Even though CMM International 2007 doesn't start for another 11 months, planning for the extensive, biennial conference program has already been going on since last spring. I just returned from a day-long CMM Advisory Board meeting at the Stephens Convention Ctr. in Rosemont, IL (new venue for the event), and the group of nearly two dozen industry insiders had some lively debate about how the conference should be organized, what topics are hot, and who should speak.

The consensus: Converters want to hear about what other converters are doing. Wow, what a concept.

Unlike previous editions of the conference, show organizer PennWell (CMM's new owner) clearly wants to shift the focus toward converters and their customers. Rather than many of the sessions being strings of presentations by exhibitors, as in the past, the 2007 conference will emphasize converters offering their insights instead, says Keith Hevenor, CMM editorial/conference director. And the converters attending each session will also get a chance to hear from end-user customers, consumer packaged-goods companies and­ even retailers, if the subject warrants it. I got the distinct impression that, for PennWell, the show floor is where exhibitors present; the conference is where converters can network and learn from each other.

How is this all going to come together? The aforementioned Advisory Board, which plans to meet about quarterly until next summer's show, includes representatives from across the entire supply chain. Vendors such as Comexi North America, Flint Group, Kampf Machinery and Maxcess Intl., along with converters Ampac Packaging, CL&D Graphics, Diversapack and Custom Poly Packaging, are joined by end-users Coca-Cola, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, General Mills and Kraft Foods to help formulate the conference program. And there's talk of bringing in a major retailer (no, not necessarily Wal-Mart) as the opening keynote speaker.

If you've got an interesting story to tell, about materials, machinery, new business concepts, emerging markets, etc., you've also got an open forum to tout your success. Contact me or Keith Hevenor (keithh@pennwell.com).

Where do you stand on the ladder of converting paychecks? Don't miss our exclusive, first-ever look at salaries for two dozen job titles from CEO and sales rep to QC manager and press operator. It's data the industry's long been waiting for. Check out the dollar figures starting on page 20.