Celebrating Quality:
Past, Present and Future

Encompassing more than manufacturing integrity, today’s concept of quality represents an enterprise-wide philosophy encompassing all facets of organizational excellence. In recognition of the vital connection between excellence, digital transformation, and deep cultural improvement, WCQI 2021 showcases quality’s myriad contributions to organizational excellence, and celebrates 75 years of bringing quality professionals together to explore quality’s distinctive ability to transform people, processes, and organizations. 

The 2021 conference agenda will offer actionable strategies and deep insights into organizational excellence, disruptive technologies, leadership and change management, and quality fundamentals. Attendees will come away with vital tools and tactics to affect change, increase value, and drive their organizations toward quality goals.

 

It's not news that COVID-19 continues to impact the viability of large, in-person events. With that in mind, ASQ is postponing WCQI Anaheim to 2022, and is redefining WCQI 2021 as a hybrid model - part virtual, part in-person - with a variety of engagement opportunities and a completely virtual exhibit hall.

Please stay tuned as additional details are available regarding this innovative event that will allow our attendee community to participate safely and meaningfully.

ASQ is excited about our vision for a 2021 conference that celebrates 75 years of excellence, and the chance to tap into virtual technologies that showcase ASQ’s expertise and value to the quality community.

Quality Foundations

As organizations increasingly rely on quality practices to navigate today’s digital challenges, it is essential to firmly grasp how, when, and why to apply those fundamental tools and techniques within their own teams and organizations. These sessions will emphasize quality’s nuts and bolts.

• What every quality professional must know (concepts, team basics, roles and responsibilities)
• Current and emerging skill sets for quality professionals /li>
• Essential tools and terms (fishbone, Pareto, lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement)  
• Quality systems in use (Baldrige criteria, case studies)

Strengthening the Supply Chain with Quality Risk Management

Quality Risk Management identifies factors that can cause deviation from a quality management system’s original plan, resulting in supply chain instability, vendor volatility and decreased customer satisfaction. When implemented effectively, QRM mitigates risk and creates stability throughout the supply chain, from pricing to purchasing to procurement. This focus area offers real-world examples of how organizations apply QRM and tap into risk-based approaches to provide better outcomes for their customers, stakeholders, and quality teams. 

• The use of machine learning and AI to speed decisions
• Creating ethical, reliable supply chains
• Establishing a culture of risk-based thinking
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis 
  
  

The Quality Revolution will be Digitalized

The COVID-19 pandemic expanded the digital transformation already underway, with emerging technologies increasing the rate of change across every business sector—and the skills needed to support them. An explosion in data gathering and new computing capabilities—along with advances in AI, automation and robotics, additive technology, and virtualization—continue to impact the quality landscape. This track explores the transformative change taking place across the quality landscape and showcases the use of digital, virtual, and internet-based tools to increase value throughout an enterprise. Big data and analytics 

• Big data and analytics 
• Artificial intelligence, machine learning, AR/VR 
• Virtual Quality Management tools and strategies
• The new skill set for emerging quality roles 

Profiles in Excellence

Celebrate winning approaches to process design, program implementation, team building and continuous improvement in this collection of sessions highlighting the best of the best in quality. Learn how an organization can build a framework of quality standards and processes that exceed customer expectations, enhance culture, embrace innovation, and ensure continuous process improvement. 

• Leadership and engagement strategies
• Integrating innovation and advanced technology into current processes 
• Change management  
• Sustaining organizations of excellence through quality
• Building customer feedback into quality processes 

 

CALL FOR REVIEWERS AND SUBMISSIONS TIMELINE

Call for Reviewers Opens                                 May 20, 2020

Call for Reviewers Deadline                             July 27, 2020

Call for Proposals Opens                                    July 13, 2020

Call for Proposals Deadline                                 September 4, 2020

Proposal Review and Selection September, 2020 – October, 2020

Selected Submissions Notified                           November, 2020

Declined Submissions Notified                           December, 2020

Presentations due to Review Committee End of March, 2021