Innovation
Fair 2025

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025| HOTEL DAVID WHITNEY | DETROIT, MI

Innovation
Fair 2025

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025

HOTEL DAVID WHITNEY

DETROIT, MI

[ABOUT THE EVENT]

Introducing a New Format and Venue for the 2025 Innovation Fair!

The 2025 Kem Krest Innovation Fair theme is focused on “Industry, Innovation, and Connection”, showcasing a hybrid event will take place over one dynamic day, combining educational sessions with an engaging expo experience.

Say goodbye to the “speed-dating” style of past events,
but still having 1:1 connection opportunities!

Attendees will enjoy the flexibility of this ONE DAY EVENT to register for educational sessions and expo experiences at their own pace, creating a customized and impactful day of learning and connecting.

[AGENDA]

What Is Going To Happen?

Below you’ll find the schedule for our 2025 Innovation Fair. We’ll keep this page regularly updated with all new speakers and sessions, so be sure to keep checking in!

MORNING

Breakfast & Kickoff Session

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Marty Brown – KEM KREST | Grace Salon

Kick off the day with light breakfast, coffee, and conversations. Meet fellow innovators & industry leaders.

Morning Sessions

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Eliza Johnson – DUCKER CARLISLE | Grace Salon

Headwinds and Opportunities in Motor Vehicle Supply Chain & Fixed Ops

Eliza will share insights on a few high-visibility headwinds and opportunities facing the motor vehicle supply chain and fixed ops, touching specifically on:

Tariffs – estimating and identifying the specific impacts and developing resolutions.
Sustainability – cost reduction and promotion of core values.
Dealer Challenges & Roadblocks – understanding the dealer’s conduit-to-the-customer perspective and key challenges in the service lane and parts department.

Morning Sessions

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Brett Finley – PLZ | Grace Salon

Driving Innovation and Growth in an Aerosol and Functional Fluid Market While Navigating an Ever-Changing Environment.

Brett will share insights into PLZ Corp’s unmatched technical capabilities and extensive presence in the aerosol and functional fluids markets. He will also delve into how PLZ is fostering innovation, driving growth, and delivering a best-in-class customer experience, all while adeptly managing an evolving regulatory landscape and complex supply chain challenges.

Morning Sessions

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Julie Lai – GM | Grace Salon

Driving Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing Forward.

Julie will address the importance of innovative and responsible sourcing to minimize environmental impacts and ensuring sustainable practices for the long term. She will also host a panel discussion with some of our Supplier experts on sustainability goals, expectations, and achievements in their industries. Attendee participation is encouraged in the discussion.

AFTERNOON

Expo

1:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Burnham Salon| Exhibitors

Come network and make 1:1 connections with some of our top industry suppliers and learn about their current product innovations.

Closing Remarks

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Amish Shah – KEM KREST | Grace Salon

Expo (continued)

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Burnham Salon | Exhibitors

Exposition re-opens for 1:1 connections.

EVENING

Networking

6:00 PM – 6:40 PM | The Library Bar

Get to know fellow attendees in a relaxed setting and enjoy a beverage on Kem Krest.

Detroit Tigers Baseball Game

6:40 PM | Comerica Park

Detroit Tigers Game with food and beverages provided for an engaging experience.

[AGENDA]

What Is Going To Happen?

Below you’ll find the schedule for our 2025 Innovation Fair. We’ll keep this page regularly updated with all new speakers and sessions, so be sure to keep checking in!