OPI Global Forum 2022

OPI Global Forum, 22 – 24 May 2022

Download the Agenda

We are delighted to announce that the OPI Global Forum will return to Chicago on Sunday 22 – Tuesday 24 May 2022.

The tenth OPI Global Forum will bring together an exceptional audience and an outstanding programme to stimulate thought and debate and explore the future of the business supplies sector.

Following the unprecedented challenges of recent times, this is an important “must attend” event, where executives from all channels can come together to better understand and analyse the changes to our sector. Practical takeaways will enable informed strategic decisions to succeed in the ‘new normal’

We look forward to finally being able to meet in person, so please make sure these dates are in your diary!

If you would like to find out more about this event please get in touch. janet.bell@opi.net or steve.hilleard@opi.net

OPI Global Forum 2022
Making Sense of Chaotic Times

Download the Agenda 

The tenth OPI Global Forum will bring together an exceptional audience and an outstanding programme to stimulate thought and debate and explore the future of the business supplies sector.

Following the unprecedented challenges of recent times, this is an important “must attend” event, where executives from all channels can come together, in person, to better understand and analyse the changes to our sector. Practical takeaways will enable informed strategic decisions to succeed in the ‘new normal’

Outline schedule

Sunday 22 May
5.00pm: Registration opens
6.00pm: Welcome Reception and Dinner

Monday 23 May
8.30am – 5.30pm: Conference sessions
6.30pm: Group Dinner

Tuesday 24 May
8.30am – 1.00pm: Conference sessions

FORUM AGENDA IN DETAIL – all times are Central Time

Download the Agenda

Sunday May 22

5.00pm Registration

6.00pm Welcome Reception & Dinner

Monday May 23

8.30am Official Welcome by Steve Hilleard, CEO, OPI

8.45am Setting the Scene: The Business & Workplace Products Industry in 2022
The opening session will set the scene and examine the current state of the industry following two tumultuous years of challenge and change. Brief opening comments from a number of key industry leaders will be followed by a frank exchange of views on what’s needed to ensure the business supplies sector can successfully adapt to what is a very different world of work in 2022.
Panel participants:
• Boris Elisman, CEO, ACCO Brands
• Harry Dochelli – President & CEO, Essendant
• Steve Haworth – Group CEO, EVO
• Kevin Johnson – CEO, Warehouse Direct
• Mike Rowsey – CEO, Harbinger National
Moderator: Steve Hilleard – CEO, OPI

10.00am Coffee & Networking Break

10.30am The Future of Work and the Workplace
Unprecedented attrition, increased optionality, and evolving employee expectations paint a new and difficult talent landscape. Adaptive strategies for employers will be discussed, including how a reimagined workplace can attract and retain talent, building a “sticky” environment for workers.
Speaker: Neel Gandhi, Partner, McKinsey & Co., Organization Practice

11.30am The Post COVID Office – Emerging Workspace Dynamics
As we exit the COVID era, workspace environments are undergoing radical transformations to reflect a significant evolution in how – and where – work is conducted. This fascinating session will examine the major change factors affecting the commercial furniture segment, the dramatic shifts in the commercial workplace, and what this might mean for all channel participants.
Speaker: Ric Andersen – VP & General Manager, The HON Company

12.15pm Lunch

1.30pm The Bigger Picture – And Its Implications For Your business
In this era of unprecedented change it is important to have as broad a picture as possible of the global business landscape. If you can understand what is happening from a wider perspective then you have a better chance of making the right choices in your business. What is happening in other sectors? What trends are they experiencing and could they also affect the business supplies sector?
Eamon Kelly knows our sector well. He also tracks many other channels and will use this experience to share some insights as to what trends might be coming our way. He will be joining Steve Hilleard for a fireside chat as they delve into a wide range of issues including inflation, supply chain, purchasing strategy, changing product demand, Ukraine, diversification and much more.
Guest: Eamon Kelly – Senior Research Analyst, Partner, Edgewater Research

2.15pm Vendor Panel
A panel of senior executives from across the spectrum of workplace products providers will discuss the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing the post-pandemic vendor community.
Panel participants:
• Casey Avent – President, Smead Manufacturing
• Gary Blanchette – President, Goods iQ
• John D’Agostino – President, GMi Companies 
• Jordan Feiger – CEO, Victor Technology
• Walter Johnsen – Chairman & CEO, Acme United
Moderator: Chris Exner – Chief Commercial Officer, OPI

3.00pm Coffee & Networking Break

3.30pm The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – A Critique of our Industry’s Internet Presence
Speaker: Andy Crestodina – Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Orbit Media Studios

4.30pm Live Shopping: Billion Dollar Conversations for Workplace Products
Live commerce has grown at 400% over the last three years in China and is set to hit an incredible $480 billion per year in 2022. In the USA it is forecast at $11 billion and growing faster.
Having conversations directly with your end customers through websites and social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Amazon creates awareness that can significantly increase sales across all channels.
As a manufacturer or distributor, hear how Live Shopping is helping raise brand awareness which in turn leads to sales across social commerce, marketplaces, websites and retail.
Speaker: Stu Conroy – Director of Innovation & E-commerce, Highlands

6.30pm Group Dinner

Tuesday May 24

8.30am Welcome Back by Steve Hilleard, CEO, OPI

8.40am Keynote Presentation
The Age of Entropy* – How do we plan in chaos?
We’re all acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 has had in our personal and professional lives, systemic and existential changes which have shifted the expectations of buyers, markets and the workforce at large. There is a dizzying amount of complexity to deal with, from rapid digitisation to hybrid working, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate through it all and set your strategic horizon, whilst dealing with so much day-to-day noise. In this keynote presentation, Phil Jones will detail some of the planning tools he uses to set the big picture and prioritise decisions, future investments and the ultimate organisational direction of travel. By the end of the talk you’ll be equipped with some practical insights to gather your own thoughts and better inform your future.
* Entropy is a scientific concept as well as a measurable physical property that is most commonly associated with a state of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty.
Speaker: Phil Jones MBE – Managing Director, Brother UK
Phil Jones is Managing Director of the UK arm of global technology manufacturer Brother. Joining the business in 1994 as a salesperson, he worked his way up the organisation to be appointed its head in 2013. Awarded an MBE for Services to Business in 2016, Phil is a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals. You can follow him on Twitter @philjones40.

9.45am Changing Customer Behaviour and the Evolution of Sales
Panel participants:
• Rosemary Czopek – President, Gorilla Stationers
• Kevin McGirl – Co-Founder, sales-i
• Denise Vivas – VP E-commerce – Professional Hygiene, Essity
Moderator: Chris Exner – Chief Commercial Officer, OPI

10.30am Coffee & Networking Break

11.00am The Future of the Independent Dealer Channel (IDC)
This panel of emerging industry leaders from within the IDC will discuss the post-pandemic future for the dealer community, focusing on topics such as:
• Maintaining dealer relevance
• Future role for dealers within the broader workplace products market
• Addressing the Work From Home impact on the IDC
• Last mile delivery
• Exploiting new technologies
• The relationship with the vendor and wholesaler communities
Panel participants:
• Yancey Jones Jr – COO, The Supply Room
• Charlie Kennedy – Co-Owner, Kennedy Office
• Jordan Kudler – President & COO, Legacy Workplace Solutions
• Tim Triplett – VP Sales, Triplett Office Solutions
Moderator: Andy Braithwaite – News Editor, OPI

12.00pm Summary and Key Takeaways
Our final session will summarise what promises to be a hugely varied and very timely programme. With input from the OPI team and many of the key speakers and panellists, as well as the audience, this highly interactive session will round up the event and share key takeaways and actionable to-do points that will help you position your organisation for success in the post-pandemic business supplies industry.

12.45pm Lunch and Forum Close

Booking

You can now book your place at the Global Forum here:
GF2022 Bookings

Free cancellation available until 22 April – so there is no risk if you book early and take advantage of the early booking rates. * 

If you have any questions about attending the Forum, or regarding your booking, please email lisa.haywood@opi.net

Registration fees to attend the Global Forum
Discounted rates are available for early bookings.
We also offer a discounted rate for a second attendee from the same company.

Super Early Rate – for bookings made by 17 February 2022
First attendee: $2,995.00  
Second delegate from same company: $1,995.00  

Early Rate – available from 18 February to 22 April 2022 
First attendee: $3,250.00  
Second delegate from the same company: $2,250.00  

Standard Rate – available from 23 April 2022 
First attendee: $3,650.00  
Second delegate from the same company: $2,650.00  

Rate for Independent Dealers
Available for Independent Dealers with a turnover less than $200M: $1,950.00

* Cancellation terms and conditions

• All cancellations received before 22 April 2022 will be refunded in full. 
• No refunds will be made for any cancellations made after 22 April 2022.
• All cancellations must be made in writing to events@opi.net. A replacement guest may attend at no extra charge at any time.

COVID-19
Although we hope COVID-19 restrictions will have relaxed by May nothing is guaranteed. If we need to reschedule the event due to COVID-19 your delegate place will be automatically transferred to the new dates. If the new dates are not suitable for you, we will arrange a credit for another OPI event, product or service, or you can request a refund.

If you need to cancel at any time, please contact us – we will try to be as flexible as we can. 

Venue
The Global Forum will be held at The Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile (formerly Sofitel Water Tower)

Room reservations
ROOMS AT THE SOFITEL HAVE NOW SOLD OUT
If you need to make a reservation please email lisa.haywood@opi.net and we will do our best to assist.