March 12, 2026
The AICC 2026 Spring Meeting, April 13–15 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, promises a dynamic blend of education, connection, and leadership development for professionals in the independent paper-packaging industry. Under the theme “Legacy in Action — Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders,” this three-day gathering unites converters, suppliers, and industry partners for actionable insights, peer engagement, and professional growth.
AICC has assembled a lineup of distinguished speakers and expert sessions designed to equip attendees with forward-thinking tools and
frameworks. Speakers include:
- Jim Carroll — futurist and leadership expert
- Ross Bernstein — motivational business speaker and author
- Matt Eichmann — leadership advisor, Catalyst Point
- George Staphos — managing director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Jules Van Sant — executive director, Two Sides North America
- Todd Zielinski — managing director and CEO, Athena SWC
- K.M. Zouhary — founder and principal consultant, KMZ Advisors
Sessions will dive deeper into the how behind today’s most pressing business challenges, giving attendees practical insights they can take back to their operations immediately. Participants will learn proven approaches to leadership succession planning that help ensure continuity and long-term stability, as well as how to apply AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, decision-making, and competitiveness.
Programming will also explore emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill for building strong teams and navigating change, while economic and cybersecurity sessions will equip attendees with a clearer understanding of market forces, risk management, and data protection. Sustainability discussions will focus on communicating the value of paper-based packaging, responding to customer expectations, and positioning businesses for long-term success in an evolving regulatory and environmental landscape.
Sales Seminar: The ISO 9001 Approach to Manufacturing Sales Growth
The ISO 9001 Approach to Manufacturing Sales Growth is a one-day preconference program designed to help packaging sales leaders and executives bring structure, clarity, and consistency to their sales organizations. This session, led by Todd Zielinski, managing director and CEO of Athena SWC, applies proven quality management system principles to the sales function—whether or not a company is ISO 9001-certified. Attendees will learn how to identify and close gaps in their current sales process, reduce reliance on instinct or guesswork, and build a repeatable system that drives predictable revenue growth. The program focuses on applying quality concepts to improve sales consistency and forecasting accuracy, establishing meaningful key performance indicators that provide visibility into pipeline health, and creating a scalable framework that better equips sales teams to win and retain business.
Women in Packaging Events
The Women in Packaging events offer more than just networking. They provide a supportive platform tailored to the professional development of women in the packaging industry. Attendees will gain access to peer connection opportunities, mentorship, and discussion forums that highlight real-world career insights, leadership skills, and industry best practices. Through in-person events such as the group breakfast and specialized sessions, women can expand their professional networks, learn from successful role models, and build the confidence to take on leadership roles and new challenges within their companies.
12th Annual Independents’ Cup Golf Tournament
The 12th Annual Independents’ Cup Golf Tournament adds an energetic and engaging dimension to the event, blending friendly competition with some of the week’s best networking opportunities. Set against a premier course, the tournament gives attendees the chance to connect with peers, customers, and industry partners in a relaxed, high-spirited setting where conversations flow as easily as the fairways. Whether participants are seasoned golfers or casual players, the tournament delivers a fun, memorable experience that strengthens relationships, sparks new connections, and sets the tone for a productive and enjoyable Spring Meeting.
The 2026 AICC Spring Meeting is an educational catalyst and a community hub for independent packaging professionals. Whether attendees come to enhance sales leadership, participate in women’s empowerment events, advance emerging talent, or absorb strategic insights from keynote leaders, the program provides meaningful takeaways that can be implemented immediately back home.
Learn more and register at www.AICCbox.org/meeting.
