The five-day “boxapalooza” will include Folding Carton Boot Camp and a Drupa-inspired trade show at MGM Springfield 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.— This June, the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) will host PPC Week, a five-day event filled with folding carton insights and education. Featuring the association’s signature Folding Carton Boot Camp along with a Drupa-inspired trade show in Springfield, Massachusetts, the event will give paperboard packaging professionals updates on the latest tools and technology in the industry. The “boxapalooza” will commence with Boot Camp on June 6-7 and will continue with the trade show, featuring supplier case studies, on June 8-10. All programs and trade shows will be held at MGM Springfield. 

Folding Carton Boot Camp, PPC’s signature “Carton 101” training for industry newcomers, will kick off PPC Week, covering topics such as structural design and workflow, inks and coating, rotary coating, laminating, digital diecutting, gluing and adhesives, rigid box manufacturing, and more. Instructors will include Judy Arvan of Graphic Packaging International; Laura Brodie of Burt Rigid Box; Eric Frank of Koenig & Bauer; Quinn Garber of River Valley Paper Company; Gayle Harrop of Tamarack Products; Doug Herr of Bobst North America; Harold Leete of HP, Inc; J Maggio of Henkel Corporation; Travis Moellers of IMPACT Converting & System Solutions; Bill Rice of Heidelberg; Steve Rote of Metsä Board Americas Corporation; Beau Snider of Wikoff Color Corporation; Susie Stitzel of Esko; and PPC’s president, Ben Markens.

Next, PPC will host a three-day Drupa-inspired event. The dynamic forum will include a mini trade show featuring PPC supplier members who will share the latest tools and technologies as well as comprehensive case studies. Keynote speakers will include John Fraro, director of Deli, Bakery, and Food Service at Big Y World Class Market who will offer a retailer buyer’s perspective; Dr. Steve Sobel, motivational speaker who will inspire attendees to be their best selves; and Kevin Karstedt, chief executive officer of Karstedt Partners, LLC, who will present a full overview of short-run and digital printing trends. The event will also feature a townhall-style discussion of best practices in folding carton converting operations facilitated by PPC Board Chair, Brian Hunt of Southern Champion Tray.

“PPC Week is an excellent opportunity for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals to gain technical savvy and grow their skills,” said Ben Markens, PPC president. “With Drupa postponed until 2024, PPC is excited to recreate the experience, on a small scale, for our members—brats and beers included! 

In addition to other engaging social events, attendees will have dinner on center court of the national Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Supplier members that would like to participate in the trade show should sign up soon, as space is limited. “With two 15-minute case study sessions each, we’re giving participating suppliers the opportunity to tell their compelling stories by partnering with carton converter members who use their products firsthand,” said Markens.

PPC members can register for one or both PPC Week events. To learn more and sign up, visit the PPC Week page here.