The annual Sika Management Forum (SMF) is sponsored by President and CEO, Christoph Ganz. It is comprised of about 100 middle managers nominated by Executive Leadership based on their leadership capabilities. These middle managers represent a wide swath of functions, including Target Market Representatives, as well as, Functional employees. Nominees are selected not only for technical expertise, but more so, for their ability to be strategists, innovators, and drivers of the business.
Christoph Ganz has been quoted as saying that SMF attendees are those "employees who will drive the future of Sikas business." The SMF is, therefore, designed to facilitate discussions of interest generated by these attendees prior to the program. Each participant receives an electronic survey to raise business-related issues of interest. In order to ensure interest for this multi-functional group, they generate issues that have companywide implications. This ensures interest of everyone involved during the program, especially during the problem solving phase of the program.
The SMF also features minimal lecture, outside guest speakers, panel discussions, problem solving teams with associated presentations. Follow up mechanisms are in place ensuring execution of agreed-upon solutions and projects.