Pittsburgh, Pa. – Printing Industries of America is pleased to announce the much anticipated lineup for its 2019 Continuous Improvement Conference, April 14-17 in Dallas, Texas. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, the Continuous Improvement Conference is the only annual event focused on helping graphic communications-focused manufacturers achieve operational excellence by using the concepts of Lean manufacturing and other management and quality systems.

Jim Workman, Vice President of the Center for Technology and Research with Printing Industries of America said, "For three decades, our CI Conference attendees have been able to directly link reduced costs, lowered waste, and increased profit margins to the ideas that gather at this event." He went on to say, "It doesn't matter if you're just starting out in Lean or if you're already mid-stream in the improvement cycle; we aim to provide content for all knowledge levels."

This year's keynote speaker lineup features:

The Improvement Kata
Sammy Obara, Honsha Associates 
How does a company change the way its employees think? By changing the way its leaders think and behave. In Japan, kata originally meant a detailed and choreographed pattern of movements that prepared one for self-defense and hunting. Kata has since come to describe any precise routine that is practiced so much it becomes habit-forming. Gain insight into effective improvement habits from a former Toyota executive and take away immediate actions that can begin to change mindset in your organization.

How to Lead with Respect
Mike Orzen, Mike Orzen & Associates, Inc
Building a great organization requires effective leadership. A key element that is often misunderstood is what it means to lead with respect. We’ll explore why leading with respect is essential in a successful transformation, what respect looks like in practice, the seven core practices, and how they impact people to drive lasting change for the better.

Our Quest for Operational Excellence 
Dan Vermeesch, Micron Manufacturing Company
Shingo Prize-winning organizations demonstrate a culture where principles of operational excellence are deeply embedded into the thinking and behavior of all leaders, managers, and associates. Among the principles they demonstrate: respect every individual, assure quality at the source, focus on process, and create constancy of purpose. Hear how one recipient company has created an operational approach that puts it at the forefront of manufacturers around the globe.

How a Suggestion System Changed Our Company
Doug Rawson and Jeff Ku, Superior Lithographics
Six years ago, Superior Litho transitioned away from traditional “top down” management to one centered on employee empowerment and continuous improvement. Its ability to capture employee ideas was a pivotal part of the transition with 1,300 implemented to date. There have been huge improvements in processes and workflow, but the biggest change in the company’s culture—people feel better about themselves and are diligently working to making Superior a better supplier to its customers.

Connecting with People through Purpose and Character
Tony Bridwell, Ryan LLC
Today, there appears to be a subtle drift in how people understand leadership. The confusion stems from two opposing views on what it means to be a leader. On one side is “Forced-Authority” and the other is “Authentic-Influence.” In the multi-generational workforce of today, leaders should be equipped to not only engage the hands and feet of their people but, also, their hearts and minds through Authentic-Influence. Tony gives insight into how to connect with your employees in a meaningful way and offers specific actions to help you elevate your leadership influence.

For more information about the Continuous Improvement Conference, visit ci.printing.org.