Pharma EXPO Keynotes Will Focus on Biopharm Manufacturing and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Packaging

October 28, 2014

Keynote sessions will focus on challenges and opportunities in manufacturing operations and pharmaceutical packaging at Pharma Expo, which will be collocated with PACK EXPO International, on tap Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. 

The show, a joint venture of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), will feature the keynote addresses as highlights of the Pharma EXPO conference program that will feature presentations about issues and trends that affect all facets of the pharmaceutical industry, including the medical device, biotechnology, and nutraceutical sectors.  

The keynote addresses will correspond with that day’s track topic. The Manufacturing Operations track will feature keynoter Michael James, plant manager at SAFC Biosciences, Division of Sigma Aldrich, on “Effectiveness First, Efficiency Second!”

Using SAFC Biosciences as an example, James will speak about how to balance the priority for operational efficiency and flexibility to answer the biologics market’s demand for cost containment and greater responsiveness.

Durin g the Pharmaceutical Packaging track, Fastraqq Inc.’s Dan Balan will present “Winning the New Innovation Game,” focusing on factors that are disrupting old, straight-line models of medical innovation.

These factors include a multi-generational workforce, longer life spans, rising healthcare costs, and alternative forms of healing. He will also examine reasons why pharmaceutical manufacturers must look to other industries for solutions. 

“We are excited to offer these informative keynote addresses free of charge to Pharma EXPO and PACK EXPO attendees,” says Julianne Rill, director of education, ISPE. “The sessions are an excellent addition to the show’s robust educational programming, making this year’s event a hub not just for innovative technologies, but innovative ideas as well.”

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.