The Product Stewardship Society’s annual conference, PSX 2024, was held October 15-17, 2024, and fulfilled its promise of providing a wealth of learning, networking, and professional growth opportunities. As a member, I have attended the last eight conferences and have never been disappointed. This year was no exception. The opening session featured an inspiring keynote speech by John C. Warner, PhD, one of the founders of green chemistry. Dr. Warner’s humble insights on green chemistry, the challenges of sustainability, and the evolving regulatory and innovation landscape resonated well with the audience. The conference continued with a positive outlook from there, with some key highlights including:

Education Sessions: With more than 40 sessions tailored to professionals at all career levels, it was challenging to choose which to attend. The session topics spanned a large variety of issues, including regulatory and compliance, sustainability, risk assessment and management, innovation and emerging technology, and health and safety. The regulatory landscape sessions included chemicals of concern, PFAS, and the EU digital passport. Some sessions discussed risks associated with enforcement actions, tort and contract claims, and greenwashing, while others addressed toxicology topics, product stewardship topics,. All the sessions are tied to a discipline for the Certified Professional Product Steward (CPPS) credential.

Emerging technology sessions explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as product stewards. I was so inspired by the AI topics that, as I wrote this blog, I used AI to make sure my tone was positive and my enthusiasm for the conference was evident. I also used AI to make it more polished.

I always leave this conference with ideas on how to improve tasks in my daily job. I am also inspired to think about sessions I may want to present next year. The education sessions and post-session discussions offered me numerous networking opportunities.

Networking Opportunities: The conference is designed to foster connections among professionals. From the welcome reception to networking luncheons and refreshment breaks, there are numerous opportunities to engage with peers and industry experts. These times allow us to start great discussions, which sometimes feel like a support group for the challenges we experience as product stewards. These networking aspects help facilitate deeper conversations and knowledge sharing.

We enjoyed PSX’s second annual Mind Meetups program—small group discussions focused on current industry or personal challenges and opportunities, providing a platform for attendees to share experiences and solutions. Mind Meetups can be created by anyone attending the conference in just a few clicks in the PSX app. You can create a mind meetup on the topic of your choice, whether its medical device regulations, the Certified Professional Product Steward (CPPS) credential, or even how to talk to management about funding. These mind meetups are the best way to network and have a discussion you want to have.

When I needed a break from the great discussions, education sessions, and networking, I visited PSX’s Exhibit Hall. There, I met with a variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the industry, solutions to improve tasks, and track compliance, and consulting services for a company’s specific needs. This is a great way to see everything being offered in the field. Additionally, the Head Shot Cafe was available again this year, providing attendees the chance to get professional portraits taken. Not only does the exhibit hall expose you to a variety of companies, but it’s also another form of networking and fostering great discussions.

Each year, PSX adds new items or changes things up. In 2024, the conference added a Career Services opportunity, which included resume critiquing sessions with an experienced hiring director. This was an excellent opportunity for attendees to refine their resumes and receive personalized feedback. While I did not attend one of these sessions, I heard it was great to have this free feedback and personalization to help create better resumes.

The PSX conference is always a must-attend event for me as a product steward. It helps me expand my knowledge and network, create solutions to my daily job roles, and provide insights to what the product stewardship profession will look like in the future. This conference is a must-attend if you are in the Product Stewardship field... regardless of the industry. The conference and membership in the Product Stewardship Society have helped shape my career.

If you missed PSX 2024 but still want all the great content, PSS is pleased to offer PSX On Demand. Included in the bundle are the two Keynote Sessions, 18 Education Sessions (1-hour), and 16 Express Sessions (30-minutes). Members receive 50% off the cost of the bundle —plus all the benefits of membership—so consider joining first if you aren’t already a PSS member.