2026 Plant Leadership Conference & Industry Expo Draws Nearly 300 Industry Professionals

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GBRIA hosted its 2026 Plant Leadership Conference & Industry Expo on June 10 at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, drawing approximately 300 attendees from across the region's industrial and contractor community. The day combined leadership development, safety culture, and workforce topics with a full industry expo and networking reception. Approximately 50 local vendors and suppliers exhibited throughout the conference, with attendees visiting the expo floor during two dedicated breaks.

Dr. Thomas Karam, LSU professor and personal branding consultant known for his work with NFL players and coaches, opened the day with a keynote on building a personal brand. Attendees then moved through breakout sessions on executive LinkedIn presence, hybrid team leadership, and safety leadership in times of change, featuring speakers from CF Industries, Shell, Entergy, and Loadstar. A CEO panel at lunch brought together Tom Yura of UBE C1 Chemicals America, Rob Beadle of Placid Refining, and Ann Trappey of Forte & Tablada to discuss plant leadership insights and challenges.

The afternoon closed with keynote speaker Hansel Gill, director of NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, sharing lessons from 65 years of aerospace manufacturing at one of the world's largest manufacturing facilities. The conference wrapped with a networking mixer and door prizes in the ballroom. GBRIA thanks its planning committee, sponsors, and exhibitors, including ExxonMobil's interactive carbon capture and storage display, for making the event possible.