Breakfast, Registration & Networking

Presenters:
Kathrin Schneider, SVP Sales - Poka
Bryan Harbaugh, Sr. Director, Converting & Coating Operations - Domtar

As workforce tenure shortens, green-on-green training increases, and traditional training models fail to scale, industrial leaders are under pressure to rethink how they develop, empower, and retain their frontline workforce. In this keynote, Allison Kuhn, Advisor at LNS Research, will explore how leading manufacturers are by embedding industrial knowledge management, AI-powered Connected Frontline Workforce (CFW) applications, and Virtual Operations Centers into their operations strategy. These capabilities provide a seamless, persona-based interface that supports safe work execution and elevates decision intelligence by delivering real-time information, institutional knowledge, and AI-powered insights—empowering leaders, frontline employees, and cross-functional teams to drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and sustainability. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on evolving their operations strategy and implementing workforce-centric innovation to future-proof their operations in today’s dynamic environment.

Presenter: Allison Kuhn, Connected Frontline Workforce Research Analyst - LNS Research

In this session, Domtar leaders share how Manufacturing Knowledge Development (MKD) and the implementation of the Poka platform are advancing the company’s strategic priorities across its operations. Kicking off with a high-level overview of how MKD aligns with Domtar’s corporate strategy, the presentation dives into plant-level success stories—from improving onboarding and reducing training time to enhancing communication and leveraging real-time analytics. Attendees will hear from key stakeholders involved in Domtar’s Poka rollout, gain insights into implementation strategies, and explore tangible benefits including higher quality, improved safety, and better workforce enablement. Practical examples, data insights, and lessons learned will be shared throughout.

Presenters: 

Larry Warren - Sr. Director, Manufacturing Knowledge Development (MKD).

David Worley - Plant Manager, West Carrollton

Sam Aspiranti - Sr. Manager, MKD and Optimization

Leon Timberlake - Safety Coordinator, Washington Courthouse

Bryan Harbaugh - Sr. Director, Converting & Coating Operations.

Since early 2024, Toppan’s Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging division has been using Poka to support standard work, streamline training, and digitize frontline processes—starting with the Waco, Texas site. As one of Toppan’s more advanced facilities, Waco was chosen for its process maturity and openness to innovation.
This session shares how plant and IT leaders partnered to overcome challenges like disconnected systems, manual inspections, and inconsistent training. We’ll highlight real-world use cases—from digitized 5 Why troubleshooting to trolley inspections and reduced die cutter changeover times—that show how Poka is helping improve visibility, accountability, and performance.
Now live at multiple sites, Poka is a key part of Toppan’s broader digital transformation strategy.

Presenters:
Joel Jensen - Plant Manager Waco

Alisa Spittle - Associate Solution Architect

Join Poka’s Product Manager for an exclusive look at the future of Poka. From AI and analytics to IFS integrations and content, discover key innovations shaping our evolving product strategy. Get insights into what’s coming next and how these advancements will empower manufacturers.

Presenter:
Gabriel Gohier-Roy, Product Manager - Poka

Lunch & Networking

Customer Advisory Workshops
Help shape the future of Poka! As a valued partner, your insights are invaluable in guiding our product development and strategy. Join our Customer Advisory Board to share your feedback, collaborate with industry peers, and contribute to discussions that drive meaningful industry innovation. Plus, get an exclusive look at our product roadmap and influence the innovations that matter most to you!

Poka Guests Connected Worker Training

Experience a hands-on demo in an immersive session that puts you in the operator’s perspective. See firsthand how they interact with technology, troubleshoot issues, and navigate daily tasks.

Coffee Break & Networking

Experience how Domtar leverages Poka to drive operational excellence on the shop floor. This 1-hour guided tour offers a firsthand look at how digital work instructions, knowledge sharing, and real-time communication are transforming day-to-day operations. See Poka in action and discover the impact on productivity, safety, and continuous improvement.

Presenter: David Worley - Plant Manager

Refreshments & Networking