More than 470 industry peers are expected at the 2018 World of Wipes International Conference in Chicago this week. Today’s conference sessions kick-off with a keynote speech at 9 a.m. from Kit Yarrow, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Golden Gate University, who will touch on six key psychological differences between Gen Z and other generations when it comes to preferences and motivations for buying.

Sessions on “Consumer Trends & Market Data” will follow with presentations from James Selm, assistant product manager, Suominen; Brad Kalil, director of Market Research and Statistics, INDA; and Lorraine Crosbie, business unit director, innovation process manager, Rockline Industries.

After a lunch break from noon until 2 p.m., executives from Steinberg & Associates, Troy Corporation and Lonza will discuss preservatives and active ingredients.

The World of Wipes Innovation Award Presentations will take place at 4:30 p.m., followed by the presentation for the Lifetime Technical Achievement Award at 5 p.m.

Tabletop displays and the reception will open up at 5:05 p.m.