May 14, 2026

*JOIN US FOR THE PRE-EVENT HAPPY HOUR on May 13, 2026 FROM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

7:00 am – 8:00 am CST

Delegate Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:00 am – 8:10 am CST

Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks

Sustainability & Materials

Oliver Campbell

Director, Distinguished Engineer, Product Development Engineering and Packaging Engineering
Dell

Design & Branding

Paula Steenstra

Director, Design and Packaging
McDonald's

Innovation & Technology

Kevin Marshall

Senior Director, Design, Packaging and Content
Microsoft

8:10 am – 8:15 am CST

Mayor's Welcome Address

8:15 am – 8:45 am CST

Opening Keynote

Deepali Palta, Ph.D.

VP, Global Innovation and Sustainability
Kellanova

Driving Packaging Innovation and Sustainability for Global Impact in a Changing Consumer Landscape

  • Leveraging global brand reach to scale sustainable packaging innovations without compromising product quality
  • Embedding circular economy principles to reduce waste and improve packaging lifecycle performance
  • Anticipating regulatory shifts and designing packaging for compliance, efficiency, and adaptability
  • Engaging cross-functional teams and suppliers to accelerate packaging sustainability breakthroughs
  • Harnessing consumer insights to guide sustainable packaging choices that drive brand loyalty
8:45 am – 9:10 am CST

Plenary

Paula Steenstra

Director, Design and Packaging
McDonald's

Building Global Brand Power - Aligning Packaging, Design, and Branding Globally

  • Unifying packaging strategies across 100+ markets through global design standards
  • Driving consistency while enabling regional creativity to connect with local consumers
  • Elevating packaging from functional to fan-fueled through cultural integration
  • Collaborating across supply chain and creative teams to execute at scale
  • Balancing speed, quality, and sustainability in packaging innovation worldwide
9:15 am – 9:45 am CST

Plenary

Speaker TBA


Metsa Board Americas

A Supplier’s Role in Creating a Sustainable Value Chain

  • Building accountability across the value chain to drive sustainable practices
  • Designing circular packaging for recyclability, compostability, and reduced environmental impact
  • Sourcing responsibly with regenerative forestry practices and ethical material choices
  • Advancing energy-efficient production with non-fossil-based, low-carbon technologies
  • Supporting brands in meeting Scope 3 emission and sustainability goals
  • Partnering with converters and printers to amplify positive environmental change
9:50 am – 11:30 am CST

Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings

Sponsored by: Black & Veatch
11:35 am – 12:05 pm CST

Sessions

Sustainability & Materials

Jeff Bezzo

Executive Director, Plastics Sustainability
SC Johnson

Navigating EPR Compliance and Risk in a Rapidly Evolving Sustainability Policy Landscape

  • Examining the global impact of EPR and shifting regulatory requirements on packaging strategies
  • Highlighting how carbon metrics and lifecycle analysis inform sustainable material decisions
  • Strengthening ESG governance frameworks to support transparency and long-term risk mitigation
  • Managing risk challenges in adopting new sustainable packaging technologies
  • Empowering internal talent and leadership to align with evolving compliance and ESG expectations

Design & Branding

Peter Borowski

Head, Global Brand Design
Tyson Foods

Crafting Design-Driven Brand Ecosystems That Build Trust and Drive Global Consumer Loyalty

  • Establishing a consistent design language across multi-brand, multi-channel global portfolios
  • Aligning design vision with core brand strategy to ensure relevance in shifting markets
  • Amplifying emotional resonance through human-centered packaging and visual storytelling
  • Building collaborative frameworks between internal teams and external creative partners
  • Measuring creative success through both business impact and consumer engagement
  • Elevating design’s strategic role in long-term brand equity and competitive differentiation

Innovation & Technology

Kevin Brong

Senior Director, Packaging Innovation and Sustainability
Newell Brands

Harnessing AI to Accelerate, Personalize, and Optimize Packaging Design

  • Applying AI to decode consumer insights and predict design resonance before prototyping
  • Enabling hyper-personalized packaging through generative design tools and adaptive branding elements
  • Using AI to streamline iteration cycles, from initial concept to production-ready artwork
  • Integrating machine learning with packaging software to improve form, function, and manufacturability
  • Balancing creative autonomy with algorithmic augmentation
12:10 pm – 12:45 pm CST

Workshops

Room 1

Speaker TBA


Kuraray

Advancing Compostable Packaging and Biomaterials: New Polymer Innovations for a Circular and Sustainable Future

  • Introducing a new compostable elastic polymer under development for flexible packaging applications
  • How composting and material science contribute to a more sustainable society and waste reduction
  • Enhancing PLA performance with new modifiers to improve mechanical properties without compromising transparency and compostability
  • Sealants, adhesives, and PSAs: Expanding compostable material use beyond traditional packaging films
  • Application proposals for compostable heat-sealants and soft rubber-like goods across industries
  • Discussing Kuraray’s R&D insights and vision for scalable, eco-conscious packaging innovation

Room 2

Speaker TBA


PV&COHO

Packaging Reimagined: Where Design Thinking Meets End-to-End Solutions

  • How a holistic, end-to-end approach drives packaging innovation, sustainability, and brand success
  • Blending design thinking, engineering expertise, and real-time consumer insights
  • Ensuring packaging is both visually compelling and functionally effective
  • Using real-time insights to align packaging with evolving consumer expectations
  • Implementing eco-friendly materials and circular economy principles without compromising integrity
  • How an integrated approach accelerates packaging development without sacrificing quality
  • Best practices in balancing brand vision, technical feasibility, and regulatory compliance

Room 3

Speaker TBA


Synthomer

Innovation in Plastic Modification Additives for Rigid and Flexible Packaging to Reach Carbon Emission Reduction Goals

  • Using plastic modifiers to create lighter, thinner packaging without sacrificing performance
  • Enhancing processability for both flexible and rigid packaging with reduced environmental impact
  • Improving material quality when integrating post-consumer recycled content into packaging applications
  • Enabling the replacement of undesirable materials without requiring new equipment investments
  • Supporting packaging circularity and carbon reduction through innovative additive technologies
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm CST

Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch

Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 1 is limited to attendees and speakers.
Choose from:

Speaker TBA


Alpla

Designing the Future of Packaging with Smarter, Lighter, and Greener Plastic Solutions

Speaker TBA


Metsa Board Americas

Balancing Cost and Design and Branding: Achieving Eco-Friendly Packaging Without Breaking the Bank

Speaker TBA


Oliver Inc.

Unlocking the Power of Print to Build Stronger, More Sustainable Brands

Enabling Brand Impact through Interactive Packaging Technologies and Augmented Reality

Implementing Next-Gen Quality and Compliance Testing Solutions for Packaging Integrity

Enhancing Speed, Customization, and Sustainability with Digital Printing in Packaging

1:50 pm – 2:20 pm CST

Sessions

Sustainability & Materials

Miguel Arevalo

Head, Packaging Sustainability and Innovation
Google

Charting the Journey Toward Plastic Free Materials and Fully Recyclable Sustainable Solutions

  • Reducing reliance on single-use plastics through innovative material and design choices
  • Developing scalable solutions that balance sustainability, cost, and product performance
  • Enhancing recyclability by aligning with global infrastructure and evolving policy landscapes
  • Accelerating the shift toward circular systems through industry collaboration and consumer engagement
  • Reimagining packaging as a driver of both environmental responsibility and brand value

Design & Branding

Rebecca Kovalcik

Director, Design Strategy, Baby & Child Care Brands
Kimberly-Clark

Creating Connected Brand Moments Through Purposeful Packaging in an Omni-Channel Shopping Landscape

  • Designing with intentionality to ensure brand storytelling holds up in mobile, in-store, and digital formats
  • Reimagining packaging as a strategic interface between product, brand, and consumer expectations everywhere
  • Enhancing packaging utility and messaging to accommodate how modern consumers shop, share, and engage
  • Collaborating across in-house creative teams to deliver cohesive design across all consumer-facing platforms
  • Future-proofing brand presence by aligning design systems with dynamic omni-channel marketing strategies

Innovation & Technology

Shane Mays

Director, R&D, Global Fabric & Home Care Disruptive Packaging Innovation
Procter & Gamble

Driving Inclusive Innovation Through Accessible Packaging Design for All Consumers

  • Designing packaging with tactile, visual, and ergonomic features for universal usability
  • Collaborating with accessibility experts and consumers to identify real-world barriers and solutions
  • Leveraging technology and material innovation to support independence for all user abilities
  • Embedding inclusive design principles early in packaging development processes
  • Advancing brand reputation and regulatory readiness through commitment to accessible design
2:25 pm – 3:00 pm CST

Workshops

Room 1

Speaker TBA


DetraPel

Redefining Packaging Performance: PFAS-Free, Plastic-Free Barrier Coatings for a Sustainable Future

  • Discovering PFAS-free, plastic-free alternatives that deliver high-performance barrier protection for packaging
  • How eco-safe coatings reduce applied costs and lower your supply chain carbon footprint
  • Exploring Impermea’s cutting-edge moisture, grease, and flame resistance across paper and molded pulp
  • How these coatings run on your existing lines—no new machinery or systems needed
  • Why compostable, recyclable, and repulpable packaging is the future of clean-tech materials

Room 2

Speaker TBA


Esko

Transforming Artwork Processes with Automation & AI: Enhancing Accuracy, Efficiency, and Compliance

  • Leveraging AI-driven automation to streamline artwork creation, review, and approval processes
  • Enhancing accuracy and compliance by reducing human error and improving regulatory adherence
  • Accelerating time-to-market through AI-powered workflows that optimize design and approval cycles
  • Improving collaboration with real-time feedback, digital asset management, and automated version control
  • Preparing for industry shifts by adopting scalable AI solutions for future-proof artwork management
  • Exploring real-world case studies showcasing successful AI and automation implementation in packaging artwork

Room 3

Speaker TBA


Markem-Imaje

Fast-Tracking Section 204 of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Solutions for Safety and Success

  • Navigating the FSMA compliance requirements and industry implementation strategies
  • Leveraging 2D codes to unlock traceability and consumer transparency
  • Mastering KDE record management for critical tracking events
  • Innovating packaging technologies to enhance food safety and traceability
  • Optimizing tools and practices to ensure FSMA compliance readiness by 2026
  • Driving collaboration with industry experts to overcome traceability challenges
3:00 pm – 4:20 pm CST

Happy Hour, Networking and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings

4:25 pm – 4:55 pm CST

Plenary

Oliver Campbell

Director, Distinguished Engineer, Product Development Engineering and Packaging Engineering
Dell Technologies

How Partnerships and Purpose Are Shaping the Future of Sustainable Packaging

  • Leveraging multi-sector partnerships to solve environmental challenges beyond corporate boundaries
  • Co-developing materials and infrastructure to scale ocean plastic recovery and circular packaging
  • Embedding environmental justice and local engagement into packaging innovation strategies
  • Aligning with NGOs and initiatives like Lonely Whale to amplify real-world packaging impact
  • Transforming packaging into a strategic lever for global sustainability and brand legacy
  • Making packaging part of the solution: from climate goals to community regeneration
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm CST

Plenary

Speaker TBA


Olberding Brand Family

Driving CPG Brand Success Through Innovative Packaging Design Technology and Consumer-Centric Solutions

  • Optimizing structural packaging designs for durability, cost-efficiency, and sustainable material use
  • Integrating digital tools to simulate consumer interactions and shelf impact for CPG products
  • Streamlining cross-functional workflows to accelerate product-to-market timelines and minimize errors
  • Enhancing package performance through advanced printing, labeling, and protective technology innovations
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm CST

Panel Discussion

  • Jillian Kies

    VP, Design
    EOS Products

  • Lisa Barrett

    Manager, Branding and Packaging
    Meijer

  • William A. Singleton III

    Executive Director, Global Packaging, Innovation and Sustainability
    Mars

  • Jim Thomson

    Director, Packaging Product Development
    Walmart

  • David Voss

    EVP, Design and Development
    Spin Master

  • Speaker TBA


    JBM Packaging

Future-Ready Design: Where Creativity Meets Innovation and Performance

  • Leveraging design and innovation to elevate brand experience while solving real-world technical challenges
  • Creating high-performance packaging that balances innovation, aesthetics, and functionality
  • Innovating with emerging materials, structures, and digital technologies to drive next-generation solutions
  • Navigating regulatory and compliance frameworks while accelerating speed-to-market
  • Building future-forward strategies that adapt to shifting consumer behaviors, sustainability demands, and retail landscapes
  • Empowering teams to push boundaries, commercialize innovation faster, and align with long-term business purpose
6:15 pm – 6:25 pm CST

Chair's closing remarks

Sustainability & Materials

Oliver Campbell

Director, Distinguished Engineer, Product Development Engineering and Packaging Engineering
Dell

Design & Branding

Paula Steenstra

Director, Design and Packaging
McDonald's

Innovation & Technology

Kevin Marshall

Senior Director, Design, Packaging and Content
Microsoft

6:25 pm – 7:25 pm CST

Networking drinks reception

Sponsored by: Black & Veatch

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