by Glenn Siegele

If we’re to anticipate and adapt to changes in the marketplace, we need to understand what’s happening today and what’s on the horizon. We need to have a handle on the changes in manufacturing, and, just as importantly, the forces that are driving them.

Obviously, education is critical —for you, your staff and everyone down the chain – which is why I’m urging you to take advantage of the opportunities available through your PMMI membership this year.

As you know, PMMI has a long-standing tradition of providing learning and educational opportunities, and we’ve conducted many training events over the years. Those on-site events are extremely valuable, but the time out of the office can make it difficult to attend.

So, for those of you who can’t get to seminars, we’re bringing them to you. For 2010, PMMI U introduces two webinar series: Regulations & Standards and Sales Training

Both are equally important.

Fred Hayes, PMMI director of technical services, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of international standards, even chairing an American National Standards Organization (ANSI) committee (a position that ensures PMMI’s voice is heard on all levels). He understands standards and their implications for PMMI members. That makes him perfect to lead the Regulations & Standards webinars.

These four one-hour online sessions will meet in February, May, June and September to cover impacts of global regulations and standards, OSHA rules, how risk assessment impacts companies that manufacture consumer goods and use machinery and food safety regulations and the global supply system.

Matt Neuberger, Neuberger & Co., will lead the Sales Training series. You may remember him from in-person sessions at PMMI’s Annual Meetings or Executive Leadership Conferences. He’ll teach you to make the most o fhte Sandler Selling System, a proven sales method, and erach of his member-only monthly Webinars will each address a different aspect of sales performance.

And for your convenience, there’s no travel involved. The Webinar format brings each session directly to the desktop you choose.

Then, in April, it’s time for the Executive Leadership Conference (Tucson, Ariz.; April 18-22). This is one you do have to travel for, and I promise you won’t regret it. It’s PMMI’s flagship event of the year, with good reason: exceptionally strong educational sessions and plenty of opportunity to strengthen your professional network.

The theme this year is “The New Age of Everything,” and we’ll hear from experts who can help you redefine your unique selling proposition, apply social networking to your marketing plan and avoid falling into the commodity trap. It’s an outstanding opportunity to work on your business, and it’s one you should not miss. Visit PMMI.org for more information and to register. See you there!