October 17, 2025 – Independent packaging leaders gathered October 6–8 at the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk in Chicago for the AICC 2025 Annual Meeting. With 600 attendees, the event brought together converters, suppliers, and partners for three days of inspiration, education, and connection.

Big-Picture Insights

The meeting opened with Gene Marks, CPA, author, and columnist, who helped members prepare for the road ahead in his keynote, “Navigating 2025 and Beyond.” Marks emphasized data-driven strategies and practical steps to manage shifting economic and technology landscapes.

The keynote presentation by John O’Leary, bestselling author of On Fire, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the meeting. Blending humor, heartfelt storytelling, and even a surprise piano performance, O’Leary inspired members to approach both business and life with gratitude, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. His message of resilience and leadership resonated deeply, leaving attendees energized and reflective long after the session ended. 

Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands & Waters and CNN Hero of the Year, shared how one person’s action can spark wide-reaching change. His keynote challenged members to turn challenges into opportunities in their businesses and communities.

The closing general session offered two impactful presentations that captured the attention of attendees. Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, delivered the "Industry Presentation – The State of Manufacturing," offering an insightful overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the manufacturing sector. He highlighted the vital role manufacturing plays in Illinois and the nation’s economy, emphasizing the importance of workforce development, innovation, and policy support to drive future growth. 

The event concluded with a dynamic closing keynote by Sam Richter, Hall of Fame Speaker and bestselling author, titled "Generative AI and Your Future." Richter engaged the audience with an eye-opening and accessible look at how generative AI is reshaping industries, workplaces, and everyday life, urging professionals to adapt and leverage this transformative technology for success in an increasingly digital world.

As a follow-up to his keynote presentation at the Annual Meeting, Richter will offer a deep-dive demo on using the Packing Industry Intel Engine to grow your business during Generative AI and Your Future, a free webinar for AICC members on November 13. Learn more and register at www.AICCbox.org/Calendar. 

Learning That Drives Action

Educational sessions provided members with tools to put their ideas into practice. Over a dozen attendees came to Chicago early to participate in Unlock Financial & Operational Synergy, a two-day seminar led by Mitch Klingher, Klingher Nadler LLP. Klingher also offered guidance on business planning following the passage of the Build Back Better Act during the Focus Session. In the same session, Shoshana Micon, AF&PA, provided essential updates on containerboard markets and sustainability policies, and Ryan Fox of Green Markets, a Bloomberg company, examined containerboard industry shifts, from acquisitions to capacity changes. 

Breakouts went deeper. The Supplier Panel Discussion: Latest Developments and Innovations in Digital Print brought together a powerhouse lineup of experts representing leading technology providers — Matthew Condon, Domino; Steve Shannon, HP; Liz Logue, EFI; Chuck Slingerland, Barberan; John Kelley, Kento; and Tom Green, Durst — moderated by Greg Tucker of Bay Cities. Panelists discussed the latest advancements in digital printing, from automation and color management to hybrid workflows and customization. Their insights gave converters a clear look at where digital print technology is heading — and how it is reshaping both productivity and customer expectations. This followed a Digital Print Boxmaker Panel the previous day, featuring Jake Sutherland, Sutherland Packaging; George Perreira, Moyy; Chad Wagner, Peachtree Packaging, and was moderated by Greg Jones, SUN Automation. The panelists spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of adoption.

Todd Zielinski, Athena SWC, and Trent Halasek, Akers Packaging, shared strategies for evaluating orders and maximizing sales ROI. The Supplier Innovation sessions, moderated by Jeff Pallini, Fosber, and Brian Foley, Bobst, introduced AI, automation, and print solutions from JB Machinery, Two10 Technologies, OMP, Nextwire, BW Papersystems, Elitron America, Koenig & Bauer, EFI, Rigorous Technology, HiFlow Solutions, BCM Inks, and WPR Services. 

In his session, “Working on the Business: Gap Analysis and Strategic Planning to Protect While You Grow,” Chris Santomassimo, Partner at Outside General Counsel, OGC Solutions, guided attendees through practical approaches to balancing growth with risk management. He shared how leaders can identify operational gaps, implement safeguards, and align strategic planning with long-term organizational health. Participants walked away with tools to strengthen their business foundations while continuing to scale responsibly.

Roundtable discussions and member exchanges tackled workforce recruitment, safety, and sustainability, ensuring every attendee left with practical takeaways.

Building Connections

Networking is at the heart of every AICC event. Members enjoyed receptions overlooking the Chicago River, a Women in Packaging Social, and the Emerging Leaders Networking Event. AICC Emerging Leaders also enjoyed a training luncheon with Jerry Frisch, Wasatch Container. 

Plant tours at StandFast Group, Blackhawk Corrugated, Digital Print Partners, and The Royal Group gave a behind-the-scenes look at innovative operations, while optional cultural outings — from the Art Institute of Chicago to a Second City comedy night — offered time to relax and connect.

The meeting also celebrated industry achievements. The AICC/ BCN Innovator of the Year Award was won by Atlas Container in Severn, MD, for their Second Chance Program, which provides employment and training opportunities to individuals on work release from local correctional facilities. The program not only helps participants build new skills and stability but has also led many to continue their careers with Atlas after release, exemplifying innovation through compassion and community impact.

Student Design Competition winners, represented by Sydney Doyle, Zoe Tseng, and Luke Kim from Cal Poly, were also celebrated during the meeting, alongside the presentation of the Troll Scholarship to Tyler Kleinsasser of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (graduate) and Clayton Gons of Rutgers University (undergraduate).