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Welcome and Introductory Remarks
Chet Thompson, AFPM President and CEO

2025 Petrochemical Heritage Award Presentation

The Petrochemical Heritage Honoree recognizes those whose contributions to public understanding are noteworthy, who have displayed significant entrepreneurship in the petrochemical profession or industry, and who have been active in philanthropic and/or communal affairs. This year’s honoree is Lori J. Ryerkerk, Former CEO Celanese. Presentation of the honor and remarks from the Founders Club President and presentation of the “Petrochemical Heritage Award”.

Morning Keynote: Emerging Markets and the Effects of Globalization Rana Foroohar is a global business columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times and a global economic analyst at CNN. . Sought after for her astute analysis, Foroohar speaks to the changes occurring in business, politics, economics, and foreign affairs. Her weekly column is a real-time commentary on emerging markets, the effects of globalization, and the disruption of big tech.

Invitation Only

This is a formal meeting of the AFPM petrochemical committee open to invited guests. Luncheon attendees are provided updates on current items of interest and briefings from preeminent executives on the latest topics impacting the petrochemical industry.

8:00 - 8:45 am: S&P Global Commodity Insights – Petrochemicals: Feedstock Availability, New Markets and the Investment Cycle: Our experts will cover the impact of the energy transition on global petrochemical feedstock markets, from the future of the US ethane advantage to the availability of aromatics feedstocks as gasoline demand peaks. Many value chains are overbuilt and yet the industry needs to be planning substantial investment now to meet long term demand growth. The changing geopolitical landscape is shifting trade patterns and as China develops self-sufficiency, new export markets are emerging.
Tony Potter, Vice President, Chemicals, Derivatives, Plastics & Materials
Darryl Rogers, Vice President, Commodity Insights, LPGs/NGLs
Walt Hart, Head of Global Olefins & Derivatives
Andrew Neale, Executive Director, Aromatics

8:45 - 9:30 am: Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company – Global Competitive Theatre: U.S. Increasing Competitive Advantage: The Trump Administration's impact on the chemical sector will be manifold - from the impact on regulations, feedstock availability, the retreat from ESG, sectoral growth opportunities, encouragement for trade & domestic production, disruptions in global trade, the impact on tariffs on trade and investments, to how chemical sector partnerships evolve - make for a fascinating analysis. Join our experts in thought-provoking presentations and discussion as we look into the future.
Dewey Johnson, Senior Vice President, Dow Jones & Global Head of Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Carlo Barrasa, Vice President, Global Energy & Feedstock Markets, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Steve Lewandowski, Vice President, Global Olefins and Derivatives, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
John Mathew, Vice President, Global Business Development, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

9:30 - 10:15 am: Petrochemicals – Business Not as Usual: Technology is shaping industrial and scientific processes but also determining employee skill sets and customer interfaces and preferences. The convergence brought by technologies in these areas presents opportunity: the intentional leverage of industry and technology intersections can propel innovation, operational excellence, and competitiveness. Deloitte’s research shows companies that adopt strategies that help them weather uncertainty while positioning them competitively in the high-tech future may improve their positions significantly. In this Industry Showcase we will explore several important trends for companies to consider while developing strategies, that include cost efficiency, end market growth, innovation, sustainability, and supply chain improvements all powered by new tech and new ways of working to be most competitive.
Mike Bechtel, Deloitte’s Chief Futurist
Kate Hardin, Deloitte’s Executive Director for Energy, Resources, and Industrials
Dave Yankovitz, Deloitte’s Principal Chemical Industry Leader
Bob Kumpf, PhD. Managing Director

When It Hits the Fan: A New World Order
This Women in Industry session is brought to you by the Women in Industry Committee.