Niagara Falls

2003 IADD Annual Meeting
September 18-20, 2003 Sheraton on the Falls and Brock Hotels
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canad

“Build a Better Barrel”
Tools to Survive the Pitfalls of Tough Times

Trying to survive in today’s challenging environment at times seems like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. This meeting will help you learn what any successful daredevil already knows—if you’re going to protect your life and well-being, you’ve got to manufacture a barrel that can stand the pounding, plan your launch carefully, button up and hold on, and celebrate your continued life.*

Join us for the IADD’s Annual Meeting to learn about tools you can use to survive the pitfalls of our industry’s tough times.
 
*Quoted from Container Trade On-line Bulletin Board, posting by Hunter S. Fulghum


Scheduled Sessions:

1. Core Values
Moderator: Johanne Gualtieri, Central Die Supplies Inc.; Speaker: Kingdon Offenbacker, Echo Engineering & Production Supplies; Industry Panel
Every successful business manager understands the need to identify basic core values. But how successful have you been at communicating these core values throughout your company and actually relying on them to lead your operation and make key decisions? Based on the book “Playing for Keeps,” our speaker has implemented these principles within his own dieshop and will set the stage to show you ways to use these principles to sell value, get your product to market, increase profit margins, and survive the economic downturn. Learn the importance of empowering employees and how their understanding of core values will lead to better quality, speed, and a more profitable bottom line. Panel members will also discuss challenges they’ve faced in adhering to core values during tough times or when facing seemingly unfair competition.

2. Lean Manufacturing
Moderator & Panelist: Reg Cunningham, Dover Packaging; Speaker: Kelly Vaughn, EZ Packaging Graphics
Lean Manufacturing is a widely used improvement methodology utilized by many world-class manufacturers including Toyota, Boeing, and many others. Our speaker got into diemaking after working with Lean Manufacturing at Boeing, where he realized the power of this system. Building on his acclaimed presentation at the IADD Diecutting Odyssey, he will explain the concept of Lean Manufacturing, including the expected benefits and challenges associated with implementation. He will include experiences from other industries, and panel members will join him in sharing successes in applying this methodology in diemaking and diecutting.

3. It’s Not Your Father’s ISO: Trends & Updates That Can Benefit You Moderator: Joe Adkison, Adko; Speaker: ISO Expert (to be announced), Panel: David Bialoglow, National Steel Rule Even skeptics of ISO would do well to sit up and take notice of the recent changes in core ISO principles and how incorporating these changes can help all businesses, not just those who have achieved certification. Moving from a documentation mode to a customer service-oriented “Customer is King” attitude is something that will benefit anyone’s bottom line. Whether or not your company has chosen to become ISO certified, you’ll want to learn how industry members have used the new philosophies to improve their customer relationships and improve sales.

4. Software for the Diecutting/Diemaking Industry
Moderator: Al Hoak, Bohler; Speakers: Kevin Koelsh, Dynamic Dies, Inc., Paul Hettinga, The Rayner Company
This presentation takes a look at the different software packages that are on the market today which are exclusively tailored towards our industry. These database applications help manage the process from order entry through billing and all points in between. Communications are handled via the internet, making approvals, quoting and modifications simple and effective. While initially developed for use by diemakers, this software has also enabled diecutters and suppliers to better maintain control over their operations. Join in and review these products from a user’s point of view.

5. The Impact of Global Markets: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
Moderator: Peter Quinlan, AccuDie; Speakers: Nallan Suresh, University of Buffalo School of Management; Industry Panel
When you read the words, “the changing face of global markets,” do you immediately think, “that doesn’t apply to me or my business?” Our speaker is an expert in manufacturing strategy and supply chains and global operations management. He will set the stage for our industry panel in demonstrating how an understanding of global trends will help you be a better businessperson and to make better decisions. Global trends impact our customers and our customers’ customers. What happens when manufacturing companies decide to produce products oversees? Why should you be aware of the trickle-down effect currently experienced in the packaging industry and affecting all those supplying this industry? What causes these shifts? How can you predict the negative and positive impact of international business and take advantage of opportunities they create? Panel members will also provide a prospective on how these trends are viewed from other countries and economies. By reviewing the history, experiences and trends in other industries, you can plan the necessary changes to overcome any negative effects of shifting markets.

6. Trendwatch
Moderators: Mark Baril, Cut Smart Manufacturing, Derrick Ames, Die Supply Guys Inc.; Speakers: Ed Porento, Best Cutting Die, Mauro Tomelleri, Serviform SRL (other speakers to be announced)
Continuing the theme of our previous program, the IADD has asked a variety of industry wizards, prognosticators and icons to help us identify trends in the marketplace and to predict their impact specifically in our industry. From problems the next generation will face in competing against Asian manufacturing shops, to how business can capitalize on opportunities created by fluctuating exchange rates, you will find our speakers’ sense of timing and inuition to be remarkable. This session will definitely give you something to think about.

2003 Midyear Leadership Conference

Green Valley Ranch

2003 Midyear Leadership Conference
April 3-5, 2003
Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada


How is your company doing? The economic recession has delivered quite a blow to many businesses, including many IADD members. Are you taking the actions necessary to get your company back on its feet? Or are you still knocked down, waiting for the diecutting converting industry and your business to return to "normal"? IADD is pleased to present a workshop designed to help you revitalize your company. Studies have shown that many business owners, presidents and CEOs fail to do the very things that their companies desperately need if they are going to succeed in today's difficult economic environment… and oftentimes they don't even realize it. By joining us for this year's Midyear Leadership Conference you will learn the following and more:

It is never easy to admit that things are not perfect in our companies or our industry, but look at all the potential benefits that can come from facing up to the challenge. Consider all that you have to gain from attending the 2003 IADD Midyear Meeting and hearing how to manage your business back to prosperity!

2002 ANNUAL MEETING

Annual Meeting Brochure




"Remember the Alamo ... but focus on the Future"

How to survive and succeed in uncertain times

 September 19-21, 2002
The Westin Riverwalk Hotel
San Antonio, Texas USA
While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, there is no doubt about what the battle has come to symbolize. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as an heroic struggle against overwhelming odds. These days, diecutters and diemakers are feeling the pressures of a depressed economy, fast-changing environment and uncertain future. The IADD has put together a series of programs to help you identify future trends, strengthen your human resources and invent new sales opportunities to enable you to survive and succeed in uncertain times.


SESSIONS

1A. Genesis of Trends How Does an Invention Get Off the Ground?
Moderator: Mark Baril, Cut Smart Manufacturing; Speaker: John Hart, H&R Technology

Trendsetters inspire and lead us to our future. Their stories of success, against all odds, are oftentimes a detailed instruction manual for those of us who will set the next trend. This session will inspire and instruct you with in-depth "how to" stories from people and companies that have moved us forward in the past and are already beginning to push us into the next industry trend.

1B. Trendwatch: New Ideas in the Equipment World
Moderator: David Bialoglow, National Steel Rule; Speakers: Didier Chevroton, The Martin Group/The Bobst Group USA, Dick Clements, Ken Die Cutting Supplies

As times change, our needs and requirements also change. It is important to stay abreast of the new equipment and machinery in the forefront of our industry. Examples of innovative processes include new technologies on the diecutting module (fast set-up die/Posi-Lock system, new anvil grinding, quick lock anvil device for blanket replacement); theoretical and practical die manufacturing (technical information for diemakers); and the benefits and new capabilities of third generation autobenders which allow one machine to perform many different applications.

1C. Beyond Paperboard: The Crazy Wacky World of Converting Other Substrates
Moderators: Rick Clay, Reliable Steel Rule Die and Joel Lombard, Die Craft; Panel: Mark Baril, Cut Smart Manufacturing, Dick Clements, Ken Die Cutting Supplies, Kevin Carey, Diecutting Information Exchange, Nick Crabtree, CCM Die Supply

What can be diecut ... and what can't? Sometimes you feel your business is in jeopardy of losing a customer, simply because you can't find the solution to their diemaking/diecutting needs. This panel will share ideas concerning different ways to approach how to build a die and what is the best way to diecut difficult materials, using a variety of creative solutions. This is one game where you will want these champions on your side!

2A. Beyond Steel Rule Dies: The Threatening World of Alternative Cutting Methods
Moderators: Mark Baril, Cut Smart Manufacturing and Barry Borrell, Custom Die Services; Speaker: John Dillon, LASX

Will our industry ever see the extinction of diecutting and diemaking? (The dinosaurs never thought it was possible, either!) We all need to be exposed to and learn about what's on the horizon and how it may affect our businesses. How you then choose to use the information is up to you you can ignore the reality, you can embrace the technology, or you can rebel against it. No matter what your choice is, you'll want to make informed decisions. This session will expose you to a trend or two that may threaten our very existence as diemakers and diecutters!

2B. Trends in "Good to Great" Human Resources
Speakers: Jack O'Leary, Modernistic, Sally Bustamante, Bates Container, Jim Fly, Career and Workplace Advisors

What transforms good or even poor companies into the realm of enduring greatness? When it comes to human resources, does your company struggle to find and hire skilled employees let alone keep them? This three-part program will cover how to be sure you have the right people doing the right job, using a skills matrix and personnel profile for each job and person. Then you'll learn how to supervise Generation X and Generation Y employees and the differences within generations. You'll pick up tips on how to interact with your co-workers in a more positive, productive manner. Learn what motivates each group and keep your best people working for you. Finally, learn how to creatively retain your top performing employees especially your non-management and line workers with powerful, non-economic incentives.

3A. BE a Trendsetter: Invent Sales Opportunities No One Else Can Imagine
Moderator: Joe Adkison, Adko; Speaker: Art Turock, Art Turock & Associates

Do you know what your customers want before they even know themselves? While many business leaders recognize the pressing need for innovative strategy in these out-of-the-box times, the capabilities for discovering "latent" customer needs and conceiving original solutions remain elusive. You'll learn:

Art knows that you've got a business to run and you're not a futurist, so he'll cover time efficient ways for producing today's results while reinventing your business. There is little proprietary information about the future...what is proprietary is the original thinking given to future trends information. He'll give case examples of using trends to conceive new business opportunities and routines for proactively preparing for the future even when there appears to be no time. The value added program handout is a set of tools (questionnaires, charts, assessments) that are immediately applicable to guide your practice of strategic thinking and conversation appropriate to your particular role in your company.

Best of all, participatory breakout sessions will go beyond theory and result in new product and service ideas. You'll explore the future, working with a group of industry visionaries and led by an expert on trendsetting. You can take these thinking methods back to your company team to implement.


MEETING PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Board of Directors Meeting
3:30 pm - 6:30 pm Registration of Members and Guests
6:15 pm - 8:45 pm "Wild Wild West" Welcome Event & Buffet Dinner


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
7:30 am Continental Breakfast Available
8:15 am - Noon General Sessions 1A, 1B and 1C
Noon - 1:15 pm "Paseo del Rio" Luncheon
1:15 pm - 4:00 pm General Sessions 2A and 2B


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
7:30 am Continental Breakfast Available
8:15 am - Noon General Session 3A
Noon - 1:30 pm "Remember the Alamo" Safety Awards Luncheon
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Annual Business Meeting & Chapter Forum
6:15 pm - 7:00 pm Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm - 12:30 am "Western Pearls" 30th Anniversary Awards Dinner/Dance


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

9:00 am to 1:00 pm Texas Chic
Enjoy a special pampered day at Saks 5th Avenue, beginning with a champagne continental breakfast in a private VIP area before viewing a fashion show of the new fall collection for 2002. You'll be divided into three groups for customized makeovers, with each group going to their private make-up studio, where you will each receive a makeover, make-up tips, be introduced to new make-up lines and have one-on-one time with a make-up artist. The two groups not in the studio will be on the Saks 5th Avenue floor shopping to their hearts' content, or browsing through the beautiful North Star Mall. After your relaxing morning, you'll walk away with a gift bag full of exciting and new gifts and be all set for your San Antonio Night on the Town!

OTHER ATTRACTIONS
All conference registrants will receive a San Antonio information packet listing sites to see, things to do, dining recommendations, hotel information and general travel tips to help you enjoy your stay. Long a crossroads of history (and a meeting place of cultures), San Antonio is a rich blend of deeply rooted traditions and 21st century cosmopolitan flair, a place where America's past and present merge to create a unique vibrancy. Now the nation's eighth largest city, San Antonio is a joyful melange of the flavors and sounds of Native Americans, Old Mexico, the Republic of Texas, Germans, the Wild West, African Americans and the Deep South.


To download the 2002 Annual Meeting registration form, RIGHT CLICK one of the buttons below, then select "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As ..." (Netscape). This will allow you to save the file on your computer for viewing and printing.

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2002 MIDYEAR MEETING

Midyear Meeting




DON’T HOWL AT THE MOON:

Strategies for Communicating & Resolving Conflicts Effectively

 March 21-23, 2002
Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona
What did you say ... or mean to say? If there is one constant element in today’s world, it’s CHANGE. And if there is one element of successful change efforts, it’s effective COMMUNICATION. Would you agree?

A survey of top executives asked them to cite the primary factors in achieving success. Their list, in order of importance: communication skills, intelligence, integrity, experience and a positive attitude. What is your list? In a recent IADD poll concerning “Top Gripes” about suppliers and customers, you listed “better communications” as the #1 expectation you have that is not being met. Why is that?

There are many challenges facing the converting industry and members of the IADD. The impacts of change, technology, capital cost of equipment, perceptions of quality and service, tighter margins and balancing old ways with new ways are just a few. Believe it or not, not everyone thinks exactly like you do! And they may even hear different messages! And, no matter how good we are now, conflicts do, and will, come up as part of our days. Agree?

This informative and entertaining program will present some very practical concepts and techniques that can be immediately implemented with your employees, customers, suppliers, partners, spouses, kids and yourself—and even on the golf course.

Download Midyear Meeting Brochure
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To download a 2002 Midyear Meeting brochure/registration form, RIGHT CLICK one of the buttons above, then select "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As ..." (Netscape). This will allow you to save the file on your computer for viewing and printing.

2001 ANNUAL MEETING RESCHEDULED

Because of the tragic events of September, 11, the IADD Annual Meeting has been rescheduled:

2001 ANNUAL MEETING
November 15-17, 2001
Marriott Grand Hotel
Point Clear (Mobile), AL USA

As of October 15 all original sessions have been reconfirmed for the new dates.

The Marriott Grand Hotel offers excellent accomodations with genuine southern hospitality and charm at very affordable rates.

For latest information on sessions and spouse activities, please contact IADD headquarters:
1-815-455-7519  Fax: 1-815-455-7510  Email: staff@iadd.org

What to Do When the Economy Has You Over a Barrel

Are we merely experiencing a period of slow growth, a plateau or is this a true recession? Whatever you call it, there’s no doubt about the speed and depth with which customer demand fell in segments of our industry. It hit us hard, and created for many a profit recession. Leading economic indicators turned down, accounts receivable collection got longer and we witnessed a significant slowing in business spending.

As if the dizzying pace of economic change isn’t challenge enough, our industry also must cope with rampant technological innovations and increases in competition. You may feel like you’re over a barrel, but the IADD can show you how to keep from going over the falls and making a recession your company’s self-fulfilling prophecy.

Sessions
1A.   State of the Industry Report: Is Water the Only Thing Falling?
Moderator: Ken Holliday, SouthEastern Die; Speaker: Sue Friedman, packagePRINTING

Explore the realities of the current economic climate, threats to your business, effects of the current economic slowdown, experiences with layoffs and shutdowns, the biggest challenges to your business today and the overall business outlook for our industry.

1B.   Little Adjustments Result in Big Profits
Moderators: Rick Clay, Reliable Steel Rule Die & Craig Pepper, Pace Punches; Panelists: Mark Baril, CutSmart Manufacturing, Bob Larson, Larson WorldWide, Mark Porter, Dienamic MIS & Pete Quinlan, AccuDie

During a time when the economy has slowed down and sales have declined, the importance of efficiency and profitability should be looked at under a microscope. Sometimes the smallest changes in how we approach our businesses can reap huge increases in our bottom line. This panel will share ideas concerning how measuring labor, multi-tasking, shop layout and outsourcing can affect your profits. If you sell or produce anything, you could make more money.

1C.   Show Me the Money: Activity-Based Costing
Moderator: Clint Medlock, Stafford Cutting Dies; Speaker: Gary Cokins, CPIM, ABC Technologies, Inc.
Do you know what factors determine the ultimate profitability of your company’s activities and, ultimately, of your business itself? Activity-Based Costing (ABC) is a detail- and data-intensive introspection of the way your business behaves. It examines your organization’s activities to determine why each is performed; when, in what order, under what circumstances, how often and for whom each is performed; and what resources are used for each activity. Do you really know if your large, but demanding customer is making or losing you money when you include sales time and customer service? Do you know how much time is spent on the shop floor vs. what is standard? Are you tracking hidden costs? Are you making choices that optimize your resources? Are you throwing away your profits? Learn how ABC methodology can lead to better business decisions.

2A.   Find a Better Barrel: Alternative Ways to Produce Revenues
Moderator: Regina Thornton, Emerald Die Services; Panelists: Steve Gore, Data Technology, Leo Denlea, Advanced Laser Dies & a representative from a waterjet manufacturer

Learn alternative ways to increase your revenues by supplying a service or product to other industries. Equipment manufacturers of lasers, plotters and waterjets team up with dieshops currently supplying to other industries to educate you on how to use your equipment to produce and supply products to the leather, plastics, metal and other industries.

2B.   Strategic Alliances
Moderator: Pat Quinlan, AccuDie; Speaker: Harry Voss, Diamond Packaging

In the face of increased competition and to contend with larger integrated companies, smaller independents are establishing strategic alliances to help extend their reach. Learn from one of the founders of the Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) how trusting and sharing with former competitors leads to increased strength and success. Using GPA as a model, discover how an alliance is put together, how they work, the benefits of such strategic alliances and the potential pitfalls.

3A.   E-Commerce and Its Future in Our Industry
Moderator: Jennifer Fox, Paragon Steel Rule Die; Speakers: Terry Owen & Jim Salviski, Logical Solutions

Do you know the difference between e-commerce and an informational website? Are you confused with talk about websites, servers, search engines, email, etc? Do you have a website? Are you utilizing it to its highest capacity? Is our industry ready for e-commerce? Or is the whole Internet process too intimidating? We’ll take a simple and easy look at:
• ups and downs of e-commerce • targeting the correct search engines
• reality of e-commerce in the diecutting industry • taking your website to the next level
• how websites can benefit your company • on-line quoting, tech support, Q&A
• differences between information websites and e-commerce

3B.   Customer Expectations: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
A multi-act skit performed by the IADD Players and the Odyssey Dancers

3C.   What Do Our Customers Really Want?
Moderators: Joe Adkison, Adko, Inc. & Derrick Ames, Simonds Notting; Panelists: Reg Cunningham, Howell Packaging, Allen Gurka, Allen Consulting, Ed Mucci Jr., National Steel Rule & Bob Stoddard, CCM Die Supply

Whether you’re a vendor, diemaker or diecutter, your position in the supply chain changes with each transaction—and let’s face it, sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug. Understanding everyone’s expectations is just the beginning of developing cooperative relationships with your suppliers and customers. Learn and avoid the top gripes suppliers have about their customers, and customers about their suppliers. Your on-site input will influence the topics explored by this panel, which may include working with purchasing agents, creating standard order placement systems, teaching customers the difference between price inquiries and actual ordering, the perils and pluses of paperless transactions, how your customer defines “value added,” what you aren’t doing now that your customer wishes you were and much more.


To download a 2001 Annual Meeting registration form, RIGHT CLICK one of the buttons below, then select "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As ..." (Netscape). This will allow you to save the file on your computer for viewing and printing.

Download Registration Form
(PDF file, 98kBytes - Requires Acrobat Reader)
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