Agenda

Monday, October 28

4:00pm-5:30pm	Executive Committee Meeting
6:00pm-8:00pm	Board of Governors Dinner (Incoming Governors Invited)

Tuesday, October 29

8:00am	Board of Governors Breakfast (Incoming Governors Invited)
8:30am-11:30am	Board of Governors Meeting (Incoming Governors Invited)
11:00am-5:00pm	Registration Open
11:30am-12:15pm	Opening Networking Lunch
12:15pm-12:30pm 12:30pm-1:15pm	Opening Comments KEYNOTE SPEAKER Megatrends and their Anticipated Effects on Business Michael Rogers, Author & Recent Futurist-In-Residence at the New York Times Physicist by training, Michael Rogers, author, technology pioneer, and futurist, will discuss various scenarios of how the business landscape will change over the next decade, highlighting key challenges such as a new emerging workforce that business leaders will encounter. He will explore how successful companies navigate innovation while simultaneously addressing daily business challenges. Key Themes: Future Planning, Technology, Innovation, Generational Workforce Changes
1:15pm-2:00pm	KEYNOTE SPEAKER More of the Same or a New Ballgame? Planning for a Post-Election Landscape David Jolly, Political Consultant, Attorney and Former US Congressman The U.S. political landscape remains as turbulent and uncertain as ever, impeding the ability to predict or prepare your company for action. This session dives into various scenarios that could result from changes in administration and congressional seats, followed by insightful analysis of major policy issues that will influence the trajectory of growth for specialty chemical companies. Key Themes: U.S. Elections, Policy, Regulations
2:00pm-2:15pm	Networking Break
2:30pm-3:00pm	Ready, Set, Partner! 192.5 Million Reasons to Contract with the Federal Government Marta Pazos,Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment; Boudewijn van Lent, President and CEO, VanDeMark Chemical What would you do with a $192.5 million dollar manufacturing contract? Earlier this year, the Department of Defense announced the award of 7 contracts to produce 22 critical chemicals to strengthen the U.S. supply chain, but becoming a federal contractor may seem daunting and exhaustive. During this presentation, hear from a SOCMA member company on lessons learned about the government procurement process, and how one CEO invested in preparation by finding the right partner. Key Themes: Government Contracting, Critical Chemicals, DOD
3:00pm-3:15pm	Networking Break
3:15pm-3:45pm	Concurrent Sessions: Choose your Topic
	Pro-Growth Tax Policies Expiring in 2025 Moderator: Clinton Beeland, CJB Industries Speakers: Yair Holtzman, Anchin; Charles Crain, NAM Tax policy has an impact throughout every part of a company, from workforce management, research and development, material sourcing and the transportation of finished goods. During this moderated panel, our speakers will identify expiring tax policy, and what SOCMA will do to raise awareness of the negative tax implications on specialty chemical manufacturers. Key Themes: Tax Policy, R&D Credit Setting the Record Straight: The Court's Impact on Regulatory Decision Making Speakers: David J. Topping, Phelps Dunbar; Sophie D. Gray, Phelps Dunbar On June 28, the Supreme Court overturned what has long been known as the Chevron Deference, which allowed regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to interpret ambiguous federal statutes. While most of the world believes this will expand innovation and diminish overburdensome regulations, the Loper Bright foreshadows how future Administrations may exploit the Supreme Court to change rulemaking. Key Themes: Chevron Deference, Regulatory Decisions
3:45pm-4:00pm	Networking Break
4:00pm-5:00pm	Hot Topics Exchange This fast-paced, highly interactive small group discussion will be led by SOCMA Staff. Executive Fishbowl (By Invitation Only) Steven B. Hedrick, AVN Corporation Exclusively for c-suite manufacturer executives, this closed session combines informal networking and conversations to address challenges in the specialty and batch chemical industry. Share your successes and learn from others during this unique fishbowl. Key Themes: AI adoption, workforce challenges, operational pain points Industry Insights: Mergers & Acquisitions Speaker: Kevin Yttre, Grace Matthews How has the private equity landscape changed in 2024, and how are companies being evaluated. In a time where more dollars and funds are available, hear how the aspect of certainty impacts a deal more than valuation multiples. Industry Insights: Trade & Tariffs Speaker: Robert Stang, Husch Blackwell The impact of tariffs (actual and threatened) on U.S. imports continues to influence and shape supply chains and cost structures for specialty chemical manufacturers, distributors and end-users in this hot political environment. Bob Stang will discuss how tariffs may impact your company's ability to conduct business in the U.S. and globally. Industry Insights: Manufacturing & Operations Speaker: Paul Ameis, WTS, Inc. Supplier sustainability continues to be scrutinized. In this hot topic exchange, WTS, Inc will share its holistic approach to mining by-products and how companies are now truly walking up (or down) the Waste pyramid.
5:00pm-6:00pm	Networking Reception
6:00pm-8:00pm	Awards & Recognition Dinner Celebrate the accomplishments of fellow SOCMA members during the annual awards dinner. Recipients of SOCMA's Safety Recognition Program and individual honors will be recognized during the evening program.

Wednesday, October 30

7:30am-8:15am	Breakfast
8:15am-8:50am	Annual Business Meeting SOCMA is the only association focused on the unique needs of specialty, fine and batch chemical manufacturers. During this year's Annual Business Meeting, updates on SOCMA's member initiatives and resources will be shared in addition to recognizing our Board leadership.
8:50am-9:00am	Break
9:00am-9:45am	Concurrent Sessions: Choose your Topic New Market Trends: Bio-Manufacturing Moderator: Cameron Whaley, Southern Chemical & Textiles Speakers: Jimmy Jet, Integrilty BioChem; Dennis Zlotnik, BioReNuva From customer requests to investments by the federal government, the increase in biomanufacturing to create sustainable supply chains has increased year over year. Hear from customers about what's driving the boom in bio and how you can take advantage of these new opportunities. Key Themes: Biomanufacturing, Market Trends, Customer Trends Filling the Manufacturing Gap: Recruiting New Talent into Chemical Manufacturing Speakers: Doug Wynn, Colonial Chemical; Dr. George Graham, MFG Chemical By 2033, nearly 2 million manufacturing jobs are projected to be left unfilled in key roles of maintenance technicians and chemical operators. Several years ago, Colonial Chemical embarked on a community college partnership program to create a pipeline and pathway for high school graduates to enter the chemical industry. Colonial Chemical’s Executive VP of Operations, Doug Wynn will share his perspective on program effectiveness, how to get started, and lessons learned on recruiting future talent. Additionally, George Graham, MFG, will provide insights into their unique approach and journey. The session will feature an engaging conversation between the panelists, with questions and discussions that highlight their different experiences and strategy. Key Themes: Innovation, Workforce Development, Community Partnerships
9:45am-10:00am	Break
10:00am-11:30am	GENERAL SESSIONS In the closing general sessions, we will take a look at shifts in sourcing and deep dive into the results of the 2025 Contract Manufacturing Outlook survey. Both sessions will offer valuable insights into external factors that will impact North American manufacturing. Our speakers will facilitate a deeper understanding of market dynamics, trends shaping contract manufacturing, and how companies are responding to increased demand for specialty chemicals. Global Shifts in Sourcing: Impact on North American Specialty Chemical Manufacturing Moderator: Cameron Young, Weylchem Speakers: Dr. Deepak Parikh, Advent International; Joe Nettleton, Cambrex; Ross Gale, IPP Key Themes: Sourcing, Contract Manufacturing Outlook, China, India, Europe
	Interpreting the Results of the 2025 Contract Manufacturing Outlook Report Moderator: Erika Krueger, Ortec Inc. Speakers: Jeff Barnes, NASi; Jose Maria Bermúdez, VIAKEM
11:30am	Traveler's Lunch - Grab & Go