Strategic Alignment Brought to AICC Members

April 20, 2022 – The AICC Spring Meeting, April 6-8, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, Palm Desert, CA, welcomed over 700 attendees to the desert for three days of general sessions, plant tours, workshops, and networking.

During the Meeting, speakers addressed the state of the industry, what's next, and strategies to increase profitability. Additionally, 208 members enjoyed the 8th Annual Independents’ Cup Golf Tournament.

AICC Chairman Gene Marino, Executive Vice President, Akers Packaging Service Group, opened the Meeting with a focused session that offered information on the state of containerboard, trucking and transportation, and an economic and legislative outlook with industry speakers Gene Marks, CPA, Author, Columnist, Business Expert; Ryan Fox, Corrugated Market Analyst, Green Markets, A Bloomberg Company; and Avery Vise, VP Trucking, FTR.

Of the Meeting, Marino remarked, "it is a privilege and an honor to represent this Association as chairman, and the turnout in Palm Springs is a testament to our industry. I sincerely hope that the attendees enjoyed the Meeting as much as I did."

AICC President Mike D’Angelo added, “I am very pleased with the style and substance of this meeting. There was something for everyone in the program, and we hope that our members put the many takeaways into action in their operations.”

Over the three days, Sean McDermott, Founder and Certified EOS® Implementer, The Traction Group, offered a keynote presentation, "Align Human Energy & Activity in Your Company, " and two workshop sessions.

McDermott also joined a special networking Q&A session with AICC Emerging Leaders. They were able to ask him questions about strategic alignment and growing with a company.

“The energy at the Spring Meeting is everything we’ve been missing the past couple of years. It was wonderful to connect with our peers in-person again, and share insights to how we are all managing through the different obstacles we encounter. It’s been like the Hunger Games of Packaging, so being able to connect with people going through the same thing and knowing you’re not alone is key. Plus, so far we’ve lived to tell the tale and have a few laughs about it, which is the other key to keeping our sanity as we all continue to grow,” said Senior Emerging Leader Delegate Cassi Malone, Customer Service Manager, Corrugated Supplies Company.

Over two days, supplier innovations were shared to an engaged audience during workshop sessions. Presenting companies included Automated Conveyor Systems, Advantzware, AG Stacker, Barberan, Baumer hhs, Bobst, CST Systems, Domino North America, Digital Print Inc (Dpi), Durst Group, EAM Mosca, EFI, Emmeci, eProductivity Software, Global Boxmachine, Highcon, Kolbus America, Motionalysis Inc., OMP, Pamarco, PARA, Rapid Bond, SUN Automation, and Valco Melton.

Attendees also heard an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Legislation Update from Terry Webber, Executive Director, Packaging, AF&PA.

The closing keynote was an exciting account of being held hostage by pirates from Captain Richard Phillips, Hero of the High Seas & Real-Life Inspiration for the movie "Captain Phillips."

During the Meeting, Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO of Bay Cities and industry leader, was inducted into the AICC Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry.

Prior to the Meeting, 10 sales professionals participated in a 2-day Accelerate Sales Forum in which Mark Roberts, CEO, OTB Solutions, helped attendees develop targeted conversations that lead to revenue, deliver sales results aligned with a buyer-centric approach, and learn to use application exercises to create fluency within sales teams.

Plant tours at Fruit Growers Supply and EnCorr Sheets LLC was time well spent for more than 100 attendees.

The Meeting also recognized AICC member milestones and safety.

AICC Vice Chair Jana Haris, CEO of Harris Packaging & American Carton Co., said, "it felt like we were back to a 'normal' meeting after several years. The venue, the programming, and as always, the networking opportunities were all outstanding."

Videos of many of the sessions are available to attendees upon request.

AICC’s “Recyclers” Cycling Team enjoyed a post-meeting outing Saturday, April 9, in Joshua Tree National Park, covering 40-60 miles through the Mojave Desert. For more information on AICC’s Recyclers Cycling Team contact Steve Young at syoung@aiccbox.org, or Guy Ockerlund at guyo@oxbox.com.

Photos from the meeting can be found on AICC’s Facebook page,

AICC is grateful for the support of our many Meeting sponsors, which include:

· Poteet Printing Systems, A Flint Group Company

· HP

· SUN Automation Group

· EFI

· Haire Group

· Oklahoma Interpak

· Flint Group

· Kao Collins

· Domino

· Kolbus America

· Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

· Stafford Corrugated Products

· Global Boxmachine

· Huston Patterson Printers/Lewisburg Printing

· Dusobox

· Durst

Upcoming National Meetings include:

AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week

September 19 - 22, 2022 | San Antonio, Texas

AICC 2023 Spring Meeting & 9th Annual Independents' Cup Charity Golf Tournament

April 24 - 26, 2023 | Miami, Florida

AICC 2023 Annual Meeting

September 18 – 20, 2023 | Louisville, Kentucky

Questions about the Spring Meeting and the value a well-connected workforce brings to a company can be answered by Cindy Huber, AICC Director of Conventions & Meetings, at chuber@aiccbox.org or 703.836.2422 or Laura Mihalick, Senior Meeting Manager, atber@aiccbox.orgor 703.836.2422 or Laura Mihalick, Senior Meeting Manager, at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or 703.836.2422.