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2026 Plant Leadership Conference & Industry Expo

Wednesday, June 10, 2026
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
16 Seats Remaining

* Registration open until 6/5/26 at 9:30 PM (CDT)

Event Details

GBRIA Plant Leadership Conference & Industry Expo

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn about the latest trends in plant leadership and connect with leaders across the industrial manufacturing community at the GBRIA Plant Leadership Conference and Industry Expo.

This high-impact event provides a valuable platform for members to engage, and for contractors and suppliers to showcase innovative products, strengthen relationships, and connect with representatives from GBRIA member facilities.

Opportunities to Participate

We invite you to:

  • Register to attend the conference and gain insight into the latest leadership concepts in industry
  • Reserve a 10'x 8' booth to highlight your company’s products, services, and capabilities
    👉Click Here to see the Expo Map to choose your booth! (Platinum & Gold Annual Partners, please be sure to also select your booth at checkout as well, if you plan to participate)
  • Become a sponsor to maximize your visibility and presence at the event

Attendee Benefits

Participants will receive:

  • Access to conference sessions with the opportunity to earn PDH/CEU credits
  • Complimentary access to the Industry Expo featuring new and innovative products and services
  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and networking mixer
  • Opportunities to connect with local industry leaders

Contact Information

For questions regarding the event, please contact:
Brittany Cooper
brittany@gbria.org

Agenda

June 10
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast Check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and begin networking with fellow attendees and exhibitors.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote: "Managing Your Personal Brand" Dr. Thomas Karam Dr. Karam has coached many famous LSU athletes, including Shaquille O’Neal, on the importance of non-verbal communication. He’ll share practical tips on how to be more approachable and make a better first impression. 
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Industry Expo Break Visit exhibitor booths, explore innovative products and services, and connect with industry partners.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Breakout Session - “Managing Your Executive LinkedIn Presence” Cameron Pivach, Vessel Marketing
Ms. Pivach will share how plant leaders can use LinkedIn to strengthen their company’s reputation, support workforce recruiting, and position themselves and their facilities as trusted industry leaders.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Breakout Session - "Leading in a Hybrid Team World" Darylene Pugh, General Manager, Shell Catalysts & Technologies
Ms. Pugh will share insights and practical tips on how to manage teams across work settings, time zones, cultures, and disciplines.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Breakout Session - “Safety Leadership and Winning in Times of Change” Justin Barksdale, Barksdale Leadership Solutions, Evin Pousson, CF Industries, Cody Ardoin, CF Industries
Panelists will discuss how leadership, human behavior, communication, and decision-making impact safety, reliability, operational performance lead to winning in today's modern plants.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch & CEO Panel: "Plant Leadership Insights and Challenges" Tom Yura, UBE C1 Chemicals America; Rob Beadle, Placid Refining; and Ann Trappey, Forte & Tablada
Industry leaders will discuss the evolving challenges facing manufacturing and industrial facilities, including workforce development, operational excellence, safety culture, and leading teams through change.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Breakout Session - Choice of three topics “Managing your Executive LinkedIn Presence,” Cameron Pivach, Vessel Marketing  
"Leading in a Hybrid Team World" Darylene Pugh, Shell
“Safety Leadership and Winning in Times of Change,” Justin Barksdale, Barksdale Leadership Solutions, Evin Pousson and Cody Ardoin, CF Industries
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Industry Expo Break Take time to revisit booths, make connections, and explore solutions tailored to your needs.
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote: "Leading America’s Rocket Factory: Lessons from 65 Years of Aerospace Manufacturing" Hansel Gill, Director, Michoud Assembly Facility Director Hansel Gill oversees one of the world’s largest manufacturing facilities, where elements of NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft are assembled. He will share leadership lessons from managing complex operations, driving innovation, and preparing the next generation of technical talent in the aerospace industry.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking Mixer Unwind and connect with peers, speakers, and exhibitors in a relaxed networking environment.

Click here to see photos from last year's event. 

Click here to see a recap video from last year.