Sykesville, MD – With an intriguing schedule of presentations and health protocols in place, the International Metal Decorating and Packaging Association will conduct the IMDPA 2021 Conference October 5-7 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in suburban Chicago. 

The IMDPA is comprised of 500 members who represent over 200 companies to promote the interests of lithographers, metal decorators, canmakers, designers and trade suppliers. Given the state of the industry and the associated challenges that have taken place since the COVID-19 pandemic began 18 months ago, this year’s conference is perhaps one of the most significant events the organization has ever held, according to Renee Schouten, IMDPA’s President.

“One of the best things about our annual conference is the maximum exposure to educational and networking opportunities with a minimal time commitment,” said Schouten. “The speakers we have lined up will provide plenty of insight and information you can’t find elsewhere. And we have taken all the necessary steps with the health and safety of everyone in mind. Both the IMDPA and Hilton employees will work in compliance with the policies and procedures recommended by the State of Illinois and the CDC to maintain a safe meeting environment.”

Dr. Daniel Abramowicz, Chief Technology Officer of Crown Holdings, will kick off the general session on October 6 discussing The Commercialization of Digital Printing for 2-piece Beverage Cans. Digital printing has significantly impacted a number of packaging formats, and his presentation will discuss the state-of-the-art, direct-to-shape digital printing of beverage cans, and the technical challenges that are limiting more widespread application.

Later the same morning, motivational speaker Lisa Ryan will discuss Manufacturing Engagement: Smart Strategies to Keep Your Top Talent. The founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist of Grategy, LLC, she will discuss ways to develop and improve employee and client engagement to help retain workers. Afterwards, the IMDPA Member of the Year, Decorators of the Year and Excellence in Quality winners will be recognized at the Awards luncheon. Two-piece, 3-piece and manufacturing technical breakout sessions will take place in the afternoon, followed by sponsor-hosted tabletop exhibits.

On October 7, the general session begins with a keynote presentation from Gary Hemphill, the Managing Director of Research at Beverage Marketing Corporation. His discussion on Trends in the U.S. Beverage Market and its Packaging, will delve into the changing marketplace conditions and how it will impact the future.

Members and non-members can register online and onsite starting October 6 at 7:00 a.m. For the complete schedule and to register for any of the events including the Scholarship Golf Outing that takes place the eve of the conference, click here.