P3 Forum ‘Change’ reunites packaging-graphics alums Oct. 22-23

Graphic communications and packaging science professionals who graduated from Clemson University put a premium on staying connected.

As a result, the inaugural P3 Forum (People + Printing + Packaging) in 2017 has become an annual event where alumni in the package printing industry gather for two days, Oct. 22-23, to renew acquaintances, share best practices, discuss industry trends and further their careers.

Launched in 2016, the Clemson Packaging Graphics Association, which includes alumni from graphic communications and packaging science, event will convene Monday afternoon at the Sonoco Institute.

Tamara Green, ’97 senior manager of Packaging Graphics for Tyson Foods, said the association is a tightly knit group of professionals who benefit from each other’s career experiences by staying connected.

“Clemson’s packaging and graphic communications programs are nationally recognized as among the best in the package-printing industry,” said Green, who has been a consumer products professional since 2003. “Because our graduates hold some of the top positions in our industry, there’s trust among us and a willingness to help problem solve, network as well as assist each other in professional development.”

The P3 Forum this year, titled “Change,” is an effort to better organize and formalize what graduates have been doing on their own for years.

“We are in a unique and tightly-knit industry, and one of the first things you learn is how important relationships are to your professional learning in the industry as well as your career advancement,” she said. “The P3 Forum brings everyone together to network and learn from others’ experiences on industry-relevant issues.”

Presentations and subsequent discussions at this year’s P3 Forum will focus on industry change and adjusting to that change, Green said.

“Our industry is evolving and there are many influencers. Online shopping is one, but there are other factors outside the U.S. that are affecting our change. P3 Forum will be about those industry changes, but also how we grow and support one another while navigating this new landscape.”

To register for the P3 Forum “Change” click here for registration. For more information, contact Tamara Green, Tamara.green2@tyson.com, or call 479.422.6069 with questions.

The events, presenters and topics for discussion include:

Monday 3:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Industry Talent Shortage – Student discussion regarding various career path opportunities
Kevin Bourquin, Tamara Green, Jay Sperry

Celebrate Dr. Ingram’s retirement, Godfrey Hall

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Change Management
Kevin Bourquin
Director of Prepress Operations
Cyber Graphics

Adoption of Digital Printing
Aaron Sniker
Business Development & Brand Manager
HP

eCommerce
Tamara Green
Sr Manager Packaging Graphics
Tyson Foods Inc

Creating Success in Changing Markets
Hank Welter
Vice President
TC Transcontinental

Evolution of Security in Packaging
Kevin White
Strategic Accounts Manager
HS Crocker

State of the Department
Chip Tonkin
Department Chair, Graphic Communications
Clemson University