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Download SM18 Program Guide 

Need help convincing your Supervisor to let you attend? Download  the 2018 Spring Meeting Justification Letter


For additional information, please contact Cindy Huber at chuber@aiccbox.org, or Laura Mihalick at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or 877-836-2422.

2018 Attendee List

Download Attendee List Updated (4.10.2018)

View Online Attendee List

The downloadable list will be updated every Friday.  If you do not see your name on the list, please contact Laura Milhalick at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or call 703-629-1170.

AICC 2018 Chairman's Message

It's an honor to be serving as your Chairman this year. AICC has put together a great Spring Meeting with a new format that offers more programming and networking opportunities for attendees but will still run over a 3-day period from Monday, April 16 to Wednesday, April 18. We will explore the forces of “disruption” with regard to e-commerce, retail, technology and the outlook for the global containerboard and paperboard markets.

The meeting will kick off with an additional General Session on Monday afternoon with a keynote presentation given by John Rossman, former Amazon executive and expert on Digital Disruption, followed by a presentation from Matt Elhardt, Vice President, Business Development, Fisher International, Inc., who will talk about the rapid growth of e-commerce and its growing impact on the U.S. corrugated, containerboard, paperboard and recycled industries. Monday’s session will conclude with a supplier panel discussion on the “Disruptive Forces facing the Global Containerboard Market” now and in the future.

On Tuesday, April 17, the General Session will feature Douglas Stephens, Retail and Consumer Futurist who will discuss the future of brick and mortar stores with “Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World.” We will follow this presentation with an interactive workshop session on “The Five Elements of Remarkable Customer Experiences.”

The meeting will close with a “Supplier Innovations Showcase” during the Wednesday general session where we will educate members on “What’s New & Disruptive” in the Corrugated, Folding Carton and Rigid Box Industries. Then, Ed Rensi, former McDonalds’ CEO, Philanthropist and Race Car Enthusiast will wrap-up with a once-in-a-lifetime speech that you will find both inspirational and poignant—certainly a not-to-miss session.

And as if that weren’t enough already, we will also be holding a special workshop for our Folding Carton & Rigid Box members on Monday mid-morning—moderated by Ralph Young, AICC Corrugated Technical Advisor and Tom Weber, AICC Folding Carton Technical Advisor—to better understand, support, and further develop the use of fluted materials as a substitute for paperboard in the manufacturing of both traditional and highly specialized folding cartons and rigid boxes. The forum will feature a panel of Fluted Sheet and Converters and Fluted Material Suppliers. There will also be a roundtable discussion where attendees can ask questions of the panelists and experts.

We’d like to personally thank local member company Smurfit-Kappa Sound, who has graciously offered to host a tour of their facility on Monday, April 16, and hope you take the time to see their facilities.

AICC will hold its 5th Annual Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament. This is a scramble style tournament that has been very successful in the past—offering, even more, networking opportunities, fun for everyone involved—and raises money for great causes. It’s a win-win-win.

Back by popular demand, we will be holding an optional event at the Bondurant High-Performance School of Driving on Wednesday, April 18. We first held this event in 2012 and it sold out quickly, so I encourage all members (and racers) to sign-up for what promises to be another exciting afternoon at the track.

Finally, we will hold a two-day Sales Managers’ Forum—Building a Collaborative Team—on Sunday, April 15 & Monday, April 16. Participants will learn how to build a sales team for the modern day with the idea of not hiring "the best" salespeople, but organizing a collaborative team—to prospect, develop business, and wrap-up with a mutually beneficial close.

I’m looking forward to the year as your newly elected chairman. Together, we can make a difference because there is Strength in Numbers—and I hope you and your colleagues will join us this Spring at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona."

Al Hoodwin, Owner of Michigan City Paperbox Co., & Chairman, AICC – 2017-2018

Sunday, September 23, 2018

8:00 am – 5:00 pm Decorator Move-in

9:00 am – 5:00 pm Flexo & Rotary Diecutters Calibration Course

JOHN ROSSMAN

Former Amazon Executive & Expert on Digital Disruption

John Rossman is a former Amazon Executive, Author, and Expert on Digital Disruption. He is most known for launching and scaling the Amazon Marketplace business which now accounts for over 50% of all Amazon units sold and shipped. While at Amazon he also served as Director of Enterprise Services at Amazon.com, where he managed worldwide services to enterprise clients such as Target.com, Toys R Us, Sears, Marks and Spencer, and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Since leaving Amazon he has advised clients across most industry verticals on digital strategy, operations and culture at Alvarez and Marsal, a leading performance improvement firm.

John is the author of “The Amazon Way: 14 Leadership Principles Behind the World’s Most Disruptive Company” and is an expert in Digital Innovation. He helps clients build and execute innovative business models. His new book, “The Amazon Way on IoT:10 Lessons Every Leader Should Learn from Amazon’s Internet of Things Strategy”, was released in October 2017.

*KEYNOTE PRESENTATION TOPIC: Digital Disruption (Mon, April 16)

DOUGLAS STEPHENS

Retail & Consumer Futurist

Doug Stephens is one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists. His intellectual work and thinking have influenced many of the world’s best-known retailers, agencies and brands including Walmart, Google, Home Depot, Disney, BMW, Citibank, and Intel. Doug is also listed as one of retail’s top global influencers by Vend.com.

Prior to founding Retail Prophet, Doug spent over 20 years in the retail industry, holding senior international roles including the leadership of one of New York City’s most historic retail chains.

Doug is the author of two groundbreaking books: The Retail Revival: Re-Imagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism (2013) and Re-engineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post Digital World (2017). Doug is also the nationally syndicated retail columnist for CBC Radio and sits on the advisory boards of the Dx3 Digital Conference and the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retail & Services at St. Mary’s University.

His unique perspectives on retailing, business, and consumer behavior have been featured in many of the world’s leading publications and media outlets including The New York Times, The BBC, Bloomberg Business News, TechCrunch, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company.

Doug speaks regularly to major brands and organizations across North and South America, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, and Australia.

Join author and internationally renowned consumer futurist, Doug Stephens, for an amazing tour of the future, where every aspect of the retail experience, as we know it, will be radically transformed.

Since the release of Doug’s first best-selling book, The Retail Revival, change in the global retail sector has accelerated beyond even the boldest forecasts. As predicted, online giants like Amazon and Alibaba.com are growing at a dizzying pace. Hundreds of well-known brick and mortar retailers have closed their doors, and brands and retailers across categories are struggling to understand the shifting needs and expectations of a new consumer. Far from spelling the end of retail however, these changes mark a profound new beginning.

From online to bricks and mortar, the very concept of what stores are, how consumers shop them, and even the core economic model for revenue, will be will be completely reinvented; changes sure to affect not only retailers large and small but any business with a stake in the global retail industry. Drawing on research from his newly released book, Re-engineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World, Doug will share what creative and courageous brands and retailers are doing today, to secure their place in the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s consumer.

* KEYNOTE PRESENTATION TOPIC: Re-Engineering Retail: the Future of Selling in a Post- Digital World (Tues, April 17)

* WORKSHOP TOPIC: The 5 Elements of Remarkable Customer Experiences (Tues, April 17)

ED RENSI

Former President & CEO of McDonald's, Philanthropist & NASCAR Enthusiast 

Edward H. Rensi, retired President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s USA, currently serves as an executive consultant to McDonald’s Restaurant Systems. He has been a member of McDonald's Board of Directors since 1982.

Ed has devoted his entire professional career to McDonald’s, joining the company in 1966 as a grill man and part-time manager trainee in Columbus, Ohio. He was promoted to restaurant manager within a year, and went on to hold nearly every position in the restaurant and field offices, including franchise service positions in Columbus and Washington, D.C.

Ed’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company during his 31-year tenure helped establish McDonald’s as the world’s most successful quick service restaurant.

During his 13-year term as president, McDonald’s experienced phenomenal growth. U.S. sales doubled to more than $16 billion, the number of the U.S. restaurants grew from nearly 6,600 to more than 12,000, and the number of U.S. franchisees grew from 1,600 to more than 2,700. Today, 19 million customers are served each day in the U.S. at McDonald’s. Under Ed’s leadership, McDonald’s became the most recognized brand in the world*, the next being Coca-Cola, the only soft drink supplier to McDonald’s today.

While working in McDonald’s Philadelphia region in the 1970s, Ed was instrumental in the development of the first Ronald McDonald House, a temporary residence for families of children with serious illnesses that has grown to include 165 houses in 12 countries. He is a member of the International Advisory Board for the Ronald McDonald House Program, and previously served as its Chairman.

In 1988, Ed Rensi received the distinguished President’s Volunteer Award from President Ronald Reagan for his extensive volunteer efforts with Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities and Ronald McDonald House.

He has been active in the rights of America’s disabled, lobbying for the American’s with Disabilities Act. He was the keynote speaker on the President’s Council on Employing the Disabled. This involvement was in part motivated by the fact that 75 percent of all McDonald’s U.S. restaurants employ at least one person with a physical or mental disability.

Connecting you with the world's greatest minds over the years, Ed has been extremely supportive of hispanic causes, serving as the chairman of the National Hispanic Corporate Council Institute. He also served on the Board of Governors of the American National Red Cross, and is involved with the League Against Child Abuse.

After 14 years as a President and CEO, Ed retired to pursue one of his greatest passions, auto racing. From that very first auto race until today, Ed has been instrumental in the development of Team Rensi Motorsports.

* KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Achieving Success through Inspirational Leadership (WED, APRIL 18)

MATT ELHARDT

Vice President, Business Development, Fisher International, Inc

Matt Elhardt is a strategic planning professional with close to 15 years of pulp and paper industry experience in sales, marketing, product development, and operations. His areas of expertise include identifying growth potential and achieving performance end-goals through strategic management, pricing and margin optimization, and anticipating marketplace dynamics.

At Fisher International, Matt helps clients leverage Fisher’s resources to achieve their objectives particularly in assessing disruption and predicting price cycles and turning points in pulp, containerboard, kraft paper, kraft board, recycled board, and OCC markets.

Prior to joining Fisher International, Matt held management positions in marketing and operations at Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, being responsible for corporate strategy and marketing during the period Longview underwent “the best turnaround in the past 25 years,” according to Mark Wilde, a well-known paper industry stock analyst.

Matt received his MBA from the University of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Washington State University.

Topics Include:

• The impact of e-commerce on the industry the use of e-commerce currently affecting our industry.
• Growth potential in the box industry from e-commerce.
• The impact be on supply and demand of containerboard.
• Short and long term opportunities for independent box makers.
  

*INDUSTRY/GENEREAL SESSION PRESENTATION TOPIC:  Overview of the Rapid Growth of E-Commerce & It’s Growing Impact on the U.S. Corrugated, Containerboard, Paperboard & Recycled Industries 

ANDREW HURLEY*

Assistant Professor of Packaging Science, Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University

Dr. R. Andrew Hurley, is an Assistant Professor of Packaging Science as well as a research associate at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University where he is the Director of CUshop, a consumer-experience research laboratory. He holds both a BS and MS in Packaging Science and a PhD in Rhetoric, Communication and Information Design.

Focused on new product and package development, Andrew brings ideas to innovative, practical solutions. With state-of-the-art design and prototyping labs, consumer-experience/biometric testing (eye-tracking, GSR and EEG) and a full packaging pilot plant, concepts can be developed and brought to life in just hours. Andrew teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Packaging Science, mentors Food Science and Culinary Arts projects and is active in the design research community. He is a noted research leader in the field of packaging design, having a variety of peer-reviewed papers, author of seven electronic training programs used by hundreds of industry professionals and has presented at many international conferences.

* SALES MANAGERS FORUM PRESENTATION TOPIC:  Building a Collaborative Team 

MITCH KLINGHER

CPA, Partner, Klingher Nadler, LLC

* INDUSTRY PRESENTATION TOPIC:  Tax Cuts & Job Acts: How It Will Impact Your Business & the Industry in 2018 & Beyond

* MODERATING WORKSHOP DISCUSSION TOPIC: High Speed Flexo Folder Gluers (FFG) & ROI on Equipment

WAYNE STEVENSON

Masters Student of Packaging Science at Clemson University

Wayne works as a Prototyping Lab Manager at Clemson University. His master's thesis is in Predictable Revenue for B2B Packaging Sales. He graduated with a B.S. in Packaging Science in 2016. Wayne is the recipient of the 2016 Dr. Robert Test in Outstanding Packaging Science Senior Award and a Student Design Challenge Scholarship Winner.

* SALES MANAGERS FORUM PRESENTATIONTOPIC: Building a Collaborative Team

The 5 Elements of Remarkable Customer Experiences 

Tuesday, April 17 – 9:45 am – 11:45 am

Presenter: Douglas Stephens, Retail and Consumer Futurist

Did you know that companies that deliver best-in-class customer experiences can enjoy up to a 38 percent revenue advantage over their competitors? But what exactly goes into building a remarkable customer experience? 

Join Doug Stephens, as he reveals the hidden elements inside every outstanding customer experience and how the world’s most respected brands go about designing and delivering them. 

High Speed FFG’s Panel  & Equipment Justification Methodology Workshop

Tuesday, April 17 – 9:45 am – 11:45 am

Come hear about Flexo-Folder Gluers from the experts on the speed of machinery, the benefits, and ROI.  Following the panel discussion, Mitch Klinger, CPA & Partner, Klinger Nadler will present on Equipment Justification Methodology. 

Panelists:

• Scott Sander, ISOWA
• Dick Olsen, MHI
• Mark Farrar, Bobst North America Inc.

Paper Mill & Sheet Feeder Plants: How Can They Make Independents' More Successful?

Tuesday, April 17 – 9:45 am – 11:45 am

Panel discussion on the pros and cons of entering into or developing joint sheet feeder or paper mill ventures.

Panelists:

• Jay Carman, President, StandFast Packaging Products Inc.
• Joseph M. Palmeri, VP & General Manager, Jamestown Container Companies
• John Perullo, CSI

Flutes vs. Paperboard Workshop & Roundtable Discussion

Monday, April 16 – 10:45 am – 1:45 pm

Tom Weber, AICC Folding Carton Technical Advisor, and Ralph Young, AICC Corrugated Technical Advisor, will lead a workshop and roundtable discussion to understand, support, and further develop the use of fluted materials as a substitute for paperboard in the manufacturing of both traditional and highly specialized folding cartons and rigid boxes. The forum will feature a panel of fluted sheet and converters and fluted materials suppliers. The session will include a roundtable discussion where attendees can ask questions of the panelists and experts.


Moderators:

• Ralph Young, AICC Corrugated Technical Advisor 
• Tom Weber, AICC Folding Carton/Rigid Box Technical Advisor

Panelists:

• Michael Drummond, Packrite
• Tony Reilly, Flutes
• Darin Jones, PSC
• Dave Moreno, Grief

Sales Managers Forum - Building a Collaborative Team 

How Do I Register?   Add the Sales Forum on as an optional event when registering for the Spring Meeting. 

Registration Fee: $795/person

• Registration fee includes the Sales Managers’ Forum (Sunday & Monday) and the Sales Managers' Reception (Sunday night).

Participants will learn how to build a modern day sales team! The course begins with the idea of not hiring "the best" salespeople, but organizing a collaborative team - to prospect, develop business, and wrap up with a mutually beneficial close. 

The goal of the workshop is to build a communications model of predictable revenue. Empower your sales team to use metrics to improve and increase messaging and conversion rates, while keeping your folks where they perform the best. Sales teams, including managers, will learn different techniques to setup a prospecting funnel, quickly qualify decision-makers, and find ways to connect your services to client needs. This workshop focuses on YOU - with templates that frame the workshop content around YOUR offerings.

Imagine having a scalable and predictable model for revenue. You'll walk away with a document that outlines your communication across each phase of your sales process. We'll present theory, you'll apply it to your services, and peer review will help to refine your messaging to predict revenue and grow your business.

Preliminary Schedule

Sunday, April 15

• Sales Managers’ Forum: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (lunch provided)
• Sales Managers’ Forum Reception- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

Monday, April 16

• Sales Managers' Forum 8:00 am – 1:45 pm (breakfast and lunch provided)

Course Speakers

Dr. R. Andrew Hurley, Assistant Professor of Packaging Science, Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University

Dr. R. Andrew Hurley, is an Assistant Professor of Packaging Science as well as a research associate at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University where he is the Director of CUshop, a consumer-experience research laboratory. He holds both a BS and MS in Packaging Science and a PhD in Rhetoric, Communication and Information Design. 

Focused on new product and package development, Andrew brings ideas to innovative, practical solutions. With state-of-the-art design and prototyping labs, consumer-experience/biometric testing (eye-tracking, GSR and EEG) and a full packaging pilot plant, concepts can be developed and brought to life in just hours. Andrew teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Packaging Science, mentors Food Science and Culinary Arts projects and is active in the design research community. He is a noted research leader in the field of packaging design, having a variety of peer-reviewed papers, author of seven electronic training programs used by hundreds of industry professionals and has presented at many international conferences.

Wayne Stevenson, Master's student of Packaging Science at Clemson University 

Wayne works as a Prototyping Lab Manager at Clemson University. His master's thesis is in Predictable Revenue for B2B Packaging Sales. He graduated with a B.S. in Packaging Science in 2016. Wayne is the recipient of the 2016 Dr. Robert Test in Outstanding Packaging Science Senior Award and a Student Design Challenge Scholarship Winner.

 

Training Event - Power, Sex, & the New Normal

Monday,  April 16, 2018  | 11:00 am – 1:45 pm (lunch included)

Price: $250/per person

As a leader what is your role in shaping the future of your company? In the context of the growing distrust regarding the use of power this interactive workshop will allow you to explore you blind spots and strengths in communication and conflict resolution. Our discussions groups and breakouts will better prepare you to lead your organization into the new normal where differences like gender are valued and safeguarded. Leah Ashford will join Scott Ellis to facilitate this forum. Leah is a certified professional coach and manager of Training and Development at E&J Gallo Winery. Get a better sense of how to lead and influence your company’s future.

The EL events are open to current and prospective Emerging Leaders. Emerging Leaders are defined as members aged 35 or younger. If you are not currently in the Emerging Leaders program but are interested in joining please contact Scott Ellis at leaders@aiccbox.org. 

Networking Event - Top Golf 

Monday,  April 16, 2018  | 8:00 pm –11:00 pm

Price: $190/per person

Join other Emerging Leaders for a fun night out at Topgolf. Fun for beginners or pros - you’ll compete to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer you get your ball to the center or ‘bullseye,’ and the further the distance, the more points earned. Light food and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Cash bar available. Emerging Leader graduates are welcome to attend!

What is Top Golf?

• 8:00 pm – Departures from Sheraton Wild Horse Pass 
• 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm - Top Golf Event
• 10:30 pm – 11:00 pm – Returns to Sheraton Wild Horse Pass
  

The EL events are open to current and prospective Emerging Leaders. Emerging Leaders are defined as members aged 35 or younger. If you are not currently in the Emerging Leaders program but are interested in joining please contact Scott Ellis at leaders@aiccbox.org. 

 

AICC 5th Annual Independents' Cup Charity Golf Tournament

Tuesday, April 17 – 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm 
Sheraton Grand Resort – Whirlwind Golf Course

Registration Fee: $375 (single) & $1900 (foursome)
***Space is limited in the golf tournament and will be secured on a first received registration basis.

The 5th annual AICC Independents' Cup Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the Sheraton Grand Resort at the Whirlwind Golf Course.  This scramble style tournament presents a new format that offers participants more networking opportunities and generates an atmosphere of greater fun for everyone, all while raising money for a great cause.

The Independents' Cup Charity Golf Tournament will benefit J. Richard Troll Scholarship Foundation, Three Precious Miracles and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief for the areas impacted this past year from natural disasters.

Registration includes all green and cart fees, driving range balls, tournament fees, BBQ lunch buffet, beverage cart, prizes and and all taxes and gratuities.

If you are not purchasing a foursome you will be paired with other team members by our golf committee.

Golf Clubs

You can rent golf clubs when you register for the meeting.
Rental Clubs: Calloway XR and Steelheads/$65 per set

You will need to request if you need right or left handed clubs when you register.

If you are bringing your own clubs you can check these at the bell stand at the Sheraton when you arrive and they will bring over to the golf course before the tournament and set them on your cart. 

Please clearly mark your full name, company and AICC 2018 Golf Tournament on your golf bag tag. Or if you are planning to go to the golf course prior to the tournament you can leave the golf clubs at the clubhouse. 

Schedule | Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Golf Shuttle Departures - 11:30 am – 12:20 pm

• Departures from Sheraton Main Entrance to Golf Course – Shuttles will loop between hotel and golf course.  The golf course is ½ mile from resort.

Driving Range Open, BBQ Lunch Buffet and Beverage Carts available for all golfers - 1:30 am – 12:30 pm

Assemble & Welcome - 12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Shotgun Start for Tournament  - 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Golf Shuttle Returns - 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

• Returns from the Golf Course to the Sheraton Main Entrance – Shuttles will loop between golf course and hotel.   

Networking Reception -5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

• The Networking Reception is for all golfers and spring meeting attendees and is located at the Sheraton Resort – Mesquite Terrace

Presentation of Donation Checks to Charities - Wednesday, April 18 | 8:20 am (during AICC General Session III)

Folding & Rigid Events

Fluted vs. Paperboard Workshop Session & Roundtable Discussion
Monday, April 16 – 10:45 am – 1:45 pm
(lunch will be provided)

Ralph Young, AICC Corrugated Technical Advisor and Tom Weber, AICC Folding Carton Technical Advisor will lead a workshop and roundtable discussion to understand, support, and further develop the use of fluted materials as a substitute for paperboard in the manufacturing of both traditional and highly specialized folding cartons and rigid boxes.

The forum will feature a panel of Fluted Sheet and Converters and Fluted Material Suppliers.  There will also be a roundtable discussion where can ask questions of the panelists and experts.   

About the Moderators:

Ralph Young serves as the Corrugated Technical Advisor to AICC. He spent his entire corporate career in the forest products industry investing the last 25 years in the paper and corrugated packaging segment. He has worked in woodlands, primary manufacturing, sales and sales management, marketing, business planning and communications, and three different assignments in product development. Ralph was there when the industry moved to ECT from Mullen. His companies have included Champion International-twice, Georgia-Pacific (Great Southern Paper), International Paper and Mead Containerboard.

Tom Weber serves as the Folding Carton Technical Advisor to AICC. He has 39 years of diverse packaging experience. He is recognized by industry peers to be knowledgeable and well informed in all sales, marketing, and production processes, various types of plastic and paperboard converting equipment, and technically proficient in Leadership Training and Six Sigma/LEAN methodologies. Tom managed multiple facilities in operations, managed regional business units as General Manager, and successfully directed a privately held company as its President. His career includes tenures with Tenneco, Caraustar, North America Packaging Corporation, Core Systems LLC, and CardPak.

 

Folding Carton & Rigid Box Networking Happy Hour & Dinner
Tuesday, April 17 – 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Shula’s Restaurant – Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 
Price per person: $125

This is a networking event for folding carton and rigid box manufacturers and their suppliers. All are welcome to attend to meet new folks and hear about new markets. Limited space is available. Transportation will be provided to/from the event. 

Spouse/Guest Event – Desert Botanical Garden Tour, Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale & Shopping

Monday, April 16, 2018 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Price: $235/per person.

Learn the unique characteristics of desert plants from around the world. The tour focuses on desert plant biology – exploring the great diversity of form, texture and color found in this wondrous array of cacti and succulents from around the world. More than 10,000 plants can be found in the gardens representing 2,500 different species. Learn how these fascinating plants have adapted to harsh extremes of desert climates.

Following the desert botanical tour guests will be taken to Old Town Scottsdale for lunch at the Herb Box followed by time for shopping. Old Town Scottsdale features over 100 shops.

 

Bondurant – School of High Performance Driving

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm 

Price: $375/per person

AICC get ready to start your engines! Join other attendees for an action packed afternoon at the Bondurant, School of High Performance Driving. Buckle up and enjoy the ride of your life!Known in the industry as "where the pros train", Bondurant, the School of High Performance Driving is the world leader in advanced, precision driver training.

The cost of the event is $375.00 per person and includes deluxe round-trip transportation, bottled water/snacks, briefing, instruction, and coordination for the following events that include Lead and Follow, Autocross Competition, Hot Laps and ProKart Racing and all taxes, fees, and gratuity.

Please note: Participants must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license and 6 months of driving experience. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Closed-toe shoes are required. Also recommended are long pants, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. All participants AND spectators will be required to sign ‘Assumption of Risk and Liability’ waivers upon arrival.

Departures will take place from the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa main lobby.

Plan to arrive at the lobby at 11:45 am for prompt departure.Space is limited and will be secured on a first received registration basis.

Networking Opportunities

NEW!  Late Night Mixer
Sunday, April 15  | 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort - Hotel Bar

All attendees will receive one drink ticket when they check-in at the registration desk on Sunday.    

AICC Opening Night Reception
Monday, April 16, 2018 | 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm 
Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort

The AICC 2018 Spring Meeting opening night reception is Monday, April 16 from 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort. Heavy reception food and open bar included. There will be plenty of food - so dinner plans may not be required this evening!All registered AICC 2018 Spring Meeting attendees and their spouse/guest are welcome and encouraged to attend this family friendly event. This event is scheduled to be held outdoors.
   

NEW! AICC Networking Lunch
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 | 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort

 AICC 2018 Spring Meeting attendees (non-golfers) and their spouse/guests are invited to attend this casual networking lunch. Lunch buffet will be provided. This is a great opportunity to greet old friends and meet new members – come expand your network!

This event is scheduled to be held outdoors.

AICC Networking Reception
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort

All registered AICC 2018 Spring Meeting attendees and their spouse/guest are welcome and encouraged to attend. Light reception food and open bar included.

This event is scheduled to be held outdoors.


NEW! Folding Carton & Rigid Box Networking Happy Hour & Dinner
Tuesday, April 17 | 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Shula’s Steakhouse

Shula's Steakhouse is less than a mile from the resort. This event is open to folding carton & rigid box members only. 

Smurfit Kappa Sound Packaging

Monday, April 16
8:00 am – 10:30 am

• Registration Fee - $100 /per person 

SmurfitKappa, Phoenix, Arizona Plant 2, formerly known as Sound Packaging started out in May of 1995, a green startup by Troy Gale, Mark Riley, and Tyler Howland. The sheet plant grew from the original 50,000 sqft single building to 80,000 in 1999, then added 50,000 sq ft off-site warehouse in 2005, and then a corrugator, Corrugated Professionals (Plant 1) in 2014. All are now part of the Smurfit Kappa North America operations. The corrugator now servicing the Chandler, Arizona sheet plant but also the Nogales, Mexico sheet plant, as well as, back up to TX and CA operations.

Between the three facilities, they have 3 FFGs, Martin, Emba and S & S, a Hycorr RDC, Langston slotter –RDC, J & L specialty folder gluer. All of these are in the sheet plant operation, Plant 2.

SmurfitKappa, Phoenix, is known for speed, quality, dependability, and creativity. Mostly in brown, but now as part of the SK system we are finishing and distributing up to 7 color, digital and bag in the box. Still, the Independent mindset but now supported by national as well as global resources.

NEW! Member Milestone Program

AICC is proud to announce it's new Member Milestone Program. This program will be an annual opportunity to celebrate our  Boxmaker & Associate members who are celebrating significant anniversaries of continuous operation (Example: 50, 75, 100, 125th anniversary).

Members who wish to be included must:

1. Be in current AICC standing

2. Be celebrating an anniversary in the current calendar year

3. Provide a 2-3 minute video presentation featuring the history of your company & it's growth. If you submit a video that is longer in duration it will be edited down to 2-3 minutes (AICC reserves the right to select what portion of the video to show).  Please see the video submission details below.

4. Send in submissions by the deadline: Friday, March 2, 2018.  

 

We strongly suggest that submitted videos utilize:

• Professional videography/editing

• The use of historical photos of your company

• 16x9 widescreen format, prefer mov. files
  

• Professional voice-over

• Licensed (legal) production music**

Video Submissions:

• Videos can be submitted via memory stick, Dropbox, data disk (but NOT a self-playing DVD). If you want to submit via dropbox please contact Cindy Huber at chuber@aiccbox.org.

• Videos being mailed should be sent to:
  
  • Griffin Communications, Inc.
  • 1432 Sparks Road
  • Sparks, MD 21152  USA
  • Attn: Nick Griffin
    

• A PowerPoint presentation is not a video.

•  Popular music cannot be used unless the company submitting the video has legally reached a licensing agreement with the music’s publisher. Simply copying music from a CD or downloading from iTunes does NOT mean that you have legal clearance for anything beyond personal use.
  
• Here are some cheaper alternatives that you can look into if you want to have music accompanying your video
  • www.audiosparx.com
  • www.premiumbeat.com
  • https://audiojungle.net/ 
    
•  For technical questions contact DwayneS@Griffcom.com, NickG@Griffcom.com or call (410) 296-7777 during normal (EST) business hours.

All members that submit qualifying videos will be recognized during the AICC 2018 Spring Meeting being held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, Arizona, April 16 - April 18, 2018.

The member recognition will take place on Wednesday, April 18 during the general session from approximately 8:25 am – 8:45 am. The video compilation will be shown & member representatives will be called on stage to receive a recognition plaque.  

 After the meeting, the Milestone Members will be recognized in a press release, AICC BoxScore Magazine and on the AICC website.

Video submissions will be considered based on a first received basis (that meet the qualifying criteria, are of usable quality and meet the specifications) as we have a limited amount of time to show the videos during the spring meeting general session. If time does not allow for all videos to be shown during the spring meeting we will show some of the videos at the annual meeting in the fall.

 Questions?  Please contact Cindy Huber at chuber@aiccbox.org or 877-836-2422.   

Sponsorship Opportunities

AICC invites you to take advantage of the many opportunities to give your company excellent exposure and enhance your visibility at the AICC 2018 Spring Meeting. These sponsorships are each a great way to put your company and product name in front of your customers.  

The outstanding content of our meetings and the quality of the presentations are made possible in large part by you, our members. With numerous sponsorship levels, there are opportunities to meet virtually every budget level.

Download the Spring Meeting Sponsorship Brochure 
Download the Golf Sponsorship Brochure

 

Premier Meeting Sponsors:

Premier Gold

Premier Silver

Premier Bronze

Opening Reception

Meeting Sponsors:

Technology Sponsor – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Breakfast Buffet & Break – Oklahoma Interpak

Afternoon Break – Baumer hhs

FCRB Networking Dinner – Zund America, W.H. Leary, PPCTS Technologies & Solutions, Emmeci USA, Baumer hhs

Lanyards – Stafford Corrugated Products

 

Major Golf Sponsor:

Top Golf Sponsors:

Golf Caddies

Golf Shop

Top, Mid-Level & Golf Sponsors:

Networking Reception Cosponsor – Cascades/Sonoco, Equipment Finance, & Hood Container

BBQ Lunch Buffet – Cascades Containerboard Packaging

Golf Cart – Fosber

Beverage Cart – AG Stacker, Alliance Machine, & Litho Press

Contest Hole – Akers Packaging

Hole-in-One Contest Hole – Vanguard Packaging

Golf Balls – BCM Inks

Golf Towels – Poteet Printing Systems

Golf Guide –Lewisburg Printing Co.

Golf Hole – Alliance Machine, American Corrugated Machine, Bay Cities, Bennett, BW Papersytems, C&M Conveyor, EMBA Machinery, Haire Group, Jamestown Container, JB Machinery, KemiArt (US), McLean Packaging, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Pamarco, Quantum Inks, SAPPI, StandFast Packaging, Standard Printing Company, SUN Automation

Questions? Contact Laura Mihalick at lmihalick@aiccbox.org.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, Arizona  85226 United States

Room Type: Resort King or Double rooms

Room Rates: $249 per night*

Book by Phone: 1-866-837-4156 (reference AICC 2018 Spring Meeting)

Book Online: Sheraton Online Reservations

HOTEL UPDATE:  Please note that the Sheraton Hotel is sold out on Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17. There is still availability on the other nights. Due to this, we have secured an overflow block of rooms at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino (a sister property to the Sheraton).  

If you would like to be put on a wait list for a room at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, please email your name and the dates you need a room to Cindy Huber at chuber@aiccbox.org. If we are able to secure you a room we will be in contact with you to confirm the details.  Please plan to make alternative hotel arrangements in the event we are not able to secure you a room.

Overflow Hotel Information:

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

Located close to the Sheraton and has a complimentary shuttle that runs between both hotels every 20 minutes.  

Room Rate: $159 per night (plus taxes)

Room Rate Cut-Off Date: Friday, March 30, 2018

Reservations by phone: 520-796-4900 (reference the AICC room block) 

Individual Cancellation Policy:  You must cancel your hotel room 72 hours prior to arrive in order to not be charged a penalty.

Download Local Dining Options

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to AICC Headquarters. Verbal cancellations will not be accepted nor processed. Refunds will be made the same manner as the payment was received (i.e., a check payment will receive a check refund).

• Cancellations received in writing on or before March 16, 2018 will receive a full refund of their paid meeting registration and event fees less a $100 processing fee per person registered.
• Cancellations received in writing between March 17- April 2, 2018 will receive 50% of their paid meeting registration and event fees per person registered.
• Cancellations received in writing after April 2, 2018 will NOT receive a refund of any fees paid.

Cancellations received in writing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and AICC reserves the right to only issue a credit in approved cases. Cancellations and discounts received more than 30 days after the end of the meeting will not be considered. In the event that a cancellation will affect the discount of a company’s third and subsequent registration, the full meeting registration fee will be charged if applicable (i.e. If A, B and C register for the meeting, C will receive the discount rate. If B should then cancel, C will be charged the full meeting rate, as the discount no longer applies). Substitutions are allowed and must be made in writing by the original registrant prior to the meeting.

Meeting Policy: All meeting registration fees, including those for ancillary events, must be paid in full prior to the start of the meeting. Registration rates are for AICC meeting attendees and include spouses or guests. Employees or co-workers employed by the same company group DO NOT qualify as guests. There are no separate fees for single attendees nor can registrations be pro-rated by individual days or events.

Cancellations for all optional paid events will be refunded 7 days prior to the event less a $25 processing fee. Cancellations received within 7 days of the event will be refunded less a $25 processing fee IF we can resell the reserved space.

Questions? Contact AICC at 877-836-2422 or meetings@aiccbox.org.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question doesn't appear below, please contact Laura at AICC by calling 703-836-2422 or at Lmihalick@aiccbox.org.

Question: What is the multiple member discount rate?

Answer: When registering more than two people from the same company, the third person to register, and anyone after that, will receive the multiple member discount rate. If only two people from the same company are attending, they do NOT qualify for the multiple member discount rate.

Questions?

Please contact Laura Mihalick at (703) 535-1388 or Lmihalick@aiccbox.org.