SPRINGFIELD, MA - Food safety and the economy were the highlights of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) Spring Outlook and Strategies Conference, held from April 2-4, 2014 in New Orleans, LA.

In addition to indepth discussions on food safety and good manufacturing processes, speakers described to more than 200 packaging industry professionals over two days how to protect products and processes from intentional adulteration, what to expect from a company merger, and the role private equity and valuations play in successful M&As. In addition, the Recycled Paper Alliance described their new URB/CRB certification program and the President of ECMA discussed how economic changes in the EU may affect North America in the years to come. Moreover, IFS PACsecure food safety standards were explained and how to prepare for food safety certification audits was outlined.

The highlight of the conference was the series of keynote speakers, who covered the hot-button topics of social media, forestry, and the economy. Dr. Neil Hair, Executive Director of the Innovation Learning Institute and Professor at RIT, explored the techniques and metrics used in creating a successful social media strategy. Eric Rutkow, author of American Canopy, discussed the history of forestry in North America while noted economist Alan Beaulieu described how to position yourself for success over the coming years as our economy regains traction.

On the lighter side, Wednesday evening, war veterans were toasted at the National World War II Museum under a canopy of suspended airplanes, tanks, and MASH vehicles. While networking with colleagues and dining on local fare, participants also enjoyed war-era songs and a presentation on the role New Orleans had in the war effort. The following evening, the PPC Safety Boxscore Award winners were honored with an elegant dinner and ceremony at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter.