From Recession to Recovery

Private Breakfast

Hosted by: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Innovation: A Candid Dialogue on Information Technology and its Potential for Driving Business Strategy, Improving Efficiencies, and Increasing Growth
Tracey Stover, U.S. Chemicals Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

General Registration/Exhibits/Continental Breakfast

Welcome Address

Robert Westervelt, Editor-in-Chief, Chemical Week

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

Saverio Fato, Global Chemicals Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Keynote Presentation

Turning the Corner: From Recession to Recovery
Where are the signs of recovery in terms of industry segment and geographical areas? What is driving the improvement? What can derail the recovery? How volatile does the next 12 months look? What is the outlook for revenue growth in the industry?

Kurt Bock, CFO, BASF SE

The Decade of Globalization: How Will the Industry Shape Up?

Globalization has been the overarching trend of the past decade in the chemical industry, giving birth to the term the Decade of Globalization. The chemical industry has experienced great change because of this new operating norm, as well as the economic crisis of recent years. How will the global chemical industry shape up in the coming years? What tactical actions are chemical makers taking today to prosper in the coming recovery? What are the pillars for success? 

Boudewijn van Lent, Vice President, Chemicals, Celerant Consulting

Networking Refreshments/Showcase Exhibits

A Journey Through the Recession: Case Study

What lessons have been learned in the last two years of financial crisis? What are the best practices that can be adopted, and how is the company preparing itself for competition in the new economy?

Raymond Newhouse, CFO, LANXESS North America

Panel Discussion

Emerging Markets and Their Role in the Future of the Chemical Industry

What are companies doing to identify opportunities in those regions? How quickly are they moving to capture these opportunities? How has financial and strategic planning changed in light of increased importance of emerging economies outside of North America? How are CFOs accounting for risks of operations in these economies?

Moderator: Robert Westervelt, Editor-in-Chief, Chemical Week

Panelists: Bruce Chalmers, Director, Transaction Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Managing Risks in the Aftermath of a Collapse

How are companies assessing and managing risks following the collapse? What new tools are being employed?

Andrew Walberer, Principal, A.T. Kearney

Hosted by: HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

Panel Discussion

A New Cost Structure?

Cost cuts in past recent years have produced a leaner, more agile structure in many companies. Does this herald a new cost paradigm? How has this changed capital spending ratios? Will the industry return to past ratios and past metrics in measuring financial health? What is the lasting impact of companies’ cost-cutting responses to the speedy downturn?

Moderator: Robert Westervelt, Editor-in-Chief, Chemical Week

Panelists: David Drillock, VP and CFO, Cytec Industries; Anthony Colatrella, CFO, Momentive Performance Materials; John Lemmex, VP/NAFTA Controlling, Bayer MaterialScience LLC;

Panel Discussion

Critical Tax Issues

Moderator: Michael W. Burak, Global Industrial Products & Services and Global Chemical Industry Tax Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Panelists: Marjorie J. Griffing, Tax Director, Georgia Gulf Corporation

M&A Trends & Outlook

Mario Toukan, Director - Chemicals Mergers & Acquisitions, KeyBanc Capital Markets

Networking Refreshments/Showcase Exhibits

Translating Sustainability Into Improved Bottom Line

What are the key drivers of chemical companies embarking on sustainability initiatives? How can a focus on sustainability help to reduce operational costs? What are the potential new market opportunities related to sustainability?

Rob Farris, VP/Sustainability, Hitachi Consulting

Securing Funding in Tight Credit Markets

What does a company have to do to prepare for an offering under current market conditions? With equity and credit tight, what is the company doing to make itself attractive to investors? How does it plan to raise funding? What are the inherent difficulties and market driven difficulties in doing an IPO now, and what can a company do to address those issues?

Marcus Meadows-Smith, CEO, AgraQuest

Closing Remarks

Conference Concludes

9th Annual CFO of the Year Award Reception and Dinner

Hosted by: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

* Attendance to the dinner is open to executives of chemical companies only.