Trending Topics and Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss

The 2023 Annual Conference will provide numerous sessions you’ll want to be sure to mark as a “favorite” on your agenda app. Below is a list of just a few trending topics and sessions you won’t want to miss. Click on the session title on the Schedule of Events for details to learn more about the sessions that are not listed below.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Forming Meaningful Relationships (Mon., 8/23, 8:45 a) Open to all.
Why is connecting with others important? People get inspired and feel motivated. It creates a sense of valued self. When people form an authentic relationship they exchange positive energy with one another and build trust. This eye-opening talk is filled with stories, music and takeaways, to support the art of connection.  Learn more by watching this short video from Jimmy!

Keynote Speaker: Jimmy Yeary
About Jimmy: Aside from being the lead singer of the supergroup SHENANDOAH, Jimmy is considered one of the best songwriters in the industry. His songs have been Billboard #1 hits, Grammy Winners, and certified Gold and Platinum hits.

GROUP NETWORKING EVENT: SmartHunt at ICON Park Group Networking Event (Mon., 8/23, 1:30 – 4:30 p) (Included in your registration) Open to all.
The QCS group networking event has been a conference highlight year after year. And this year will be no exception! Be a part of this year’s high-energy event – a scavenger hunt at Orlando’s ICON Park. After a brief icebreaker activity and explanation of the event rules, teams will be transported to ICON Park where they will be set loose to hunt for and complete various challenges to earn points. The challenges could include a photo mission, video challenges, or a trivia question. Teams will be awarded a mystery package at one of the stations that will be opened at the end of the event (no peeking!). And we’re taking this event to a new level by including a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park. This 400-foot-tall Observation Wheel not only gives you an amazing view of Orlando but is also one of the challenge stations. Teams will return to the Rosen Centre for the award ceremony. The contents of the mystery package will finally be revealed during one last challenge – a group puzzle challenge! What could the puzzle reveal?

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: C02 – Prepare for the Evolving Supply Chain: How to Face the Industry’s Headwinds Head On (Tues., 8/24, 9:30 a). Open to all.
Recent years have seen the global merchant Carbon Dioxide supply chain devolve into a highly challenged environment with an uncertain future. Traditional CO2 sources will continue facing strong “headwinds” into the foreseeable future; however, there are new alternative/renewable supply source opportunities emerging with the potential to be a force in tomorrow’s market. This presentation will examine the market factors and trends affecting today’s CO2 industry, including the impact carbon credits and global decarbonization programs can be expected to have in the next few years. The presenter will discuss emerging alternative renewable supply sources, their pros, and cons, the influence on distribution and logistical systems some new sources could have, and deliver some thoughts on how purchasers of CO2 can start preparing for the evolving supply chain.

Speaker: Bob Yeoman, Managing Director, Spectrum Carbonics, LLC

Cyber Security Threats for Food and Beverage Processors: (Mon, 10/23, 11:00 a) Open to all. The food and beverage industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technology and automation. While these advancements bring numerous benefits such as improved efficiency and production, they also introduce a host of new cybersecurity challenges and vulnerabilities. This presentation will delve into the critical topic of securing the operations and data of food and beverage processors against the backdrop of an increasingly connected world.

Speaker: Steve VanDyke, Senior Threat Researcher, Exabeam

OPEN FORUM – BEST PRACTICES: (Tues, 10/24, 9:30 a) QCS members only. Are you dealing with issues you never had to deal with before? Do you wonder how other attendees in similar businesses or similar roles and responsibilities are managing these challenges? Do you have a new idea, or innovative solution you’d like to share? Let’s share and learn from one another. The Best Practices Open Forum provides a unique peer-to-peer platform for QCS Members and IBDEA guests to share and discuss, ask questions, and learn from fellow member attendees. This session applies to all QCS industry segments (baking, beverage, dairy, food, water).

Session Moderators: Andy Pincus, Carbonator Rental Service, and Jim Woodward, QCS Purchasing Cooperative.

QCS CATEGORY SESSIONS: QCS members only. During each of these sessions, members will get a current update on the programs in the category, an outlook on the category cost drivers, previews of new innovative solutions to member challenges, efficiency, and cost-saving opportunities and engage in open discussions. This is a great opportunity to learn about and influence the solutions that QCS delivers to your organization. Sessions include:
-Ingredients
-Insurance & Trucking
-MRO: Plant Operations, Facility Services and Indirect Spend
-MRO: Parts, Consumables, and Safety Items
-Packaging: Corrugated & Labels
-Packaging: Resin & Films