500 Industry Leaders Gather to Sip, Socialize & Strategize 2023 AICC Annual Meeting
Monday, October 2, 2023
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Posted by: Alyce Ryan
September 29, 2023 – AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, celebrated another successful Annual Meeting as more than 500 professionals from the paper and packaging industry convened in Louisville for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and innovation. The event, held at the Marriott Louisville Downtown, September 18-20, featured a wide range of workshops, networking opportunities, and plant tours to advance the industry and foster leadership.
AICC members began learning before the first session even started with the opportunity to explore the box plants of Premier Packaging, Independent II, and Greif CorrChoice, gaining firsthand experience at cutting-edge packaging facilities. The tours were followed by a lunch and bourbon tasting at Farmington Historic Plantation.
The AICC Annual Meeting kicked off with a Focus Session that included the State of the Industry address delivered by Timothy Bergwall, Group President of Paper Packaging & Services at Greif, Inc. as attendees gained invaluable insights into the current sector landscape. George Staphos, a Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, followed with a comprehensive Paper & Packaging Economic Update, equipping participants with the latest market trends and financial perspectives. A highlight of the session was Gene Marks, CPA, author and columnist, and Small Business Owner, who shared top tactics and strategies that leaders should employ to navigate and thrive in 2024 and beyond. Keynote speaker Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's Corporation, presented "Looking Back to Move Forward," inspiring attendees to reflect on the past and draw valuable lessons for the future during a general session and went on to discuss "Keeping the Family in Family Business" and "It Takes Creativity: DIY Marketing" during subsequent workshop presentations.
In another packed workshop session, Tim Connell, A.G. Stacker, moderated a panel discussion with Jeremy Cohen, Acme Corrugated, Keith Thomas, Michigan City Paper Box Co., and Dennis Wood, Premier Packaging, on "Automation vs. Semi-Automation in the Plant."
Andrew Hurley, Clemson University, presented a four-phase program for sustainable packaging development during a workshop and discussed carbon neutrality during a general session while Abigail Sztein, AF&PA, provided insights into legislative developments affecting the industry. During the Meeting, Evelio Mattos, host of Package Design Unboxd, also explored the implementation of AI in manufacturing.
AICC Emerging Leaders participated in a dynamic discussion on leadership development and authenticity in leadership with panelists Cassi Malone, Corrugated Supplies Company, Josh Sobel, Jamestown Container Companies, Danny Lopez, Haire Group, and Simona Georgescu, Adduco Communications, Inc. and moderator John McQueary, CST Systems Inc.
A networking lunch featured keynote speaker Tripp Cosby, a comedy filmmaker, live host, and entrepreneur, who added a dose of humor and inspiration to the event.
Unique networking opportunities included a reception at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, where attendees toured the racetrack and decorated fedoras and fascinators. Many also participated in the bourbon distillery tours to Maker's Mark and Stitzel-Weller. The Emerging Leaders enjoyed lively evening at the Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar.
During the Meeting, AICC recognized Greg Jones, SUN Automation Group, and Greg Tucker, Bay Cities, as the recipients of the AICC Champion Award.
Cascades took home the AICC/ BCN Innovator of the Year Award for their 100% recycled SBS alternative used for color applications on packaging.
Student Design Competition winners and Troll Scholarship recipients were also recognized during the meeting and given a priceless opportunity to network with attendees.
Additionally, AICC members elected a new slate of officers and directors during the Annual Meeting, with Matt Davis, Packaging Express, succeeding Jana Harris, Harris Packaging and American Carton Co. as Board Chair.
The event concluded with a powerful closing keynote from Dakota Meyer, a US Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, who shared insights on mastering life's toughest battles and discovering one's purpose. Photos from the Meeting can be found on AICC's Facebook or LinkedIn page. Meeting presentations have been sent out to meeting attendees. If you did not receive, please contact lmihalick@aiccbox.org.
AICC Is Grateful for the Support of Our Many Meeting Sponsors:
Upcoming National Meetings: AICC 2024 Spring Meeting & 50th Anniversary Celebration April 8-10, 2024 | Palm Desert, California AICC/TAPPI 2024 SuperCorrExpo September 9-12, 2024 | Orlando, Florida
For more information about all AICC upcoming events visit www.AICCbox.org/Calendar.
Questions about the 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, at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or 703.836.2422.
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