Empower Your Business Strategy with Insights from Spec Summit 2025

Every year when we begin planning our annual Specification Management Summit, or Spec Summit as most call it, I’m always amazed at the work our customers are doing to transform their businesses with a strong data foundation.

This coming February, Spec Summit 2025, will be no different.

We have a packed agenda of Specright champions who serve as true “change makers” at their companies, industry analysts who are researching trends, market conditions, and industry best practices, and technology experts who are on the cutting edge of developing the tools companies need to remain competitive and compliant.

Our goal with Spec Summit is to bring together thought leaders and innovators who are redefining how businesses manage their specifications. Spec Summit 2025 promises an array of insightful sessions designed to empower attendees with cutting-edge strategies and tools.

In this blog post, we highlight some of our speakers and their presentations that you won’t want to miss. Registration is still open, but space is limited, so secure your spot today.

Opening Keynote: Overcoming the Resistance that Awaits New Ideas

David Schonthal will kick off the event with a session on overcoming resistance to new ideas. His talk dives deep into the psychological frictions that often hinder innovation, such as inertia, effort, emotion, and reactance. Schonthal argues that while many innovators focus on adding features and amplifying benefits—what he calls "Fuel"—they often overlook these critical frictions.

Schonthal will provide actionable insights into transforming these frictions into catalysts for change, offering a balanced approach that enhances not just appeal but also reduces resistance.

Customer Keynote: Transforming DHL’s End-To-End Materials Management with Specright

Cyndi Shahroozi, Sr. Director of Packaging at DHL, will serve as our Event Chair and deliver our customer keynote with her colleague Mike Copeland, Director of IT, on their company’s transformative journey using Specright's Specification Data Management (SDM) platform.

Their presentation will demonstrate how a spec-first approach has revolutionized DHL’s Materials Management program, including standardizing projects and processes, integrating with existing systems, and enhancing supplier and customer collaboration.

Optimizing Supplier Collaboration and Data Management at F&S Fresh Foods

Chelsea Clark, Director Sourcing, from F&S Fresh Foods will team up with Nick Hoppe from Specright to discuss optimizing supplier collaboration through effective spec data management. They will recount F&S Fresh Foods' transition from complex siloed data systems to an ideal Specification Data Management platform.

Attendees will learn more about:

• Creating and streamlining a supplier community with thousands of documents and interactions.
• Increasing in user adoption through simplified data complexities.
• Enhancing risk management resulting in significant time savings and operational efficiencies.

Packaging Sustainability Trends, Regulatory Pressures, and Spec Management Deep Dives

For the third year in a row, packaging sustainability will be a major theme of the event. Not only will be have industry analysts presenting on the latest trends and business impacts, but we’ll dive deep into fast-growing regulations, like Extended Producer Responsibility, globally and here in the U.S., and how to proactively address compliance with data.

Richard Beckett from Oriflame will share his company’s journey using data-driven approaches for initiatives around sustainability and compliance. Beckett will explore how integrating ERP systems with Specright has improved reporting on recycled content and prepared Oriflame for future regulations like the EU's packaging waste directives.

Breakout Sessions, Live Demos, 1:1 Meetings, and More

Outside of our main stage presentations, attendees will be able to network, dive deeper into specific topics in breakout sessions, chat with our Product and Customer Success teams one-on-one, and more.

Plus, we always have fun and this coming year will be no different. We’ll be hosting an Welcome Reception at Hand Cut Chophouse and an evening event Thursday, at one of Broadway’s newest honky tonks, Friends in Low Places.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry pioneers about creating sustainable, efficient, and collaborative business environments. Space is limited, register today!