November 5, 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 strategy 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.
Closing out the day, 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 and 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 and emphasized the importance of workforce development, innovation, and policy support to drive growth. The event concluded with a dynamic closing keynote, titled Generative AI and Your Future, by Sam Richter, Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author. 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.
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, partner at Klingher Nadler LLP. Klingher also offered guidance on business planning following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act during the Focus Session. In the same session, Shoshana Micon, manager of recycling and packaging sustainability at the American Forest and Paper Association, provided essential updates on containerboard markets and sustainability policies, and Ryan Fox, market analyst at 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, business development manager at Domino; Steve Shannon, global sales and business manager at HP; Liz Logue, vice president of strategy and product marketing at EFI; Chuck Slingerland, vice president at Barberan; John Kelley, managing director at Kento; and Tom Green, regional sales manager at Durst—moderated by Greg Tucker, chairman and CEO 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 productivity and customer expectations. This followed a Digital Print Boxmaker Panel the previous day, featuring Jake Sutherland, chief innovation officer at Sutherland Packaging; George Perreira, vice president of Moyy/Whitebird; Chad Wagner, CEO of Peachtree Packaging, and moderated by Greg Jones, executive vice president of SUN Automation Group. The panelists spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of adoption.
Todd Zielinski, CEO and managing director of Athena SWC, and Trent Halasek, sales manager at Akers Packaging, shared strategies for evaluating orders and maximizing sales ROI. The Supplier Innovation sessions, moderated by Jeff Pallini, CEO of Fosber, and Brian Foley, national sales manager of corrugated board at 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 and outside general counsel at 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 was at the heart of the 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, president of Wasatch Container.
Plant tours at StandFast Packaging Group, Blackhawk Corrugated, Digital Print Partners, and The Royal Group gave attendees 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/Board Converting News Innovator of the Year Award was won by Atlas Container in Severn, Maryland, for its 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 in person 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).
Looking Ahead
During the Annual Meeting, AICC members, by acclamation, selected the 2025–2026 slate of officers and directors (see p. 32), marked by the changing of the guard when Gary Brewer, president and CEO of Package Crafters and Creative Packaging, handed over the ceremonial gavel to Terri-Lynn Levesque, vice president of administration at Royal Containers, as the incoming board chair.
The Annual Meeting proved that the independent spirit is strong, adaptable, and future-focused. Attendees returned home with fresh strategies, new connections, and renewed energy to lead their companies forward.
Sidebar: Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
AICC is grateful for the support of its members. Join us in thanking the following sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: Domtar
Gold Sponsor: Flint Group
Silver Sponsor: A.G. Stacker
Bronze Sponsor and Key Card Sponsor: SUN Automation Group
Opening Night Reception Sponsor: Haire Group
Late Night Mix and Mingle Sponsors:
- A.G. Stacker
- Pacificolor
Networking Reception Sponsors:
- BHS Corrugated
- BW Papersystems
- EMBA Machinery
Networking Lunch Sponsor:
Kao Collins Inc.
Networking Breakfast Sponsors:
- Oklahoma Interpak
- Mainline Conveyor Systems
Women in Packaging Social Sponsor: BW Papersystems
Bag and Lanyard Sponsor: Stafford Corrugated Products
Badge Sponsor: Geo. M. Martin
Technology Sponsor: Baumer hhs
Mobile App Sponsor: Global Boxmachine
Meeting Signage Sponsor: EFI
Program Guide Sponsor: Lewisburg Patterson Co.
Sidebar: A Special Moment
During the meeting, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), co-sponsored by AICC and the Fibre Box Association, announced the posthumous induction of Jeffrey Schwarz into ICPF’s prestigious Circle of Distinguished Leaders. A respected industry innovator, Schwarz was instrumental in expanding Schwarz Partners, L.P., strengthening collaboration among independent sheet feeders, and fostering cooperative growth across the corrugated, packaging, and recycling sectors.
