JW Marriott Nashville
201 8th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 291-8600
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
| Start Time |
End Time |
Agenda Item |
Location |
| 2:00pm |
5:00pm |
SOCMA Board of Governors Meeting |
Belle Meade I & II |
| 4:00pm |
8:00pm |
Badge Pick-Up |
Registration Area |
| 4:00pm |
8:00pm |
Exhibitor Set-Up |
Symphony Foyer |
| 5:00pm |
6:00pm |
SOCMA Welcome Happy Hour
Sponsored by Ascent Chemicals |
SOCMA Member Lounge |
| 6:30pm |
8:30pm |
SOCMA Board of Governors Dinner |
Off-site |
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
| Start Time |
End Time |
Agenda Item |
Location |
| 6:00am |
10:00am |
Exhibitor Set-Up |
Griffin Ballroom |
| 7:00am |
6:00pm |
Registration Open |
Griffin Foyer |
| 7:00am |
8:00am |
Breakfast
Sponsored by Toll Solutions |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 8:00am |
8:30am |
Day 1 Welcome
Brooke DiDomenico, Nation Ford Chemical
Jennifer Abril, SOCMA President & CEO |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 9:00am |
10:30am |
Exhibitor Showcases |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 10:30am |
5:30pm |
Show Floor Open |
Griffin Ballroom |
| 11:45am |
1:15pm |
Lunch |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 2:00pm |
2:30pm |
Driving Innovation Through AI and Next-Generation Products
As the specialty chemicals sector faces increasing pressure for efficiency, cost optimization, and sustainability, innovation in procurement processes has never been more critical. This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the way companies’ source, evaluate, and manage specialty chemicals, driving both operational efficiency and product innovation.
Speaker: Jessie Walters, Global Procurement Director – External Manufacturing, Evonik |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 2:30pm |
3:00pm |
Navigating Policy Changes: Impacts on the Specialty Chemicals Sector
In an era of rapid regulatory shifts, evolving environmental standards, and geopolitical uncertainty, the specialty chemicals sector must continuously adapt to new policies and regulations that shape the way businesses operate. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of recent and upcoming policy changes—ranging from environmental regulations and sustainability goals to trade tariffs and safety standards—and their implications for the specialty chemicals industry.
Speaker: Robert D. McArver, Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Nouryon
Moderator: Jennifer Abril, President & CEO, SOCMA |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 3:00pm |
3:30pm |
Networking Coffee Break |
Symphony Foyer |
| 3:00pm |
4:00pm |
Professional Headshots for Attendees and Exhibitors |
Arlington Room |
| 4:30pm |
5:30pm |
Grand Opening Reception
Sponsored by Nation Ford Chemical |
Griffin Ballroom |
| 5:30pm |
6:30pm |
SOCMA President’s Reception
By invitation |
Hotel Speakeasy |
Thursday, February 20, 2025
| Start Time |
End Time |
Agenda Item |
Location |
| 7:00am |
5:30pm |
Registration Open |
Griffin Foyer |
| 7:15am |
8:00am |
Breakfast |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 7:15am |
8:00am |
Women’s Networking Breakfast
Pivotal Moments: Navigating a Sustainable and Fulfilling Career Path
In partnership with Women in Chemicals, this panel features accomplished women who have navigated transformative career pivots, taken sabbaticals to reset and refocus their goals, and successfully managed the complex dynamics of advancing professionally while maintaining a balanced personal life. A male ally will provide a complementary perspective, offering insights into how men can play an active role in creating inclusive environments, advocating for women, and fostering meaningful partnerships in both professional and personal environments.
Moderator: Kylie Wittl, Co-Founder & Director of Operations, Women in Chemicals
Panelists: Waan Chulakham, Strategic Sourcing Manager – External Manufacturing
Alan Dyke, VP, Business Development, FAR Chemical |
Arlington Room |
| 8:00am |
8:15am |
Day 2 Welcome
Jennifer Abril, SOCMA President & CEO |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 8:15am |
9:00am |
Keynote Presentation |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 9:00am |
10:30am |
Exhibitor Showcases |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 10:30am |
5:30pm |
Exhibits Open |
Griffin Ballroom |
| 11:30am |
1:30pm |
Lunch |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 2:00pm |
2:30pm |
Localization and Building Regional Supplier Networks
This session will explore how localization and the development of regional supplier networks can not only reduce risks but also enhance competitiveness, operational efficiency, and responsiveness to market demands. By focusing on regional supplier networks, businesses can mitigate the risks of global disruptions, optimize lead times, and support sustainability initiatives, all while gaining closer alignment with local market needs and regulatory requirements. Experts from industry, logistics, and procurement will share insights on how companies can strategically localize their sourcing and supplier relationships to achieve greater supply chain resilience.
Moderator: Brian Burkhart, Vice President, Milliken
Speakers: Jonnie Woertink, Business Development, Huntsman
Charise Kahre, Global Tolling Director, Momentive |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 4:30pm |
5:30pm |
Networking Reception
Sponsored by Chevron Oronite |
Griffin Ballroom |
Friday, February 21, 2025
| Start Time |
End Time |
Agenda Item |
Location |
| 7:30am |
8:15am |
Attendee Networking Breakfast |
Symphony Ballroom |
| 9:00am |
12:00pm |
Exhibits Open |
Griffin Foyer |
| 12:00pm |
|
Show Floor Closes |
|
