights: The Importance Of Reaching Beyond Our Industry Borders

THE IMPORTANCE OF REACHING BEYOND OUR INDUSTRY BORDERS

BEMA connects. It’s a simple phrase that has come to define our association. Whether you’ve attended BEMA Connect at one of our Conventions, dined with us at a Regional Dinner, or networked at NEXUS; connecting is at the heart of what we do.

CREATING CONNECTIONS

This year, BEMA will be at PACK EXPO International. With over 60 of our members showcasing their products, and more attending, it’s important for our team to meet our members where they are.  So, myself and three other BEMA staff members will be attending PACK EXPO and hosting a reception on Monday, Nov. 4 to bring the industry together.

While you’re at the show, stop in to hear Emily Bowers, BEMA’s Vice President of Education and Operations, speak about BEMA Intel: Trending Data that Matters. Join her at the Industry Speaks stage (N-4544) on Monday, Nov. 4, from 1:30-2:00 p.m. in the North Building.

Hoping to attend, but haven’t registered yet? BEMA is happy to be part of the PEI Partner Program this year, a major perk being that BEMA members can attend PACK EXPO for free using our complimentary code. Simply go to the registration page and enter BEMACC in the discount code box.

EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE

We know that our role to connect our members extends beyond our industry. When we investigate other industries outside our specific area of interest, we’ll find we can glean important knowledge from them, too. Just look at one of our speakers at this past year’s Convention.

We were lucky enough to host Rob Cotton, PepsiCo R&D Director for Packaging Sustainable Materials. His talk on the quest to become RCBR (recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and reusable) compliant was a big hit with Convention attendees as we all look for ways to better serve our consumers and the environment. If you missed the talk, take a minute to check out the highlights.

In addition, at NEXUS last year, we collaborated with RealWear, a technology company, to showcase what they are doing in the wearable technology space. We worked with RealWear because we saw an opportunity for our members to learn from a company doing something different. If you were at NEXUS and saw what RealWear is doing, you might have thought, “well, I don’t need something like that right now.” However, sometime in the future, you might, and you’ll know where to start your search.

MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

Educating ourselves from those around us and connecting with others outside our direct industry works to expand our impact and strengthen the industry as a whole. We look forward to seeing many of you at PACK EXPO, expanding our horizons as an industry, and growing together.