2025 Spring Meeting Leaves Attendees Flying High

July 3, 2025

AICC Chairman Gary Brewer of Package Crafters and Creative Packaging welcomes attendees during the opening night reception. (Photos courtesy of AICC.)

AICC successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2025 Spring Meeting, held April 30–May 2 in Bonita Springs, Florida. With over 800 attendees representing independent corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box companies and suppliers, the meeting delivered on its promise of high-value education, deep connection, and bold inspiration.

Guided by 2024–2025 AICC Chairman Gary Brewer’s rousing theme, “Fly the Plane. Run Your Business,” the event reminded business leaders that amid constant distractions, they must stay focused and take the controls of their company’s future. “Like pilots, entrepreneurs have their crew, tools, and resources,” said Brewer, president of Package Crafters. “But the responsibility to lead—to fly the plane—rests with you.”

Keynote Lineup That Soared

The meeting’s general sessions captivated the audience with timely and transformative messages. Attendees were inspired by John “Gucci” Foley, a former lead solo pilot of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who delivered a jaw-dropping closing keynote on high-performance teamwork, trust, and precision. His words resonated with the crowd and earned a standing ovation.

Peter Goodman, The New York Times’ economics correspondent and bestselling author, took attendees deep into the heart of global commerce with his riveting session, “How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain.” And Diane Wolf, CEO of Carlisle Container Co., offered real-world insights in her opening keynote, setting the tone for the entire meeting with clarity and confidence.

John “Gucci” Foley, former lead solo pilot of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, inspires attendees using his stories as a Blue Angel to show ways to foster innovation and teamwork through a commitment to preparation, practice, and persistence.

ELs Took the Stage

The future of the packaging industry came into sharp focus during the Emerging Leaders (EL) panel, when rising stars from across the United States shared their vision, challenges, and passion for leadership. Moderated by Joe Morelli of Lewisburg Patterson, the panel featured perspectives from Andrew Bell, Packaging Express; Rob Callif, BCM Inks; Cassi Malone, Corrugated Supply Co.; Tom Murphy, Reliable Container; and Shari Saeger, Alliance Machine Systems International, each offering a unique lens on what it means to build a career and company in packaging today.

The leadership development continued as Richard Goldberg’s compelling session on “Data-Driven Decision-Making in the Corrugated Industry”gave attendees tactical tools to make smarter, faster decisions.

Bold Conversations in Every Breakout, Forum, Focused Session

The meeting’s breakout sessions buzzed with energy as experts tackled the issues that matter most to independent packaging companies. In “Let’s Talk About People,” leaders from Schwarz Partners, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, and Oberg & Associates dove into best practices in recruitment and retention. At the same time, “Opportunities & Challenges in Building Expansion” brought veteran voices from Cumberland Container, Akers Packaging Service Group, and Moyy/Whitebird to share real-world capital investment strategies.

The AICC Women in Packaging Breakfast features lively conversation and camaraderie.

Succession planning was explored through a solo session led by Dan Prisciotta and a panel discussion with leaders from Acme Corrugated, SMC Packaging, Royal Containers, and Welch Packaging—each offering hard-won insights on preserving legacy and preparing the next generation.

Meanwhile, the lively “Print Wars” panel sparked debate over flexo, litho, and digital printing, featuring professionals from McLean Packaging, Peachtree, Lewisburg Patterson, and Kento Digital. In a forward-looking session on technology, Ensilio CEO Mark Kornfilt detailed how digital innovation is disrupting traditional paper trading.

The Sales Management Forum, led by Trent Halasek of Akers Packaging Service Group and Todd Zielinski of Athena SWC, brought a high-energy, data-driven approach to sales strategy with their session “Step Up Your Game: Moneyball Meets Sales Mastery.” Over two dynamic days, sales leaders discovered how to apply analytics, process discipline, and think strategically to boost performance and drive measurable results. Attendees left energized, equipped with new tools, and ready to rethink what success looks like on the sales floor.

A focused legislative and economic update from George Staphos of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Matt Morgan of Barnes & Thornburg rounded out the educational content with timely insights on what the new administration means for business.

This meeting features a focused session that discussed the economy, the second Trump administration, and the next generation of leadership.

Recognition

During the meeting, Chuck Fienning was inducted into the AICC Hall of Fame for his enduring leadership and contributions to AICC and the independent industry.

Through the Member Milestone program, Welch Packaging, American Corrugated Machine Corp., Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, and SUN Automation Group were recognized for their longevity in the industry.

Also, several locations of Akers Packaging and Jamestown Container Cos., along with Box-Board Products, were awarded the 2025 Independent Safe Shop Award.

Charitable Impact

One hundred thirty-two golfers competed in the 11th Annual Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament at the Saltleaf Golf Preserve, raising more than $10,000 for the Foundation for Packaging Education.

“AICC members make the Spring Meeting,” said AICC President Mike D’Angelo. “They bring their families, their energy, their ideas, and their openness. All that comes together to make for a joyful and memorable experience that people talk about for weeks afterward. It is quite special.”

Terri-Lynn Levesque, vice president of administration at Royal Containers and AICC first vice chair, and Frank Chilman representing Hood Container, a major donor of the Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament, present Matt Davis, president of Packaging Express and chair of the Foundation for Packaging Education, with a donation to the foundation to support industry education.

Connections Everywhere

Beyond the sessions, attendees enjoyed a wide array of networking opportunities—from the Women in Packaging Breakfast to evening receptions and industry-specific socials. The Late-Night Mix & Mingle, EL Networking event, and the 11th Annual Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament created space for meaningful connections and lasting friendships.

Optional excursions such as the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Tour, an Everglades Eco Tour, and a catamaran sailing excursion infused the week with adventure and local flair.

AICC also hosted the first Kids Crafting With Corrugated Social. The event for children ages 5 and older brought together the youngest attendees to work on corrugated projects and participate in a scavenger hunt.

Community in Command of Its Future

From start to finish, the AICC Spring Meeting celebrated the entrepreneurial mindset that defines independent packaging. It was a reminder that while tools, technology, and trends may evolve, the heart of this industry remains constant, driven by people willing to take the wheel and lead with purpose.