Cass, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Chroma Color Corp.?

I am the CHRO for Chroma Color Corp.

Your upcoming talk, “Futureproofing the workforce – skills, talent & training in the compounding sector,” sounds very timely. What’s the main message you want attendees to take away?

Looking forward in plastics, where will the next generation of talent come from? As we look at what has been and is today—versus what may be needed 3–5 years from now, what are some things that stand out to you as perhaps “different”? What trends are we expecting relative to hiring moving forward?

Why is this topic particularly important right now?

With labor outside of the US being curtailed, it is ever more important to have strategies in place to staff businesses in the US.

What specific challenge are you hoping to help attendees address?

Staffing shortages.

Without giving too much away, can you share a glimpse of what attendees can expect from your session?

Looking forward in plastics, where will the next generation of talent come from? As we look at what has been and is today—versus what may be needed 3–5 years from now, what are some things that stand out to you as perhaps “different”? What trends are we expecting relative to hiring moving forward?

Who do you think will benefit most from joining your session?

Anyone who relies on a solid workforce pipeline to have a successful business.

What mindset shift are you hoping to inspire among attendees?

New ways to approach old problems.

What inspired you to focus on this topic?

We are having success in our current situation and want other businesses to also be successful, so sharing best practices is important.

And finally, what are you most looking forward to at this year’s expo?

Networking.

🗓️ Catch Cass Birchbauer at the Compounding World Expo North America, where she’ll explore how the plastics industry can attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled professionals.