SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) 2021 Fall Meeting and Leadership Conference will take place October 27-29 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. The association’s first in-person meeting in more than a year will reconvene folding carton industry leaders to engage in critical topics related to sustainability, cybersecurity, powering the future, the outlook for the global economy, and other crucial issues affecting the paperboard packaging industry today.

Keynote speaker John Gift, chief security officer at WestRock, will discuss the virtual skills needed in a post-pandemic world, along with how to improve online security and ways to work better in the digital space. Gift leads all domestic and international security functions for WestRock, the second largest paper and packaging company in the world. With Gift’s advice, attendees will learn the virtual skills needed to navigate cyberspace while understanding the common cyber dangers facing businesses today.

Later, Michael Housley will address sustainable energy during a presentation on powering the future with electricity. Housley, the president of Legacy Energy, will discuss the state of the electric grid and review the differences in regional energy costs as well as the green initiatives that could help the paperboard packaging industry become more sustainable.

“When curating content for our meetings, we chose topics that address some of our members’ top challenges,” said Ben Markens, PPC president. “Cybersecurity is crucial to keeping paperboard manufacturers cybersafe and thriving, as is sustainability and integrating green initiatives to keep our industry innovative and relevant.”

Attendees will also gain valuable insights about the economy from renowned Emory University professor and economist, Jeff Rosensweig. Prior to and during the pandemic, Rosensweig offered PPC members with data and forecasts to set expectations and guide decision making. This year, Rosensweig will discuss the economic changes that have occurred within the past years and how attendees can take advantage of the new landscape.

Other sessions will feature Bob Feeser, a senior advisor and board member of MillRock Capitol, Kathi Rowzie, president of Two Sides North America, along with helpful breakout sessions, panel discussions, and special interest meetings.

Conference-goers will also attend: a welcome reception that includes an award ceremony and dinner to honor Steven C. Voorhees, former chief executive officer of WestRock, as he receives PPC’s lifetime achievement award; a banquet and awards ceremony announcing the winners of PPC’s 78th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition; and a day dedicated to design, featuring presentations and panel discussions from the winning designers.

“We want attendees to have a great time and take away valuable information,” said Markens. “With a fantastic speaker lineup and a celebration of our 78th annual packaging competition, Fall Meeting in Savannah will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and learn together.”

For the health, safety, and comfort of attendees, PPC has taken several COVD-19 safety precautions. For more information about these as well as the rest of PPC’s 2021 Fall Meeting and Leadership Conference, visit paperbox.org/fall.