EMUG 2025 Highlights: Innovation, Collaboration, and Customer Connection

By David Pawelke, COO, MAJIQ
Last updated: October 2025

TL;DR: EMUG 2025 brought together pulp and paper users and leaders for three days of collaboration, learning, and innovation. EMUG is MAJIQ’s annual user conference for pulp and paper manufacturers who rely on our MES solutions to modernize operations and connect their mills. Our MES (manufacturing execution system) solutions help mills manage production, quality, and process efficiency across the shop floor.

What made this year’s EMUG stand out?

EMUG 2025 had fresh energy this year. With more first-time attendees than in past years, paired with seasoned users and MAJIQ experts, the event created an atmosphere that was especially ripe for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and learning.

Customers weren’t just listening to presentations — they were sharing insights, solving problems, and comparing real-world experiences with their peers. I was struck by how that sense of collaboration extended across every session and break. Attendees appreciated the longer lunches and open-format discussions, which created space for genuine dialogue and connection.

Along with the customer connection, two themes stood out: the release of Ether MES, and a reimagined approach to Customer Success.

Key takeaway: EMUG 2025 stood out for its strong sense of collaboration and shared learning, along with two major themes that defined the week — the debut of MAJIQ Ether and the evolution of Customer Success.

How MAJIQ Ether took the spotlight at EMUG 2025

The first morning of EMUG 2025 included an important milestone: the official announcement of MAJIQ Ether — our new, lightweight MES built for the future of pulp and paper manufacturing. The announcement was shared live with attendees and also released publicly in our press release.

Shortly after the announcement, Finimize covered the news, noting that MAJIQ’s launch of Ether sparked investor interest and reflected Constellation Software’s continued investment in industry-specific innovation.

In a special session, our Initiative Manager Terrence Koh presented alongside an early adopter of Ether, who shared their real-world experience and fielded live questions about implementation and results.

For example, we learned that one of their winder operators reported that Ether makes their job easier and more intuitive, adding that certain processes were even notably faster.

In another case, one of their regular MES users was placed in front of Ether for the first time — with no training or walkthrough. Within about 20 minutes, they were navigating the system confidently on their own. These were simple but powerful examples of how intuitive Ether really is.

As Terrence explained, “We created Ether to reduce the impact of an aging workforce — to make training faster and daily work simpler.”

Customers showed strong interest in Ether throughout the conference, with steady traffic at the Tech Lab and positive reactions to seeing it in action. Attendees also learned that Ether will serve as the home for future MAJIQ innovation—from AI-driven insights to enhanced analytics. Ether’s early adopters will play an active role in how the product’s roadmap evolves.

Key takeaway: Ether’s intuitive design and rapid training capabilities made it one of the most talked-about innovations at EMUG 2025.

Sharing about Customer Success reimagined

Another major theme this year was Customer Success — and our vision for evolving it from a reactive service model to a proactive, strategic partnership. During several sessions, we discussed the new approach: on-site visits, best-practice audits, and ongoing collaboration designed to help customers get more out of the tools they already have.

As our Vice President of Customer Service, Dillon Cady, explained, “This approach is about making sure you’re getting the full value of what you’ve already invested in.”

For example, in an audit, we may note that a mill isn’t using a screen that most mills find useful. That simple observation opens a conversation: Why not? Is it a workflow fit issue? Does the team need a quick demo or configuration help?

This shift reflects our broader commitment to meeting customers where they are — helping each mill strengthen operations and get more value from their MAJIQ systems.

Key takeaway: MAJIQ’s reimagined Customer Success approach builds on our already robust service model — adding proactive engagement to help mills uncover new opportunities and maximize their MES investment.

Highlights from the most talked-about sessions

For me, the heart of EMUG has always been showing customers what we’ve accomplished together — and what’s next on the roadmap. Customers saw firsthand how their feedback from last year has shaped MAJIQ’s latest enhancements.

Beyond the main themes of Ether and Customer Success, this year’s agenda struck a great balance — combining practical advice with hands-on learning. The Tips & Tricks session stood out as a favorite, offering tangible solutions for common challenges. The breakout sessions were equally popular, especially those covering topics like customizing and configuring display grids, managing raw materials, and exploring configuration options.

The Tech Lab also drew steady interest throughout the week. Open during lunches and breaks, it gave attendees the flexibility to drop in at their convenience, ask questions, and explore MAJIQ’s solutions up close. Many stopped by to see Ether in action, which became one of the week’s most talked-about experiences.

As the week wrapped up, attendees also had the chance to vote on which features and innovations they’d most like to see next — and which they wouldn’t. That feedback helps shape MAJIQ’s product roadmap and is one of the key benefits of attending EMUG in person. It’s another example of how customer collaboration drives our innovation forward.

Key takeaway: EMUG delivered the perfect mix of big-picture innovation and hands-on exploration — giving customers a chance to learn what’s new, see what’s coming, and strengthen how they use MAJIQ solutions today.

The themes and trends we heard most

A recurring topic throughout EMUG 2025 was the aging workforce. It’s not just theory — it’s a very real challenge. Mills are juggling losing tribal knowledge with onboarding new (and often young) employees who have different expectations for the user experience.

During the Ether session, Terrence shared data highlighting just how real the workforce transition has become. Paper manufacturing and printing have one of the oldest manufacturing workforces, with 29.9% of employees aged 55 and older, placing the industry among the top five aging manufacturing sectors.

These figures—originally derived from Site Selection Group’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey data—underscore why ease of use, fast onboarding, and intuitive systems like Ether are becoming essential for mill operations.

Key takeaway: Workforce transition is reshaping manufacturing — making usability, speed, and training essential. Even customers not yet adopting Ether said they could see its relevance for the future.

Community and collaboration at the core

The heart of EMUG is customers talking to customers — sharing ideas, making connections, and learning directly from one another. This year’s event created even more opportunities for that kind of collaboration. The open, welcoming atmosphere encouraged seasoned users to share how they’ve solved real challenges, offering practical advice to newer attendees.

Another big hit was direct access to MAJIQ’s experts. Attendees sat down not only with their account managers but also with developers and company leaders — an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas in person. That access to knowledge is part of what defines MAJIQ’s culture and continues to build trust within our community.

The evening social event—featuring bowling, golf, food, and plenty of conversation—was another highlight. The relaxed, interactive setting encouraged genuine relationship-building and underscored what makes EMUG so special.

Key takeaway: The access to MAJIQ experts and peer collaboration make EMUG a uniquely valuable experience for attendees.

Key Insights

EMUG 2025 underscored MAJIQ’s collaborative culture and customer focus.
Ether drew strong interest for its usability and workforce-ready design.
Customer Success sessions introduced a proactive, partnership-driven approach.
Peer learning remains central — customers value hearing directly from each other.

Access to MAJIQ experts and the ability to share feedback is a favorite event feature.

EMUG 2025 FAQs

Q: What is MAJIQ Ether?
A: MAJIQ Ether is a lightweight, web-based MES designed for pulp and paper manufacturers, built for ease of use, fast training, and seamless ERP integration.

Q: What is EMUG?
A: EMUG is MAJIQ’s annual user group conference where pulp and paper manufacturers gather to share ideas, learn best practices, and shape future MES innovation.

Q: How does MAJIQ involve customers in product development?
A: Customers provide feedback throughout the year and vote on new features during EMUG — directly influencing MAJIQ’s roadmap and upcoming releases.

Q: When will the next EMUG event take place?

A: Dates for the 2027 EMUG conference will be announced early next year.

About the Author:

David Pawelke is Chief Operating Officer at MAJIQ, bringing over 25 years of pulp and paper expertise. As COO, David ensures MAJIQ's operational excellence, streamlining processes to drive efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.