Hear from
Industry Experts
Richard Boyd
CEO
Ultisim Inc.
Over the last twenty-five years Richard has led or helped create some of the most innovative game technology companies in the industry. He has served as a game technology consultant for a wide variety of industries including energy, healthcare, education and motion pictures. He is co-founder and CEO of a machine learning company called Tanjo Inc. and co-founder of a simulation learning company called Ultisim Inc. At Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin he created and led a group of innovative engineers and designers across all mission areas called Virtual World Labs. Richard joined Lockheed Martin in 2007 when Lockheed acquired 3Dsolve, a North Carolina based computer game technology firm where he was founder and CEO. Richard served for a decade on the executive management team of Virtus Corporation where he helped create several pioneering computer gaming companies including Red Storm Entertainment, with author Tom Clancy; iRock Entertainment with Ozzy Osbourne; and Timeline Computer Entertainment, with author Michael Crichton.
Gokul Gopakumar
VP of Technology and Business Development
SUN Automation Group
I am a highly experienced professional in the field of industrial automation and electrical engineering, holding a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Technology and Business Development at SUN Automation Group, where I leverage my expertise in project management, capital budgeting, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to drive operational excellence and innovative solutions. My career has encompassed leadership roles at SUN Automation, including Director of Electrical Engineering, where I provided technical direction and spearheaded product enhancements. Furthermore, my passion for AI in manufacturing has been a driving force behind my work, making my tenure as a Product Owner for Helios IIoT particularly exciting.
Erin Hollandsworth
Trusted Advisor and Co-Founder
Motionalysis, Inc.
After founding Motionalysis, Sean and Erin have developed patent pending, manufacturing OT systems that solve real life printing and converting challenges. Now, at the intersection of industry 3.0 and industry 4.0, they can be found partnering with the most forward thinkers to help develop strategies and bring the latest technologies to bear on today's toughest problems. Motionalysis helps companies transform complex production processes into highly informative, digitally liberated, open systems that pave the way for the digital supply chains of the future. Sean and Erin have over 65 years combined experience in software and working in the corrugated industry. Both have BS degrees in Package Engineering.
Jan Geuens
Partner
OMP
25 years at OMP leading supply chain implementations in the mill products industry means that Jan is the go-to guy on program roll-out, worldwide. His special focus is now on helping companies achieve their sustainability goals through smarter planning.
Jeff Putt
Managing Director – Digital Services
DeLine Box & Display
Jeff is a seasoned executive on the packaging space with experience in nearly all aspects of the corrugated industry including Design, Production, Art Direction, Marketing and Sales Management. Jeff was General Manager for DeLine Box & Display from 2005 to 2019 and currently is focused on innovation and disruptive technology relevant to the packaging industry, including AI, digital printing and converting, workplace automation and the IIoT.
David Wiens
Founder & CEO
BPS AI Software
David Wiens Founder & CEO of BPS AI Software and General Manager of Budget Box Company, combines deep psychology insights with cutting-edge AI and machine learning to drive strategic growth in multiple industries. At BPS AI Software, he pioneers custom AI solutions, leading the charge in software innovation and technology integration since 2017. Concurrently, as General Manager at Budget Box since 2017, David has spearheaded process improvements and AI integration, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. His career highlights include roles as Vice President of Franchise Development at Care Hotel Group and Regional Business Manager at Sonoco, demonstrating a diverse expertise in leadership and process optimization. David's academic foundation in Clinical Psychology from The University of North Texas, coupled with certifications in AI, Prompt Engineering, and White Hat Hacking, positions him at the forefront of AI application and cybersecurity. A published author, his works include "ChatGPT Decoded" and "Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques," underscoring his commitment to advancing AI knowledge and application.
Greg Tucker
Chairman & CEO
Bay Cities
Graduate of the University of Southern California. Started as a sample maker at Bay Cities while attending college. Became a Salesperson and rose to the President’s position in 1995. Became CEO shortly thereafter and named Chairman in 2002. Served as Chairman of the Association of Independent Corrugated Convertors in 2014/2015. Serves as Board of Director member of the AICC, International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, and Fibre Box Association. Advisory Board member of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA. Member of Vistage International.
Colin Riggs
CEO
Rigorous Technology
Colin is the CEO of Rigorous Technology, a robotics company on a mission to increase independent manufacturer's access to advanced automation. Rigorous works with clients to replace their most dangerous and repetitive roles with user friendly robots tailored to each operation's unique requirements. Prior to founding Rigorous, Colin grew his experience at Greensea IQ, an underwater robotics company. There, he oversaw the design, development, and implementation of dozens of cutting-edge robotic systems for government, research, and private ventures. He worked on remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, submarines, and diver systems. Colin now brings this experience and best-in-class design principles to the industrial sector, leveraging next-gen tools including vision systems and advanced software for an improved operator experience as well as easy access to system data for seamless integration in a connected factory environment.
Peter Dobell
Senior Business Development Manager
OMP
Passionate about leveraging advanced supply chain planning solutions for positive outcomes and dedicated to creating innovative solutions. A veteran in advanced technology solutions for the paper and paper converting industry. He covers supply chain planning and scheduling in all its aspects, and has a passion for ensuring customer success, customers for life and continuous value delivery. Looking ahead, his focus remains on pioneering solutions that not only meet the current needs but also anticipate and address future challenges in the dynamic landscape of supply chain planning.
Mohamed Azzouz
Continuous Improvement Manager
Royal Containers Ltd
Mohamed Azzouz started his career in graphic design, information technology, marketing, and multimedia, including photography and filmmaking. He honed his skills in these diverse disciplines before transitioning into the manufacturing sector, specifically the automotive industry, where he first delved into and applied lean principles. In 2017, Mohamed joined Royal Containers Ltd, where he held various roles, including Pre-press coordinator, plant manager, and currently, continuous improvement manager. He played a pivotal role in the successful planning and execution of relocating new and existing assets to the current state-of-the-art sheet plant in the city of St. Thomas. Passionate about lean manufacturing, Mohamed advocates for the integration of technology and automation in the packaging industry. Born and raised in Cairo Egypt, Mohamed developed a passion for technology from a young age. This passion led him to pursue Managerial Information Systems at the Modern Academy. Throughout his career, Mohamed has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, striving to achieve operational excellence. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mohamed enjoys photography, volunteering for various charity causes, and spending time with family. Currently residing in London, Ontario, Mohamed continues to work on multiple projects always seeking new opportunities for growth and making an impact in the packaging industry.
Jeff DeVries
President
XDS Holdings
A mechanical engineer by training, I have always focused on putting technology at the service of people. In my role designing and implementing converting equipment for the corrugated box industry, I have worked to optimize the products our industry produces, making them more flexible and personalized. Having worked with the entire team at our box making customers - sales to design to manufacturing - I have seen firsthand that humans are at the center of process improvement. I passionately believe that effective implementation of Industry 4.0/5.0 will provide our industry with the tools that deliver outstanding outcomes in the areas of individualized customer preferences, cost reduction, and real-time analytics for maximized problem-solving, decision making, and safety. Improved efficiency and supercharged human creativity will produce products that lead the market in being increasingly environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Sean Arney
President and Co-Founder
Motionalysis, Inc.
After founding Motionalysis, Sean and Erin have developed patent pending, manufacturing OT systems that solve real life printing and converting challenges. Now, at the intersection of industry 3.0 and industry 4.0, they can be found partnering with the most forward thinkers to help develop strategies and bring the latest technologies to bear on today's toughest problems. Motionalysis helps companies transform complex production processes into highly informative, digitally liberated, open systems that pave the way for the digital supply chains of the future. Sean and Erin have over 65 years combined experience in software and working in the corrugated industry. Both have BS degrees in Package Engineering.
Aleks Zlatic
VP Product Portfolio & Market Development
eProductivity Software
Aleks works at eProductivity Software and helps drive profitable growth in its packaging operating unit: ePS Packaging. ePS Packaging’s mission is to revolutionize the packaging industry through innovative solutions that address their challenges and empower them with cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. Aleks has enabled ePS to increase its footprint at large key customers, gain market share in established markets, and expand the business into new emerging markets. Previously, Aleks led growth at high-tech operating companies (Esko and X-rite Pantone) in the product ID division of Danaher Corp. and Barco Group and LMX Corp (Lego), operating in domestic and emerging markets for over 25 years. Prior to that, he established and exited a successful start-up in Toronto, Canada, using disruptive technology for packaging and print pre-production. Aleks lived and worked in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and now the USA. Aleks holds a Global Executive MBA from IE Business School.
Jim Hawton
Chief Information Technology Officer
Bay Cities
Jim Hawton, Chief Information Technology Officer (CTIO) at Bay Cities, is a forward-thinking technology leader with over three decades of experience. His unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned him at the forefront of digital transformation within the packaging and design industry. Hawton is instrumental in spearheading the company’s initiatives towards embracing Industry 4.0 principles and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Automation Workflows, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Jim oversees both the IT infrastructure and external infrastructure decision-making processes at the Los Angeles headquarters and offices across the nation. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have enabled Bay Cities to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid gamer.
Danna Nelson
Senior Vice President of Products
Amtech Software
Danna currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Products at Amtech Software, where she leads the strategic vision and execution of product development. Before her current role at Amtech Software, she served as Vice President of Digital Platforms and Head of Operations at Dun & Bradstreet’s SMB division. In these roles, Danna was instrumental in defining and executing digital strategies that significantly improved operational efficiencies and enhanced product offerings across the board. Prior to Dun & Bradstreet, Danna specialized in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution ERP space with tenure at Infor and Vista Equity Partners portfolio companies.