n 2023 GenerationNext continued to grow as a forum where young professionals and those new to the industry can connect to share ideas, experiences and learn from seasoned industry leaders. We strive to take the pressure out of networking by creating a space that’s designed just for newcomers with support and community at the heart.

IAPD posted a sneak peak on TikTok teasing the “Snacky Hour” boxes attendees would receive in the mail ahead of the December event.

The year kicked off with a virtual Valentine’s Day networking happy hour, where participants enjoyed a cocktail mailed to them by IAPD and conversation with IAPD Board member, Jeffrey Burke, Curbell Plastics, Inc.

In April, 43 participants joined us for a presentation on building an online presence with LinkedIn.

In June IAPD’s Government Relations Committee Vice Chair, Leah Konrady, Konrady Plastics, Inc. delivered a presentation to the group on IAPD’s government relations advocacy for performance plastics and how the next generation can become our industry’s greatest advocates.

August kicked off the five-part Career Path Forum that gave attendees a chance to pick the brains of some of IAPD’s leaders as they shared their personal career journeys. Speakers included Sherrie Bloom, Curbell Plastics, Inc.; Matt McKenzie, Roechling Industrial Gastonia; Jeff Mikitka, Mitsubishi Chemical Group; Chad Roberts, Piedmont Plastics and Tim Triggiano, PLASKOLITE.

In November we brought a piece of the 67th IAPD Annual Convention to those who couldn’t attend with a virtual recap of the keynote presentation Plastics and the Environment ¬– The Shocking Truth, by Dr. Chris DeArmitt.

Tim Triggiano, PLASKOLITE, spoke to the GenerationNext group about his career journey in the performance plastics industry at the August virtual Career Path Forum.

To wrap up the year, new IAPD President Peter DelGado facilitated conversation about his career, IAPD and the industry in IAPD’s first virtual “Snacky Hour.” Ahead of the event, participants were sent the favorite snacks of GenNext’s leaders to enjoy during the insightful conversation. After the event DelGado even shared book reccomendations for career and personal development with the group.

We had so much fun this year and we can’t wait for you to see what events we have in store for 2024! We hope to connect with even more new faces this year.

Thank you to the generous GenerationNext sponsors! By supporting IAPD’s young professionals you are supporting the future of the performance plastics industry.