By Diane Beni, CPIM 1997 APICS Conference Committee Chair

Breakthrough: It's the word of the moment. I see and hear it continually on TV, radio, print ads, books, headlines and even in Harvard Business Review titles. APICS is trendy!

When the APICS '97 theme was defined in February 1996, breakthrough was an emerging term that embodied the spirit of the conference — new, current, bold. I hoped that breakthrough could ride the crest of the wave, and not be drowned by it, over the next 19 months. So far we're "hanging 10." I still worry how many times I will use it in this editorial.

"Target Breakthrough Ideas" is more a statement than a theme for the 1997 APICS International Conference and Exhibition to be held Oct. 26-29 in Washington, D.C. It focuses attention on the ideas that will be presented and discussed throughout the conference — ideas that will become the basis for breakthroughs within the attendees' organizations.

The reasons people attend the APICS conferences can be encapsulated in two words: education and networking. The focal point of these two areas has been incorporated into the 1997 conference's mission statement. Ideas are gained both inside and outside the classroom, and each element of the conference is designed to maximize the attendees' full experience over the four days.


General session speakers bring insights
General session speakers selected for APICS '97 represent a mix of perspectives that inspire, challenge and entertain. Each speaker will bring insight to an area that affects our lives — from current events and the cultural changes in business to the environment that lies ahead — and provide the impetus for breakthrough ideas.

Sam Donaldson of ABC News, who is based in Washington, D.C., will address the audience on Monday, Oct. 27. As co-anchor of "PrimeTime Live" and a regular on the Sunday morning "This Week" program, Donaldson has covered breaking news events, reported on a wide range of topics, and conducted interviews with newsmakers. He'll share his viewpoints on the world of politics, historical moments and popular culture.

As CEO and president of the international manufacturing company W.H. Brady, Katherine Hudson will provide insight into what it takes to succeed in today's business environment. She emphasizes employee/workplace issues, especially the effects of cultural and technical changes within organizations. Noted for her sense of humor, Hudson will have the audience re-evaluating their approach to business and discovering ways to "lighten up" on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Tom Peters is the personification of breakthrough ideas. The principles he extolled in his 1982 book "In Search of Excellence" are still valid and revolutionary 15 years later. The book has been recognized as a classic — one of the top 10 management books of all time. Peters' unconventional views should give attendees food for thought. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, you'll see why he is a catalyst for action.


Educational sessions
APICS '97 has been designed to meet the needs of all attendees, whether they are seeking to learn the basics of resource management or to explore more advanced topics. Subjects will be presented in various formats and from the varied perspectives of the practitioner, the consultant/practitioner team and the consultant.

An emphasis has been placed on the "how-tos" of implementing resource management solutions. Although knowledge of a concept is crucial, it is of no benefit unless it can be put into practice within an organization. The speakers selected for this year's conference have been instrumental in putting theory into practice and are willing to share their experiences. They are able to chronicle their company's journey to success and highlight the resources required, pitfalls to avoid and results that have been achieved.

Sessions will provide attendees with ideas that they can take back and readily apply within their organizations. Attendees should leave the conference with the realization that "hey, this stuff really does work �" and that they can effect breakthroughs within their companies.

In addition to the technical presentations, sessions that complement attendees' overall skills are a vital part of the program. Among those scheduled are business writing, I-Power, presentation skills and facilitation techniques.


Networking opportunities
Meeting fellow professionals starts as soon as the conference begins. In addition to the planned events, sitting next to someone in a session, getting coffee, stepping out for a breath of fresh air and eating lunch are all opportunities to strike up a conversation.

On Sunday night, APICS will be celebrating its 40th birthday and everyone's invited! Start placing your bets on who will jump out of the cake (HINT: It's not me). "Club APICS" returns to the conference on Monday and Tuesday. It's the place to go to meet with friends and colleagues for an evening of conversation coupled with music and fun.

Eli Goldratt's "Uncommon Sense" and a tour of the Federal Express facility are options for Monday evening. Both combine learning and entertainment in a nontraditional setting.

The annual banquet on Tuesday night is a wonderful capstone to the conference. Laughs will not be limited to the ones at the table — they'll also come from the entertainment.


The exhibit hall
The exhibit hall has evolved into an event unto itself. Each year the exhibitors' booths are more interesting, provide more information, and are more spectacular than the year before. The exhibit space is almost completely sold out! This signifies that vendors recognize APICS '97 as a major event and that they are committed to making their presence known.
A place to be

Washington, D.C., is wonderful in the fall. Although there are no cherry blossoms, the weather is crisp, the leaves are turning and the monuments and museums are always an inspiration.

APICS '97 promises to be a breakthrough experience — four days and nights of education and networking. The ideas gained will be invaluable to attendees and to their companies. Everyone will leave re-energized and motivated, almost like going to a spa (minus the massages and mud baths). Perhaps we should call it a spa for the mind.

I look forward to seeing you Oct. 26-29 in Washington, D.C. When you hear or see the word "breakthrough" over the months to come, think APICS '97. (P.S. I only used breakthrough 10 times, well below my quota.)

For more information about APICS '97, call APICS Customer Service at (800) 444-2742 or (703) 237-8344 and request a copy of the Advance Conference Brochure (item #04066).

Copyright © 1998 by APICS — The Educational Society for Resource Management. All rights reserved.

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