SPRINGFIELD, MA—The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) Spring Outlook and Strategies Conference, held from April 3-5, 2013 in Nashville, TN was regarded as an outstanding success by first-time attendees and veteran participants alike. 

Over two days, PPC’s general sessions speakers explained to more than 200 packaging industry professionals the latest guidelines in packaging safety compliance, how to hire a superior sales force, what health insurance exchanges mean for employers, best practices in affordable energy procurement, and how to advocate for manufacturing at the legislative level.

In addition, PPC’s three keynote speakers covered leadership, the economy, and technology. Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, explained that business leaders ought to leverage their power to be a positive force within the company, bolstering a staff that feels rewarded, respected and recognized. Alan Beaulieu, economist from the Institute of Trend Research, then gave his outlook from a global standpoint, elucidating where and when to expect growth. Technology was also at the fore for world-renowned trends expert Jim Carroll, who explained that world-class innovators succeed by embracing and incorporating new technology into their business models. 

On Wednesday evening, participants also enjoyed a sunset riverboat cruise on the Cumberland River while being entertained by country rock musician Ricky Young of Wilmington Paper Co. The following evening, attendees enjoyed a hilarious performance and meet-and-greet with a Minnie Pearl impersonator and honored the PPC Safety Boxscore Award winners with an elegant dinner and ceremony.

 “We are so pleased to have hosted another well-attended conference,” said Stephen Scherger, PPC Chairman and Senior Vice President of Graphic Packaging International. “PPC continues to provide valuable information to our members and we’re confident this knowledge will help ensure a bright future for those of us in the paperboard packaging industry.”